The Ultimate No-Bake Buckeye Cheesecake Bars Recipe: Dreamy & Heavenly

These decadent no-bake buckeye cheesecake bars represent the ultimate dessert fusion for chocolate and peanut butter enthusiasts.

Sweet, creamy layers combine with a rich, indulgent profile that satisfies the most intense cravings.

Chocolate lovers appreciate the smooth texture and balanced flavors melding perfectly within each delightful square.

The classic combination refines traditional expectations into a chilled, luxurious treat that feels both nostalgic and innovative.

Minimal kitchen effort yields maximum deliciousness, making these bars an impressive yet simple dessert option.

Skilled home bakers and novice cooks alike can master this crowd-pleasing recipe with confidence.

Prepare to elevate your dessert game and impress everyone at your next gathering.

What to Know About No-Bake Buckeye Cheesecake Bars

• Effortless Indulgence: No-bake recipe means zero oven time and minimal kitchen stress, perfect for busy dessert lovers who want maximum flavor with minimal effort.
• Texture Explosion: Combines creamy cheesecake filling, crunchy graham cracker crust, and smooth chocolate topping, creating a delightful multi-layered sensory experience that keeps every bite interesting.
• Peanut Butter Paradise: Rich peanut butter flavor runs through the entire dessert, delivering a classic sweet-salty combination that satisfies intense comfort food cravings without complicated preparation techniques.
• Crowd-Pleasing Convenience: Make-ahead friendly dessert that chills for just 4 hours, perfect for parties, potlucks, and family gatherings where you want an impressive treat without last-minute kitchen chaos.

No-Bake Buckeye Cheesecake Bars Ingredient List

• Graham Cracker Crumbs, Butter: Classic base with rich, buttery texture that provides a sturdy foundation for the cheesecake bars. Graham crackers add a subtle sweetness and complementary crunch.

• Cream Cheese: Smooth, tangy foundation that creates the signature cheesecake texture. Full-fat variety recommended for best consistency.
• Peanut Butter: Adds rich, nutty flavor and creamy thickness to the filling. Smooth variety works best for even mixing.
• Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps stabilize the filling. Ensures a silky, smooth texture without graininess.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with warm, aromatic notes. Pure vanilla extract offers the most authentic taste.

• Chocolate Chips: Creates a smooth, glossy chocolate layer with rich depth. Dark or semi-sweet chips recommended for balanced sweetness.
• Whipped Topping: Adds light, airy texture and creamy finish. Can be homemade or store-bought for convenience.
• Whole Peanuts: Provides crunchy garnish and additional nutty flavor. Roasted peanuts offer more intense taste.

No-Bake Buckeye Cheesecake Bars Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish

Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, allowing extra edges to hang over for easy removal.

Step 2: Create the Crunchy Crust

• Chocolate graham cracker crumbs
• Melted butter

Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the dish. Refrigerate the crust while preparing the filling.

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Filling

• Cream cheese
• Peanut butter
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract

Beat until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in whipped topping.

Step 4: Spread the Filling

Evenly spread the filling over the chilled crust. Return to the refrigerator.

Step 5: Craft the Chocolate Topping

• Chocolate chips
• Peanut butter

Stir until smooth and well combined. Pour and spread over the chilled filling.

Step 6: Chill and Set

Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until the bars are completely set.

Step 7: Serve with Flair

• Additional whipped topping
• Whole peanuts

Lift the bars out of the dish using the parchment paper edges. Slice into squares and serve chilled.

Tricks for Perfect No-Bake Buckeye Cheesecake Bars

• Chill Crust Completely: Ensure the graham cracker crust is fully refrigerated before adding the filling to prevent a soggy base and maintain a crisp texture.
• Smooth Filling Technique: Beat cream cheese at room temperature to avoid lumps, creating a silky-smooth cheesecake layer that spreads effortlessly.
• Melt Chocolate Carefully: Use a double boiler or microwave in short bursts to prevent chocolate from burning, achieving a glossy and perfectly melted topping.
• Precise Chilling Time: Allow the bars to set for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to develop rich flavors and achieve the ideal sliceable consistency.
• Clean Cutting Trick: Wipe your knife with a warm, damp cloth between each cut to create clean, sharp edges when serving the cheesecake bars.

Save and Store No-Bake Buckeye Cheesecake Bars

• Refrigerate Carefully: Store these delicious cheesecake bars in an airtight container. Place wax paper between layers to prevent sticking and preserve their perfect texture. Keep chilled for up to 5 days.
• Freeze for Later: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen bars will stay delicious for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.
• Serve Perfectly Chilled: Remove bars from the refrigerator 10 minutes before serving to slightly soften the chocolate topping. Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water for clean, neat slices that showcase the beautiful layers.

