No-Bake Buckeye Cheesecake Bars

Craving something sweet but not in the mood to fire up the oven? No-bake desserts are the perfect solution for easy, impressive treats without the hassle of baking. Among the plethora of no-bake recipes, the No-Bake Buckeye Cheesecake Bars stand out as a crowd-pleaser. Combining the irresistible flavors of peanut butter and chocolate in a creamy, decadent layer of cheesecake, these bars are a guaranteed hit for any occasion. Let’s dive into how you can whip up this delightful dessert in no time!

What Are Buckeye Cheesecake Bars?

Originating from the popular Buckeye candies native to Ohio, known for their smooth peanut butter centers dipped in rich chocolate, these cheesecake bars transform the classic candy into a luscious layered dessert. The best part? No oven is required, making this recipe perfect for warm days or when you need a quick dessert without the wait.

Ingredients:

To make these No-Bake Buckeye Cheesecake Bars, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• For the Crust:
• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• For the Cheesecake Filling:
• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 cup heavy cream
• For the Chocolate Topping:
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

1. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until well mixed.
2. Press the mixture into the bottom of an 8×8 inch square baking dish, firmly packing it to create an even layer.
3. Refrigerate the crust while you prepare the filling to help it set.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

1. In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until well incorporated.
3. Add the peanut butter and mix until the mixture is smooth.
4. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
5. Gently fold the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture until no streaks remain.
6. Spread the filling evenly over the prepared crust and smooth the top with a spatula.

Step 3: Add the Chocolate Topping

1. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream just until it begins to simmer, then pour it over the chocolate chips in a bowl.
2. Let sit for 1-2 minutes, then stir until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
3. Pour the chocolate over the cheesecake layer, spreading to cover completely.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

1. Refrigerate the bars for at least 4 hours, or until set.
2. Slice into squares and serve chilled for a delightful treat.

Why You’ll Love These No-Bake Buckeye Cheesecake Bars

• No Oven Needed: Perfect for hot days or when you want to keep the kitchen cool.
• Easy to Make: Simple steps and common ingredients make this recipe accessible for any home cook.
• Deliciously Rich: The combination of creamy cheesecake, peanut butter, and chocolate makes for an indulgent dessert.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family gathering, holiday, or a simple treat, these cheesecake bars are always a hit.

Conclusion

No-Bake Buckeye Cheesecake Bars are a delicious twist on traditional cheesecakes and Buckeye candies. They offer the ultimate combination of flavors with minimal effort, making them an ideal choice for dessert lovers seeking convenience and taste in one go. Try making these bars today and watch them become a new favorite in your dessert repertoire!

Serving and Storage Tips for No-Bake Buckeye Cheesecake Bars

Serving Tips:

1. Cutting Bars: To achieve clean cuts, use a sharp knife and wipe the blade with a warm, damp cloth between each cut. This method ensures that the layers stay distinct and the presentation is neat.
2. Temperature: Serve the cheesecake bars chilled. Removing them from the refrigerator just before serving maintains their firmness and enhances the creamy texture, making them more enjoyable.
3. Garnish Options: For an added touch, consider sprinkling crushed peanuts or a light dusting of cocoa powder over the top of the bars before serving. This not only enhances the flavor but also adds a visually appealing contrast.
4. Size of Servings: Depending on your preference or the occasion, you can cut the bars into smaller bite-sized pieces for a large gathering or larger squares for more indulgent servings.

Storage Tips:

1. Refrigeration: Always store the cheesecake bars in the refrigerator. Place them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. Properly stored, these bars can last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
2. Layering: If you need to stack the bars in a container, place a sheet of parchment paper or wax paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together and to protect the chocolate topping from being marred.
3. Freezing: For longer storage, No-Bake Buckeye Cheesecake Bars can be frozen. Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and then place them in a sealed container or a freezer-safe zip-lock bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw the bars in the refrigerator overnight.
4. Thawing: To serve frozen bars, it’s best to plan ahead. Transfer the desired number of bars from the freezer to the refrigerator and let them thaw overnight. This gradual thawing helps maintain the texture and flavor of the cheesecake.

By following these serving and storage tips, your No-Bake Buckeye Cheesecake Bars will remain delicious and presentable, making them a delightful treat to enjoy whenever the mood strikes!

1. Can I use natural peanut butter in this recipe?
Yes, you can use natural peanut butter in these No-Bake Buckeye Cheesecake Bars. However, keep in mind that natural peanut butter tends to be less stable due to its oil separation, which might affect the consistency of your filling. For best results, stir the natural peanut butter well before using to ensure it is thoroughly mixed and consider reducing the amount of liquid in the recipe slightly to compensate for the extra oil.

2. How can I make these cheesecake bars vegan?
To make vegan No-Bake Buckeye Cheesecake Bars, substitute the cream cheese with a plant-based cream cheese alternative and use a dairy-free whipped cream option. For the chocolate topping, ensure that your chocolate chips are vegan (dark chocolate is often a safe choice). Instead of heavy cream in the chocolate topping, use coconut cream or another dairy-free heavy cream substitute. Always check the labels to make sure all ingredients meet vegan standards.

3. What alternatives can I use for the graham cracker crust?
If you want to try something different or have dietary restrictions, there are several alternatives for the graham cracker crust. You can use crushed Oreos, vanilla wafers, or any other cookie that complements the flavors of peanut butter and chocolate. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free cookies or almond flour mixed with a bit of sugar and butter to achieve a similar crust consistency.

4. How can I prevent the cheesecake layer from being too soft?
If you find that your cheesecake layer is too soft after chilling, there are a few ways to improve its firmness:

• Ensure that the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing to avoid lumps that can affect how the mixture sets.
• Increase the amount of powdered sugar slightly, as it helps to thicken the mixture.
• Make sure to whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks before folding it into the peanut butter mixture; this will help the structure of the cheesecake layer.
• Let the bars chill in the refrigerator for longer, preferably overnight, to fully set.