Introduction
Indulge in these irresistible Reese’s Butterfinger Cheesecake Bars, a delightful combination of your favorite candy bars into a creamy, chocolatey treat. Perfectly crafted to satisfy your sweet tooth cravings, these bars are ideal for gatherings or just a treat at home.
Ingredients
For the crust:
• 150g graham cracker crumbs
• 50g sugar
• 75g melted butter
For the filling:
• 450g cream cheese, softened
• 100g sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 120g chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups
• 120g chopped Butterfinger bars
For the ganache:
• 240ml heavy cream
• 265g semi-sweet chocolate chips
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 5 hours
Yield: 12 bars
Enjoy these delectable Reese’s Butterfinger Cheesecake Bars and watch everyone come back for seconds! Perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself—either way, they’re a chocolate lover’s dream come true.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the crust
Combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a mixing bowl. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand. Take a lined 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) baking pan and firmly press the crumb mixture into the bottom to form a compact base. Bake this crust in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to develop a golden hue and crunch. Once done, remove from the oven and allow to cool.
Make the filling
In a separate mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy, releasing a delightful aroma. Incorporate the eggs, adding one at a time. Mix just until combined to maintain a fluffiness in texture. Gently fold in the chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups and Butterfinger pieces, mixing until evenly distributed. Pour this luscious filling over the prepared crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Bake
Return the cheesecake to the oven and bake at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 40 minutes or until the filling is set in the center but still slightly jiggly. Once baked, take it out and let it cool to room temperature, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Prepare the ganache
In a small saucepan, gently heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just starts to simmer, transforming the kitchen with its warmth. Remove from heat and immediately pour it over the chocolate chips in a bowl. Allow the mixture to sit for 5 minutes, letting the chocolate melt. Stir until the ganache is silky smooth and glossy.
Finish the bars
Once the cheesecake has cooled completely, pour the rich chocolate ganache over the top, spreading it evenly. For the best experience, refrigerate the entire dish for at least 4 hours or until set, allowing the flavors to deepen. After chilling, cut into bars of your desired size and serve to satisfy those sweet cravings.
Notes
For a firmer cheesecake, ensure that the cream cheese is fully softened to room temperature before mixing. You can also add extra chopped candy bars on top of the ganache for a striking presentation. If the ganache is too thick after cooling, reheat it gently in the microwave in short intervals and stir until smooth. Enjoy the delightful blend of peanut butter and chocolate flavors, perfect for gatherings or a personal treat.
Cook Techniques
Mixing the Crust
Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter thoroughly to ensure even distribution before pressing into the baking pan.
Beating the Cream Cheese
Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature for smoother mixing. Beat with sugar and vanilla until completely smooth to avoid lumps in the filling.
Incorporating Eggs
Add eggs one at a time to the cream cheese mixture, beating until just combined after each addition to maintain a light texture.
Folding in Candy
Gently fold in the chopped Reese’s and Butterfinger pieces to avoid over-mixing, which would incorporate too much air into the filling.
Baking and Cooling
Watch for the filling to set with a slight jiggle in the center. Allow the cheesecake to cool to room temperature before refrigerating to prevent condensation.
Making the Ganache
Heat the heavy cream just until simmering, then pour it over chocolate chips to melt them properly, followed by stirring until smooth.
Chilling the Bars
Refrigerate the cheesecake bars for at least 4 hours, or until the ganache has set completely for easier slicing.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of crust?
Yes, you can substitute graham cracker crumbs with Oreo crumbs or cookie crumbs for different flavor profiles.
How can I prevent the cheesecake from cracking?
Bake the cheesecake in a water bath to regulate temperature and moisture, or ensure not to overbeat the filling.
What if I don’t have heavy cream for the ganache?
You can use half-and-half or whole milk, though the texture may differ slightly, making it less rich.
Can I freeze the cheesecake bars?
Yes, these bars freeze well. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftover cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Conclusion
Indulging in these Reese’s Butterfinger Cheesecake Bars is a delightful treat that perfectly balances the rich flavors of chocolate and peanut butter, with a satisfying crunch from the Butterfinger bars. These creamy bars are not only a dessert lover’s dream but also an excellent way to impress guests at any gathering. Enjoy every bite of this delectable combination that is sure to become a favorite!
Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars
Blend the classic flavors of cookie and cheesecake by folding mini chocolate chips into a smooth cream cheese filling atop a cookie crust.
Oreo Cheesecake Bars
Crush Oreo cookies for your crust and mix crushed Oreos into the cheesecake filling to create a rich, chocolatey dessert that Oreo lovers will adore.
Snickers Cheesecake Bars
Add chopped Snickers bars into the cheesecake mixture for a sweet and nutty flavor, topped with a caramel drizzle for extra indulgence.
Mint Chocolate Cheesecake Bars
Incorporate peppermint extract into the cream cheese filling and swirl in mint chocolate chips for a refreshing twist on traditional cheesecake bars.
Salted Caramel Pecan Cheesecake Bars
Mix in caramel sauce and chopped pecans into the cheesecake filling, and finish with a sprinkle of sea salt for a sweet and salty treat.
