Oh my goodness, if you’re a fan of peanut butter and chocolate, you’re going to absolutely fall head over heels for these Reese’s Butterfinger cheesecake bars! Just picture it: a luscious, creamy cheesecake blended with the delightful crunch of Butterfinger and the rich, nutty goodness of Reese’s. It’s like a candy lover’s dream come true! I remember the first time I made these bars for a gathering; they disappeared faster than I could cut them! Everyone couldn’t stop raving about the flavors and texture. Trust me, this recipe is a showstopper, perfect for parties or just a cozy night in. You’ll want to whip up a batch ASAP because they’re just that irresistible!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whipped cream (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup chopped Butterfinger bars
- 1 cup chopped Reese’s cups
How to Prepare the Reese’s Butterfinger Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This way, when you’re ready to bake, the oven will be nice and hot!
- While that’s heating up, grab a mixing bowl and combine 1 cup of graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, and 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter. Mix it all together until it resembles wet sand.
- Now, take that crumb mixture and press it firmly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. This is going to be your crunchy base, so make sure it’s even and compact!
- In another bowl, beat together 16 oz of softened cream cheese and 1 cup of powdered sugar until it’s smooth and creamy. Oh, the smell of that sweet cream cheese is heavenly!
- Next, add in 1/2 cup of creamy peanut butter and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix it until everything is well combined—this is where the magic starts to happen!
- Now, it’s time to fold in the good stuff! Gently mix in 1 cup of whipped cream, along with 1 cup each of chopped Butterfinger bars and Reese’s cups. You want those delightful candy pieces to be evenly distributed throughout the cheesecake.
- Spread this creamy, candy-filled goodness over your prepared crust, smoothing it out evenly. You’re going to want to take a moment to admire how beautiful it looks!
- Pop it in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the center is set. Keep an eye on them—nobody likes overcooked cheesecake!
- Once it’s baked, let the bars cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then refrigerate them for at least 4 hours (or overnight if you can wait!). This chilling time is crucial for that perfect texture.
- Finally, when you’re ready to serve, cut them into bars and enjoy the sweet, creamy, crunchy explosion of flavors!
Nutritional Information
So, if you’re wondering about the nutritional values of these heavenly Reese’s Butterfinger cheesecake bars, here’s what you can expect per serving (one bar). Keep in mind these are estimates, and values can vary based on specific ingredients used:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 25g
- Protein: 5g
These bars are definitely a treat, so enjoy them in moderation, and savor every delicious bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Deliciously rich flavors of peanut butter and chocolate that are simply irresistible.
- Easy to prepare with straightforward steps—perfect for both novice and experienced bakers!
- Decadent texture that’s creamy, crunchy, and oh-so-satisfying in every bite.
- Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a party, potluck, or just a sweet treat at home.
- Customizable with your favorite toppings or mix-ins for a personal twist.
- Each bar is a delightful combination of cheesecake and candy, making it a true crowd-pleaser!
Tips for Success
To ensure your Reese’s Butterfinger cheesecake bars turn out absolutely perfect, I’ve got a few pro tips for you! First, don’t skimp on the chilling time—letting them sit in the fridge for at least 4 hours is crucial for that firm, sliceable texture. If you can wait overnight, even better! Also, use high-quality cream cheese and peanut butter; it really makes a difference in the flavor. I recommend letting the cream cheese soften to room temperature before mixing—it’ll blend more smoothly and create that creamy texture we all love. Lastly, when it comes to folding in the whipped cream and candy, be gentle! You want to keep that light and airy texture. Follow these tips, and you’ll have bars that are just as dreamy as they sound!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to customize these Reese’s Butterfinger cheesecake bars! For a different flavor twist, try swapping the Butterfinger for chopped Snickers or Milky Way bars—both add a delightful caramel touch. You can also mix in crushed Oreos for an extra layer of texture. If you love a little crunch, sprinkle some chopped nuts on top before serving. Want to go all out? Drizzle some chocolate or caramel sauce over the bars for an indulgent finish. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative and make this recipe your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your Reese’s Butterfinger cheesecake bars fresh and delicious, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay tasty for about 5 days, though I doubt they’ll last that long! If you want to enjoy them later, you can freeze them. Just wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to indulge again, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight. No reheating is necessary—these bars are best served chilled, just like when they were freshly made!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different type of nut butter instead of peanut butter?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of peanut butter, feel free to use almond butter or cashew butter. Just keep in mind that it might slightly change the flavor, but it will still be delicious!
What if I can’t find Butterfinger bars?
No worries! You can easily substitute Butterfinger with similar candy bars like Heath or Skor for that crunchy toffee flavor. Or, if you want to keep it simple, just use extra Reese’s cups! They’re all about that sweet, sweet chocolate goodness, so you can’t go wrong.
Can I make these cheesecake bars gluten-free?
Yes, you can! Just swap out the graham cracker crumbs for gluten-free graham crackers or even crushed gluten-free cookies. It’s an easy adjustment to keep everyone happy!
How do I ensure my cheesecake bars don’t crack?
To avoid cracks, make sure you don’t overmix the filling and bake them at the right temperature. Also, letting them cool gradually in the oven (turn it off and crack the door) after baking can help prevent those pesky cracks from forming.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Definitely! In fact, they taste even better after chilling overnight. Just prepare them a day or two in advance, and you’ll have a delicious treat ready to go when you need it!
For more delicious cheesecake recipes, check out this Reese’s cheesecake recipe or this strawberry crunch cheesecake recipe. You won’t be disappointed!
Print
Reese’s Butterfinger Cheesecake Bars Recipe to Love Forever
- Total Time: 4 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious dessert combining the flavors of Reese’s and Butterfinger in cheesecake bars.
Ingredients
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whipped cream
- 1 cup chopped Butterfinger bars
- 1 cup chopped Reese’s cups
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In another bowl, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Add peanut butter and vanilla extract, mix until combined.
- Fold in whipped cream, Butterfinger, and Reese’s cups.
- Spread the cheesecake mixture over the crust.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until set.
- Let cool, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
- Cut into bars and serve.
Notes
- Chill the bars overnight for best texture.
- Top with additional chopped candies if desired.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: reeses butterfinger cheesecake bars recipe
