No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bar Cheesecake
A rich and indulgent no-bake cheesecake combining creamy peanut butter and smooth chocolate atop a crunchy biscuit crust. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 30 minutes layers graham cracker crumbs, unsalted butter, melted, cream cheese, softened into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 12, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup smooth peanut butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 8 oz semisweet chocolate chips
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for chocolate topping)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs and 6 tbsp melted unsalted butter; stir until evenly moistened. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form the crust; chill in the refrigerator for 15 minutes.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, beat 16 oz softened cream cheese with 1 cup smooth peanut butter and 1 cup powdered sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 3 minutes.
- Step 3: In a separate chilled bowl, whip 1 cup heavy whipping cream with 1 tsp vanilla extract until stiff peaks form, about 4-5 minutes. Gently fold the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture until fully incorporated.
- Step 4: Spread the peanut butter cheesecake filling evenly over the chilled crust and smooth the top with a spatula. Refrigerate while preparing the chocolate topping.
- Step 5: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 8 oz semisweet chocolate chips and 2 tbsp unsalted butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until melted and smooth.
- Step 6: Pour the melted chocolate over the cheesecake filling and spread gently to cover the surface. Return the cheesecake to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours or overnight until firm.
- Step 7: Before serving, remove the springform pan sides and slice the cheesecake into 12 pieces.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bar Cheesecake take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (30 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bar Cheesecake?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bar Cheesecake?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bar Cheesecake for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bar Cheesecake?
American desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
