Creamy Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bars Recipe Easy No Bake Dessert

Posted on November 10, 2025

peanut butter cheesecake bars - featured image

Introduction

The rich, nutty aroma of peanut butter mixed with the creamy smoothness of cheesecake is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. When I first stumbled upon the idea of no-bake peanut butter cheesecake bars, I was skeptical. Could something so easy really taste that good? After experimenting (and probably eating way too much peanut butter in the process), I can confidently say these Creamy No Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bars are a game changer. They’ve become my go-to dessert for parties, family gatherings, and honestly, just because I’m craving something sweet.

There’s no oven required, which makes it perfect for those warmer days when you don’t want to heat up the kitchen. Plus, the recipe is ridiculously simple—minimal ingredients, no fancy tools, and very little effort. Whether you’re a peanut butter fan or a cheesecake lover, this recipe combines the best of both worlds into one dreamy dessert.

If you’re like me and love a good no-bake recipe, these bars are for you. They’re creamy, decadent, and packed with that peanut butter flavor we all adore. Grab your apron—or don’t, since there’s no flour flying around—and get ready to whip up your new favorite dessert!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & Easy: These bars come together in just 20 minutes (plus chilling time). Perfect for those days when you need dessert fast!
No Baking Required: You can make this recipe without ever turning on your oven. Great for summer or when you’re short on time.
Simple Ingredients: Everything you need is probably already in your pantry and fridge. No hunting for obscure items!
Creamy Peanut Butter Perfection: The balance of peanut butter and cream cheese is a match made in dessert heaven.
A Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re serving these at a party, a potluck, or just at home, they’re guaranteed to impress.

What sets this recipe apart from other no-bake desserts is its texture. With a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy peanut butter cheesecake filling, and optional chocolate drizzle on top, these bars are an indulgence you’ll want to make over and over again. Trust me, this will be your dessert go-to for every occasion.

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses a handful of simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create something magical. Here’s what you’ll need:

Graham crackers: Crushed into crumbs for the base. You can use pre-crushed graham cracker crumbs to save time.
Unsalted butter: Melted to bind the crust together.
Cream cheese: Softened. Go for full-fat cream cheese for a richer flavor and texture.
Peanut butter: Smooth and creamy works best. Use your favorite brand—just make sure it’s not the natural kind since it can separate.
Powdered sugar: Adds sweetness without any grainy texture.
Vanilla extract: A little goes a long way in enhancing the flavor.
Heavy whipping cream: Whipped to perfection for that airy, light texture in the filling.
Optional toppings: Chocolate chips, crushed peanuts, or even a drizzle of caramel for extra flair.

Each ingredient plays an essential role, from the crunchy base to the luscious filling. And if you need substitutes, don’t worry—I’ve got you covered in the variations section below!

Equipment Needed

Mixing bowls: One for the crust and one for the cheesecake filling.
Electric mixer: Stand or handheld mixer for whipping the cream and blending the filling.
9×9 inch baking pan: A square pan works best for cutting clean bars.
Parchment paper: Makes removing the bars from the pan a breeze.
Rubber spatula: Perfect for smoothing the filling into the pan and scraping every last bit out of the bowl.

If you don’t have a square pan, you can use a round cake pan or even a pie dish. Just adjust the cutting for serving!

Detailed Preparation Method

Prepare the crust: Start by crushing the graham crackers into fine crumbs. You can do this by placing them in a zip-top bag and using a rolling pin or using a food processor. Combine the crumbs with melted butter in a mixing bowl until fully coated and press firmly into the bottom of your lined baking pan. Place the pan in the fridge to chill while you prepare the filling.
Make the filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract, and mix until fully combined.
Whip the cream: In a separate bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form. This helps to lighten the texture of the cheesecake filling.
Fold in the whipped cream: Gently fold the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture using a rubber spatula. Be careful not to overmix—you want to keep the filling light and fluffy.
Assemble the bars: Remove the crust from the fridge and spread the peanut butter mixture evenly over it. Smooth the top with your spatula.
Chill: Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results. This helps the bars set properly.
Add toppings: Before serving, drizzle melted chocolate over the top or sprinkle crushed peanuts for added crunch.
Slice and serve: Using the parchment paper, lift the bars out of the pan and slice into squares or rectangles. Serve chilled and enjoy!

If you experience any difficulty with the crust crumbling, make sure to press it down firmly into the pan and refrigerate it longer before adding the filling.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Room temperature ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese is softened before using. This ensures a smooth and creamy filling without lumps.
Choose the right peanut butter: Stick to regular creamy peanut butter for the filling. Natural peanut butter can cause separation and affect the texture.
Chill time is key: Don’t rush the chilling process! Giving the bars enough time in the fridge ensures they set up properly.
Use parchment paper: Lining your pan with parchment paper will make it much easier to lift out the bars for slicing.
Get creative with toppings: From melted chocolate to crushed pretzels, don’t be afraid to make this recipe your own.

Trust me, I’ve made these bars countless times, and the one thing I’ve learned is that patience pays off. Let them chill long enough, and you’ll end up with perfect slices every time!

Variations & Adaptations

Gluten-Free Option: Swap traditional graham crackers for gluten-free ones to make this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets.
Low-Carb Version: Use almond flour and a sugar substitute like erythritol instead of graham crackers and powdered sugar.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bars: Add melted chocolate into the peanut butter filling for a rich chocolate-peanut butter twist.
Nut-Free Alternative: Substitute the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or cookie butter for a delicious nut-free option.
Add fruit: Swirl in raspberry or strawberry preserves into the filling before chilling for a fruity twist.

One of my favorite experiments was swapping out the peanut butter for almond butter—it added a slightly nutty, roasted flavor that was amazing. You can totally make this recipe your own!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve these bars chilled for the best texture and flavor. They’re perfect on their own, but you can pair them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence. If you’re hosting, add a drizzle of caramel or ganache on top for a polished presentation.

For storage, cover the bars tightly with plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Want to keep some for later? Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and store them in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight.

One thing to note: the flavors deepen over time, so if you can resist, they taste even better after the first day!

Nutritional Information & Benefits

Estimated per serving (based on 12 servings):

Calories: 280
Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 5g

Peanut butter brings a dose of healthy fats and protein, while the cream cheese provides calcium and a creamy texture. If you opt for low-sugar or gluten-free substitutions, this dessert can be tailored to suit different dietary needs. As always, check ingredient labels if you’re sensitive to allergens like peanuts or dairy.

Conclusion

These Creamy No Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bars are everything you could want in a dessert—easy, indulgent, and downright delicious. Whether you’re making them for a party or just to treat yourself, this recipe is a guaranteed hit. I love how customizable it is, allowing you to tweak flavors to suit your cravings.

Give these bars a try, and let me know how they turn out in the comments below! Share the recipe with your friends, or bookmark it for the next time you need a quick dessert. Trust me, once you make them, they’ll be a staple in your kitchen. Happy no-baking!

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter?

Yes! Crunchy peanut butter adds a little texture to the filling, which can be a nice twist. Just make sure it’s not the natural kind, as it might separate.

How long do these take to set?

They typically need at least 4 hours in the fridge, but chilling them overnight will give the best results.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely! These bars are perfect for making a day or two in advance. Just store them in the fridge until ready to serve.

What can I use instead of graham crackers?

You can use digestive biscuits, crushed vanilla wafers, or even Oreos for the crust. Adjust the butter slightly depending on the dryness of the crumbs.

Can I freeze these bars?

Yes, these bars freeze beautifully. Wrap them individually and store them in an airtight container. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

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