Pairing Suggestions for No-Bake Buckeye Cheesecake Bars

• Pair with Bold Coffee: Brew a robust espresso or dark roast coffee to complement the rich, creamy peanut butter and chocolate flavors in the cheesecake bars. The strong coffee cuts through the sweetness and enhances the dessert's decadent profile.
• Match with Nutty Liqueur: Serve alongside a shot of hazelnut or almond liqueur to amplify the nuttiness of the peanut butter. The smooth, warming liqueur creates a delightful contrast with the cool, creamy cheesecake texture.
• Create a Chocolate Milk Twist: Offer a glass of cold chocolate milk to highlight the chocolate topping. The classic combination of chocolate and peanut butter shines through, making this pairing a nostalgic and crowd-pleasing choice for both kids and adults.
• Complement with Caramel Drizzle: Add a light drizzle of salted caramel sauce on the side to introduce a complex layer of flavor. The salty-sweet element elevates the dessert's richness and provides a sophisticated touch to the homestyle cheesecake bars.

Creative Twists on No-Bake Buckeye Cheesecake Bars

• Chocolate Lover's Dream: Replace chocolate graham crackers with Oreo cookies and add extra chocolate chips to the filling for an intense chocolate experience.
• Nutty Adventure: Swap peanut butter with almond or cashew butter, and top with chopped mixed nuts for a different nutty profile.
• Light and Fruity Escape: Incorporate raspberry or strawberry puree into the cheesecake filling and use white chocolate for the topping to create a refreshing summer version.
• Salted Caramel Crunch: Drizzle homemade salted caramel sauce over the bars and sprinkle with crushed pretzels for a sweet and salty combination.

No-Bake Buckeye Cheesecake Bars Recipe

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4.8 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 16 1x

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Description

Creamy No-Bake Buckeye Cheesecake Bars merge Ohio’s beloved peanut butter and chocolate treat with silky cheesecake perfection. Rich chocolate ganache and peanut butter swirls create an irresistible dessert you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 16 ounces (454 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) creamy peanut butter
• 2 cups (256 grams) chocolate graham cracker crumbs
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) whipped topping
• 1 cup (170 grams) semi-sweet chocolate chips

Sweeteners and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 cup (120 grams) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Binding and Garnish Ingredients:

• ½ cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) peanut butter
• Whole peanuts for garnish

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Instructions

1. Prepare an 8×8 inch (20×20 centimeters) baking dish by lining it with parchment paper, ensuring extra paper hangs over the edges for easy removal later.
2. Combine chocolate graham cracker crumbs with melted butter, pressing the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared dish to create a compact crust.
3. Chill the crust in the refrigerator while preparing the creamy filling.
4. In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly beat cream cheese, creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes completely smooth and well-incorporated.
5. Gently fold in the whipped topping, creating a light and airy texture for the filling.
6. Spread the peanut butter cheesecake filling uniformly over the chilled crust, ensuring an even layer.
7. Return the dish to the refrigerator to allow the filling to set and firm up.
8. Create the chocolate topping by melting chocolate chips and additional peanut butter together in a microwave or double boiler until the mixture is completely smooth and glossy.
9. Carefully pour and spread the chocolate-peanut butter mixture over the chilled filling, covering the entire surface.
10. Refrigerate the dessert for a minimum of 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to ensure complete setting.
11. Before serving, garnish with additional whipped topping and whole peanuts for extra texture and visual appeal.
12. Use the overhanging parchment paper to lift the dessert from the dish, then slice into neat squares using a sharp knife.

Notes

• Chill the crust first to create a solid foundation that prevents soggy bottoms and ensures clean, crisp edges when cutting.
• Use room temperature cream cheese for a smoother, lump-free filling that blends perfectly with peanut butter and powdered sugar.
• Melt chocolate chips and peanut butter slowly and carefully to avoid burning, creating a glossy, silky topping that sets beautifully.
• Refrigerate for minimum 4 hours to allow layers to set completely, developing rich, intense flavors and perfect texture.
• Lift bars using parchment paper overhang for clean, professional-looking cuts without damaging the delicate layers.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, making this a make-ahead dessert dream.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: None
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 16
• Calories: 380 cal
• Sugar: 25 g
• Sodium: 220 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg