Peanut Butter-Swirled Cheesecake Bars with Brown Sugar-Graham Cracker Crust
Are you ready to indulge in a heavenly dessert that combines the creamy richness of cheesecake with the irresistible allure of peanut butter? These Peanut Butter-Swirled Cheesecake Bars with Brown Sugar-Graham Cracker Crust are the perfect treat for any occasion, whether it’s a weekend gathering or a mid-week sweet tooth craving. Imagine a buttery, brown sugar-infused graham cracker crust topped with a luscious cream cheese filling swirled with warm, melted peanut butter. It’s a slice of heaven in every bite!
Why It Deserves a Spot
These cheesecake bars deserve a spot in your recipe repertoire for several reasons. First and foremost, the flavor combination is truly divine. The sweet and slightly salty taste of the peanut butter pairs beautifully with the creamy cheesecake, while the brown sugar in the crust adds a delightful depth of flavor. Secondly, they are simple to prepare, making them an excellent choice for both novice bakers and seasoned pros. Lastly, they are incredibly versatile. You can serve them at parties, pack them for lunch, or enjoy them as a late-night snack. Trust me; once you taste these bars, you’ll find it hard to resist going back for seconds!
What We’re Using
To create these Peanut Butter-Swirled Cheesecake Bars with Brown Sugar-Graham Cracker Crust, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Pinch of salt, optional and to taste
- 1 large egg
- 8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature and very soft (light is okay)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Heaping 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter, melted for swirling
Setup & Equipment
Before you dive into making these delicious bars, here’s a quick rundown of the equipment you’ll need:
- 9×9-inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls (one large and one medium)
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Parchment paper (optional for easy removal)
Peanut Butter-Swirled Cheesecake Bars with Brown Sugar-Graham Cracker Crust — Do This Next
Now that you have everything ready, let’s get into the step-by-step process of making these delightful cheesecake bars.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). This temperature is perfect for baking the cheesecake bars to ensure they set properly without cracking.
Step 2: Prepare the Crust
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted unsalted butter, and packed light brown sugar. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand. If you want a touch of saltiness to enhance the flavors, add a pinch of salt.
Step 3: Press the Crust
Press the graham cracker mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared 9×9-inch baking pan. Use the back of a measuring cup or your fingers to ensure it’s tightly packed and even. This will create a solid base for your cheesecake.
Step 4: Bake the Crust
Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until it’s lightly golden and fragrant. Remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the cheesecake filling.
Step 5: Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s creamy and smooth. Gradually add in the granulated sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla extract while continuing to mix. Once well combined, add the egg and mix until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix!
Step 6: Swirl in the Peanut Butter
Gently fold in the melted peanut butter into the cheesecake mixture, leaving some streaks for that beautiful swirl effect. You can adjust the amount of peanut butter depending on how peanut buttery you want the bars to be!
Step 7: Assemble and Bake
Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly. Use a spoon or knife to create swirls with the remaining melted peanut butter on top of the cheesecake layer.
Step 8: Bake the Bars
Return the pan to the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly. It will firm up as it cools. Avoid overbaking to keep the cheesecake creamy.
Step 9: Cool and Chill
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool to room temperature. After cooling, cover the pan and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for the best texture.
Step 10: Slice and Serve
Once chilled, lift the cheesecake bars out of the pan using the edges of the parchment paper (if used). Slice into squares and serve. Enjoy your Peanut Butter-Swirled Cheesecake Bars with Brown Sugar-Graham Cracker Crust with friends or keep them all to yourself!
Vegan & Vegetarian Swaps
For those looking for vegan or vegetarian options, consider the following swaps:
- Use vegan cream cheese instead of traditional cream cheese.
- Substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes).
- Opt for a dairy-free butter alternative in place of unsalted butter.
- Make sure the graham crackers are vegan-friendly.
Avoid These Traps
When making your Peanut Butter-Swirled Cheesecake Bars with Brown Sugar-Graham Cracker Crust, keep these tips in mind to avoid common pitfalls:
- Don’t overmix the cheesecake filling, as this can introduce too much air and cause cracking during baking.
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing for a smoother batter.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before refrigerating to prevent condensation from forming.
- Be cautious not to overbake; the bars should be slightly jiggly in the center when done.
Storage Pro Tips
To keep your Peanut Butter-Swirled Cheesecake Bars with Brown Sugar-Graham Cracker Crust fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:
- Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- For longer storage, freeze the bars. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Thaw frozen bars in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes! Using crunchy peanut butter will add a delightful texture to your cheesecake bars. Just make sure it’s well-melted for easy swirling.
Can I replace the graham cracker crust with something else?
Absolutely! You can use crushed Oreos, digestive biscuits, or even a nut-based crust for a gluten-free option.
What if I don’t have cornstarch?
If you don’t have cornstarch, you can omit it. The cheesecake will still set, but it may not be as firm.
Can I make these bars in advance?
Yes! These cheesecake bars can be made a day or two in advance. Just ensure they are stored properly in the refrigerator.
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Hungry for More?
If you love these Peanut Butter-Swirled Cheesecake Bars with Brown Sugar-Graham Cracker Crust, stay tuned for more delightful recipes that will satisfy your sweet cravings. Baking is an adventure, and there’s always something new to explore in the world of desserts. Keep your kitchen stocked and your apron ready, because deliciousness awaits!
Peanut Butter-Swirled Cheesecake Bars with Brown Sugar-Graham Cracker Crust
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Step 2: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted unsalted butter, and packed light brown sugar. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand. Add a pinch of salt if desired.
- Step 3: Press the graham cracker mixture into the bottom of a 9x9-inch baking pan.
- Step 4: Bake the crust for about 10 minutes or until lightly golden. Let it cool slightly.
- Step 5: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until creamy. Gradually add the granulated sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla extract. Mix in the egg until just incorporated.
- Step 6: Gently fold in the melted peanut butter, leaving some streaks.
- Step 7: Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust and create swirls with remaining melted peanut butter.
- Step 8: Bake for about 25-30 minutes, until the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
- Step 9: Let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
- Step 10: Slice into squares and serve.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freeze for longer storage wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 3 months.
- Thaw frozen bars in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
