No-Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bars with Chocolate Ganache
Rich and creamy peanut butter cheesecake layered on a crunchy graham cracker crust, topped with a smooth chocolate ganache. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 20 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 creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs and 6 tbsp melted unsalted butter. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9x9-inch square pan. Chill in the refrigerator while preparing the filling.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, beat 16 oz softened cream cheese, 1 cup creamy peanut butter, 1 cup powdered sugar, and 1 tsp vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Step 3: Spread the peanut butter cheesecake mixture evenly over the chilled crust. Return to the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to set.
- Step 4: Meanwhile, heat 1/2 cup heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat and pour over 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Let sit for 2 minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy.
- Step 5: Pour the chocolate ganache evenly over the chilled cheesecake layer and refrigerate for another hour until firm.
- Step 6: Cut into bars and serve chilled.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does No-Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bars with Chocolate Ganache take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (20 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 Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bars with Chocolate Ganache?
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 Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bars with Chocolate Ganache?
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 Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bars with Chocolate Ganache 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 Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bars with Chocolate Ganache?
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.
