Bite-sized Pieces of Heaven: Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bars Hugs & Cookies xoxo

Let’s be honest: there are few desserts that feel like as much as a reward as a piece of creamy, delicious cheesecake, which makes it that much more disappointing when you’re too stuffed to finish a slice, or when it leaves you with that too-full feeling. What’s a sweet tooth to do? Make these Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bars from Hugs & Cookies xoxo! The layers of graham cracker crust, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, peanut butter cheesecake and peanut butter ganache add up to perfectly indulgent bites of heaven.

You’ll Need

Crust

– Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups (Hugs & Cookies calls for the snack size here)

– 1 stick of butter

– 1/2 cup of sugar

– 1 1/2 cup of graham cracker crumbs

Peanut Butter Cheesecake

– 8 ounces of cream cheese

– 1 egg

– 1/2 cup of sugar

– 1/4 cup of peanut butter

Peanut Butter Ganache

– 1/2 cup of heavy cream

– 8 tablespoons butter

– 6 ounces of peanut butter cups

– 2 tablespoons sifted powdered sugar

To Make

Crust

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line an 8 inch pan with nonstick foil. Melt the butter in a bowl in the microwave. Stir in the sugar and the graham cracker crumbs. Press the mixture into the pan. Bake the crust for about 9 minutes. Let cool. Once the crust is cool, line the crust with the snack size peanut butter cups so that the bottom is covered.

Peanut Butter Cheesecake

Keep the oven heated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Mix the cream cheese and sugar with an electric mixer. Add the egg and the peanut butter. Mix well. Pour the cheesecake mix over the peanut butter cups in the crust, and continue to spread over the crust for an even layer. Bake for 30 minutes, then let cool completely.

Peanut Butter Ganache

In the microwave, combine the heavy cream and butter and heat until hot. Stir in the 6 ounces of peanut butter cups until melted and smooth. Stir in the powdered sugar. Pour the ganache over the bars, making an even layer.

Final Touches

Chill the bars until firm. Cut the bars into 9 squares. Drizzle melted dark chocolate chips on top of each bar. Keep the bars chilled.

Just one of these little squares would keep my sweet tooth happy for at least a week. Don’t you think these would be perfect for a party? What other bite-sized desserts do you like to make?