Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bars

Ever had one of those days where you just need a lil’ piece of heaven? Welcome to my delightfully messy life, and let’s talk about Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bars. This recipe is something special — a creamy, nutty treat that’s both indulgent and easy to whip up when life’s a rollercoaster. Trust, you don’t want to miss trying this out.
So, storytime: My husband’s a peanut butter aficionado, and these bars have managed to work their way into our hearts and bellies. There was this one day, right after a chaotic grocery run where literally the world and its dog seemed to be out shopping, he begged me to make these for dessert. Now, every time I whip them up, it reminds me of that hilarious day. Seriously, they’ve become a staple; even our dog, Max, thinks he gets a whiff of ’em from miles away!
MORE OF OUR FAVORITE…
Why You’ll Love This Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bars
1. They’re like a hug in a bar—perfectly messy and utterly comforting.
2. Quick-and-easy assembly, so less time cooking, more time devouring.
3. Anything with peanut butter is gold, am I right? Trust me, it hits all the right spots.
How to Make It
Alright, let’s dive in. Grab a mixing bowl — and don’t worry if you spill stuff all over the counter like I always do. Start with a crumbly crust, add that peanut-loving cheesecake layer, and press it down like you’re squishing a sandwich. Bake it while sneaking in licks (and yes, I encourage this!). Pull them out when the house smells like peanut heaven, let them cool if you can manage the wait, and dig in. Rookie note: If you’re like me and can’t wait, warm bars might be a bit gooey, but hey, who’s complaining?
Ingredient Notes
– Peanut Butter: Use the good stuff. Oh, and be ready for those “oops, too much” spoonfuls direct to mouth.
– Cream Cheese: For cloud-like texture; don’t skip unless rebellion is your thing.
– Graham Crackers: Make those crumbs work hard. This one time, I didn’t crush them enough… you can guess the chaos.
Recipe Steps
1. Preheat the oven. Hunt for your baking pan.
2. Mix the graham crumbs with melted butter and press into said pan. Set aside.
3. Blend cream cheese, sugar, and peanut butter together till creamy. Yes, licking the spoon is obligatory.
4. Pour the cheesecake mix over your crust. Spread evenly — use hands if needed.
5. Bake until golden and center is slightly wobbly. Cool if you can bear it.
6. Slice, serve, smile, repeat.
What to Serve It With
Tips & Mistakes
1. If you happen to mix in a bit too much sugar, you’re definitely one of us.
Storage Tips
Okay, leftovers don’t happen often here, but when they do, I pop them in an airtight container. Fridge or freezer, both work—just different levels of “morning-after” bliss. Got a sweet tooth for breakfast? Go all in, no shame here.
Variations and Substitutions
I once swapped the sugar with honey—big fan. And when I skipped making the crust altogether because life happens, it still flew off the plate. Seriously, experiment and have a laugh if things don’t quite go according to plan!
Frequently Asked Questions

Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bars
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 0.25 cup granulated sugar
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 0.75 cup peanut butter smooth or crunchy
- 0.75 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9x9 inch baking pan and set aside.
- In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, 0.25 cup sugar, and melted butter. Press mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then remove from oven and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and peanut butter together until smooth and creamy.
- Add 0.75 cup sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture. Beat until well combined.
- Pour the cheesecake batter over the baked crust and spread evenly.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until the edges are set but the center slightly jiggles when you shake the pan.
- Let cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before cutting into bars.
Notes
Featured Comments
“Made this last night and it was absolutely loved. Loved how the rich came together.”
“Impressed! Clear steps and so flavorful results. Perfect for busy nights.”
“Super easy and so flavorful! My family asked for seconds. Saving this one.”
“Made this last night and it was turned out amazing. Loved how the rich came together.”
“Super easy and turned out amazing! My family asked for seconds. Saving this one.”
“Impressed! Clear steps and absolutely loved results. Perfect for busy nights.”