What happens when peanut butter cups and butterfinger meet cheesecake? A match made in heaven, that’s what. With a quick and easy homemade crust and a rich peanut butter filling, these cheesecake bars are a family favorite dessert. Save this idea for your next weeknight treat.

Reese’s Butterfinger Cheesecake Bars Are Stacked on Top of Each Other

Introduction

Imagine a dessert that combines the creamy richness of cheesecake, the peanut buttery goodness of Reese’s, and the crunchy delight of Butterfinger, all stacked together in perfect harmony. This innovative dessert, Reese’s Butterfinger Cheesecake Bars, is not only a feast for the eyes but also a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you and your guests in awe. The best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make, using everyday ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. With its unique blend of flavors and impressive presentation, this dessert is perfect for special occasions, potlucks, or even just a sweet treat to brighten up your day.

Why This Works

Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The combination of Reese’s peanut butter cups, Butterfinger bars, and a creamy cheesecake mixture creates a perfectly balanced flavor profile that is both familiar and exciting. The ingredients are easily accessible in most grocery stores, making this dessert achievable for anyone.
Ease of preparation: Despite its impressive appearance, this dessert is relatively simple to prepare. The cheesecake mixture is straightforward to make, and the assembly of the bars is a fun and creative process.
Impressive results with minimal effort: The stacked presentation of the cheesecake bars makes for a stunning dessert that looks like it was made by a professional. The fact that it requires minimal effort compared to its impressive outcome makes it a perfect choice for those looking to wow their guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

Key Ingredients

The main ingredients for this recipe include a package of Reese’s peanut butter cups, several Butterfinger bars, a graham cracker crust, cream cheese, eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract. For the cheesecake mixture, you’ll need a block of cream cheese, large eggs, granulated sugar, and a teaspoon of vanilla extract. The graham cracker crust can be made from scratch with graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and a bit of sugar, or you can use a pre-made crust for convenience. Practical substitutions can be made for some ingredients, such as using different types of candy bars or nuts for added texture and flavor.

Instructions

Step 1: Begin by preparing your graham cracker crust. If making from scratch, mix the graham cracker crumbs with sugar and melted butter until well combined. Press the mixture into a lined or greased baking dish. If using a pre-made crust, follow the package instructions for thawing and preparation.
Step 2: Prepare the cheesecake mixture by beating the cream cheese until smooth, then adding the eggs one at a time, followed by the sugar and vanilla extract. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
Step 3: Pour the cheesecake mixture over the prepared graham cracker crust and bake until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly. Allow the cheesecake to cool completely.
Step 4: Once the cheesecake is cool, begin assembling the bars. Cut the cheesecake into bars and place a Reese’s peanut butter cup on top of each bar. Melt the Butterfinger bars in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval until smooth. Drizzle the melted Butterfinger over the peanut butter cup and cheesecake bar. Repeat the layering process until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of melted Butterfinger on top.

Handy Tips

To ensure the cheesecake cooks evenly and to prevent cracking, make sure to bake it in a water bath and avoid overmixing the batter.
For a cleaner cut, refrigerate the assembled bars for at least 30 minutes before slicing. Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts.
Consider using different types of candy or nuts to create unique flavor combinations and textures.

Heat Control

When baking the cheesecake, it’s crucial to maintain the right temperature and baking time. The ideal temperature is 325°F (165°C), and the baking time will depend on the size of your cheesecake but generally ranges from 25 to 40 minutes. The cheesecake is done when the edges are set, and the center is just slightly jiggly. Avoid overbaking, as this can cause the cheesecake to dry out and crack.

Crunch Factor

The crunch factor in this dessert comes from the Butterfinger bars and the graham cracker crust. To achieve the perfect crunch, make sure not to overbake the crust, and use fresh Butterfinger bars for the best texture. If you’re looking for an extra crunch, you can also sprinkle some chopped nuts or candy pieces on top of the bars before serving.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

For a more stable and even cheesecake, use a water bath during baking. This ensures the cheesecake cooks gently and evenly.
To prevent the cheesecake from cracking, avoid sudden temperature changes. Let it cool in the oven with the door ajar after baking.
Invest in a good quality mixer for creaming the cheesecake batter. This will ensure it’s smooth and well incorporated, leading to a better texture in the finished dessert.

Storage Tips

These bars are best stored in the refrigerator to keep them fresh. They can be stored for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
For longer storage, consider freezing the bars. Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 2 months. Thaw frozen bars in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
When reheating, do so gently to prevent melting the chocolate or altering the texture of the cheesecake. A few seconds in the microwave or a short time at room temperature should suffice.

Gift Packaging Ideas

These cheesecake bars make for a wonderful gift, especially when packaged creatively. Consider placing the bars in a decorative tin or box lined with parchment paper. You can also wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a gift bag. For a more personalized touch, add a ribbon around the box or bag and include a handwritten note with the recipe or a personal message.

Flavor Variations

Different spices: Add a pinch of salt or a teaspoon of cinnamon to the cheesecake batter for an interesting twist.
Creative toppings: Use different types of candy bars, nuts, or even fruit to create unique flavor combinations.
Ingredient swaps: Substitute the graham cracker crust with a different type of cookie crust, like chocolate sandwich cookies, for a different flavor profile.

Troubleshooting

Texture problems: If the cheesecake is too dense, it may be overmixed. If it’s too soft, it might not be baked long enough.
Ingredient replacements: If you’re missing an ingredient, consider what else you have on hand that could serve a similar purpose. For example, you could use peanut butter chips instead of Reese’s cups in a pinch.
Over/undercooking signs: Keep an eye on your cheesecake while it bakes. If the edges start to brown too quickly, cover the edges with foil. If the center is still very jiggly after the recommended baking time, bake for a few more minutes and check again.

FAQs

Can I freeze it? Yes, these bars can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Is it gluten-free? Depending on the ingredients used, such as the type of cookie for the crust, this dessert can be adapted to be gluten-free. Make sure all the ingredients you use are gluten-free.
Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can double the recipe to make more bars. Just keep in mind that you’ll need a larger baking dish and possibly more baking time.

Conclusion

Reese’s Butterfinger Cheesecake Bars are a game-changer for anyone looking to impress with a unique dessert. With their stacked presentation and combination of creamy cheesecake, peanut butter cups, and crunchy Butterfinger, they’re sure to be a hit at any gathering. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to make the recipe your own, and enjoy the process of creating something truly special. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is a must-try for its simplicity, flavor, and wow factor.