Creamy, dreamy, and absolutely irresistible, these No Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bars are the ultimate treat for peanut butter lovers and cheesecake fans alike. Imagine a velvety peanut butter cheesecake filling settled atop a buttery graham cracker crust, all crowned with a sprinkle of chocolate chips for that extra touch. The best part? No oven required! Whether you’re whipping up a weeknight dessert or wowing guests at a picnic, these bars always hit the sweet spot. Prepare to fall in love bite after bite!

No Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to making No Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bars, every ingredient plays a special part—each one layers on flavor, adds structure, or brings that little something extra. The simplicity means each element truly shines, so don’t skimp on quality here!

Graham cracker crumbs: These provide the perfect crunchy, buttery base for your bars, with just the right amount of sweetness.
Unsalted butter (melted): Acts as the glue for the crust, adding richness and helping everything hold together beautifully.
Granulated sugar: Infuses a hint of extra sweetness into the crust, giving balance to the peanut butter filling.
Cream cheese (softened): This is the heart of the cheesecake layer, bringing creaminess and tang that keeps the bars from getting too dense.
Creamy peanut butter: Choose your favorite brand for maximum peanut flavor and silky texture, the defining element of this dessert.
Powdered sugar: Blends smoothly into the cream cheese and peanut butter without any grittiness, sweetening and lightening the filling.
Vanilla extract: A little goes a long way in highlighting both the peanut butter and cheesecake flavors.
Heavy whipping cream: Whipped and folded in, it gives the filling that luscious, airy lift you crave from cheesecake.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional): Sprinkled on top, they add pops of chocolatey decadence and make these bars look extra special.

How to Make No Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Start by mixing the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar together in a large bowl. You want the mixture to look like damp sand—completely combined, with every crumb moistened. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×9-inch baking pan lined with parchment paper. For an even, compact base, use the back of a measuring cup or a glass. Chill the crust in the refrigerator while you move on—the cold will help it set quickly and hold together under the creamy filling.

Step 2: Make the Peanut Butter Cheesecake Filling

In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s smooth and lump-free—don’t rush this step, since a silky base is non-negotiable for the perfect No Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bars. Add your peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Keep beating until everything’s fluffy and unified, teasing out those telltale swirls of peanut butter.

Step 3: Whip and Fold in the Cream

Whip the heavy cream by itself until stiff peaks form; this is what’s going to make your bars airy and mousse-like. Gently fold the whipped cream into your peanut butter mixture, moving your spatula in slow, broad turns to keep as much air in the mix as possible. You’re aiming for a light, cloud-like filling that will set up beautifully but still melt in your mouth.

Step 4: Layer, Top, and Chill

Pour the peanut butter cheesecake filling over your chilled, set crust. Use a spatula to coax it into an even layer, right out to the edges. If you’re feeling decadent, this is the time to sprinkle semi-sweet chocolate chips across the top—they’ll add just the right flash of chocolate with every bite. Cover the pan tightly and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (overnight is even better) so the bars firm up enough to slice cleanly.

Step 5: Slice and Serve

Once the bars are thoroughly chilled, lift them from the pan using the parchment paper—no sticking, no mess. Take a sharp knife, wipe it clean between cuts, and slice the bars into 12 neat squares. Serve them cold for maximum creaminess and best texture!

How to Serve No Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bars

Garnishes

For a finishing touch, consider scattering a handful of extra chocolate chips, a drizzle of warm peanut butter, or even some chopped peanuts across the top. Each garnish not only adds visual appeal but also introduces fun flavors and textures in every bite. A dollop of whipped cream never hurt either!

Side Dishes

Since these bars are rich and indulgent, pair them with something crisp and refreshing—a bowl of sliced strawberries, a scoop of vanilla frozen yogurt, or even strong dark coffee. These sides help balance the richness and let the peanut butter shine without overwhelming your palate.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving at a party or need to impress, cut your No Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bars into smaller bite-sized squares and pile them high on a tiered cake stand. Or, layer small squares in decorative jars with a dollop of chocolate sauce for a portable treat that looks as good as it tastes!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

No Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bars keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to five days. Store them in an airtight container to prevent the edges from drying out and to maintain that luscious filling texture. Layering parchment or wax paper between stacked bars can keep them from sticking together.

Freezing

Want to extend their shelf life? These bars are freezer-friendly! Simply wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place them in a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge overnight for the best texture—your future self will thank you for this handy dessert stash.

Reheating

Since these are no bake dessert bars, you don’t need to reheat them at all. In fact, they’re best served straight from the fridge, cold and creamy. If you’ve frozen them, just give them time to thaw in the refrigerator so they return to their perfect consistency.

FAQs

Can I use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy?

Absolutely! Chunky peanut butter adds a fun bit of texture with tiny peanut pieces in each bite. Just know the filling might be a touch less smooth, but the extra crunch is delicious for peanut fans.

What can I use if I don’t have graham cracker crumbs?

No graham crackers? Substitute with crushed digestive biscuits, vanilla wafers, or even chocolate cookies for a unique twist—just use the same amount to ensure the crust holds together well.

Can I add other toppings to these bars?

Definitely! These bars are a blank canvas for creativity. Try caramel drizzle, a dusting of cocoa powder, or even swirls of jam on top before chilling. Go wild and make them your own.

How do I get clean slices when cutting the bars?

Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry before each cut—this helps you glide through the chilled cheesecake cleanly, leaving perfect squares without sticking or dragging.

Are No Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bars gluten-free?

They can be! Just use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs (or another gluten-free cookie) for the crust, and ensure your other ingredients are labeled gluten-free. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that’s actually a breeze to make, these No Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bars are it. They’re packed with flavor, easy to prepare, and sure to win over anyone who tries them. Try them once, and you just might find yourself making them on repeat—your taste buds and your friends will thank you!

No Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bars Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 26 reviews

Author: Zoe
Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 12 bars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the creamy, rich flavors of these No Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bars that are easy to make and require no oven time. A perfect dessert for peanut butter lovers!

Ingredients

Scale

Graham Cracker Crust:

1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
¼ cup granulated sugar

Cheesecake Filling:

16 oz cream cheese, softened
¾ cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup heavy whipping cream
½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional, for topping)

Instructions

Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust: In a large mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix until fully combined.
Form the Crust: Press the graham cracker mixture firmly into the bottom of a lined 9×9-inch baking pan. Refrigerate to set.
Make the Cheesecake Filling: Beat cream cheese until smooth, then add peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla. Mix until fluffy.
Whip the Cream: In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Fold gently into the peanut butter mixture.
Assemble: Pour the filling over the chilled crust, spread evenly, and top with optional chocolate chips.
Chill and Serve: Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, then cut into squares and serve chilled.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: American