Delighting in Every Bite of Reese’s Butterfinger Cheesecake Bars
Oh my goodness, friends! If you’re looking for a dessert that will not only make your taste buds sing but will also have your friends and family begging for more, look no further than these Reese’s Butterfinger Cheesecake Bars. Every time I make them, it’s like being transported back to those blissful candy-filled childhood days where sweets were the highlight of the week. I can still remember my sister and I racing home from school, eyes wide with excitement, ready to devour our favorite treats after a long day. These cheesecake bars certainly evoke that same joy!
What I love most about this recipe is how the creamy cheesecake layer marries perfectly with the crunchy Butterfinger and the irresistible chocolate ganache. It’s a three-layer wonder that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Trust me, once you take your first bite, you’ll be hooked!
What’s in Reese’s Butterfinger Cheesecake Bars?
- Oreo cookie crumbs: The magical ingredient that creates a wonderfully chocolatey crust to begin our dessert adventure!
- Unsalted butter: This helps the cookie crumbs bind together nicely, holding our crust in perfect harmony.
- Cream cheese: The heart of our cheesecake layer that adds that rich, velvety texture we all crave.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens everything up, complementing the cream cheese beautifully.
- Large eggs: They bring everything together, adding structure and creaminess to our cheesecake filling.
- Vanilla extract: A splash of this aromatic goodness elevates the flavor profile to new heights!
- Creamy peanut butter: Because what’s a Butterfinger without a hint of peanut butter love?
- Crushed Butterfinger bars: The star of the show that adds a delicious crunch and caramel sweetness!
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: The key to a luscious ganache that brings it all together.
- Heavy cream: This makes our ganache perfectly rich and smooth.
- Reese’s Pieces: A colorful and crunchy topping that gives a delightful pop to every bite.
- Chocolate chips: Adding an extra layer of chocolatey goodness that sends it over the top!
Is Reese’s Butterfinger Cheesecake Bars Good for You?
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: yes, these cheesecake bars are indulgent, but let’s not forget a few health benefits too! For instance, cream cheese provides a good source of calcium, while peanut butter brings protein and healthy fats into the mix. Those Butterfinger bars, while not exactly health food, do add a little bit of fun and joy to our lives!
Now, we shouldn’t overlook the sugar side of things. If you have dietary restrictions or are watching your sugar intake, these might be a treat to enjoy in moderation. Balance is key, my friends! And let’s be real, life is too short not to enjoy a delicious dessert from time to time!
Ingredients List
- 1 ½ cups Oreo cookie crumbs (about 20 cookies)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup crushed Butterfinger bars (about 3 full-sized bars)
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup Reese’s Pieces
- ½ cup chocolate chips
How to Make Reese’s Butterfinger Cheesecake Bars?
- Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, mix the Oreo cookie crumbs and melted butter until it’s all combined. Next, firmly press this mixture into the bottom of a 9×9 inch baking dish. Bake it for 10 minutes, then take it out and let it cool a bit.
- Make the Cheesecake Layer: Grab a large mixing bowl and beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until it’s nice and smooth. Slowly add the eggs one at a time, ensuring each one is well mixed before adding the next. Stir in that lovely vanilla extract and peanut butter until fully combined, then gently fold in your crushed Butterfinger bars.
- Combine Layers: Pour that delightful cheesecake mixture over the cooled Oreo crust, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until the center is just slightly jiggly. Once out of the oven, allow it to cool entirely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Prepare the Ganache: In a small saucepan over low heat, mix the chocolate chips and heavy cream, stirring continuously until it’s smooth and glossy. Remove from heat and let it cool a bit before pouring it over your chilled cheesecake layer.
- Add Toppings: Once the ganache is spread evenly, sprinkle those vibrant Reese’s Pieces and chocolate chips on top. Pop it back in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to let that ganache set.
- Cut and Serve: When they’re set, cut the cheesecake bars into squares. Serve them chilled and prepare for fireworks of flavor with every luscious bite!
Extra Sweet Secrets!
For an extra touch, feel free to drizzle some melted chocolate over the top just before serving. You can also switch up the toppings by using different candy – there’s no wrong way to do this! These bars are perfect for parties, potlucks, or really any time you want to impress your guests and treat yourself. Trust me, they’ll never want you to stop making these!
So grab your ingredients, gather your loved ones, and dive into the sweet adventure of making these Reese’s Butterfinger Cheesecake Bars. I can’t wait for you all to experience the joy they bring—happy baking!
