Unveil the delightful layers of our Sumptuous Peanut Butter Strawberry Cheesecake Bars, a heavenly creation that marries the creamy richness of cheesecake with the comforting crunch of honey graham crackers. This no-bake dessert features a smooth, peanut butter-infused cheesecake filling, nestled atop a crisp crust, and finished with a playful topping of peanut butter and strawberry jelly. Each bite offers a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors, making it an irresistible treat for all occasions.
Why You'll Love This: These cheesecake bars are a dream come true for peanut butter and jelly lovers, delivering a gourmet twist on the classic flavor combination. The use of coconut milk in the filling adds a subtle tropical hint, enhancing the overall taste and texture of the dessert. Easy to prepare and even easier to love, these bars require no baking, making them perfect for warm weather gatherings or when you want a decadent treat without turning on the oven.
Perfect Occasion: Ideal for picnics, potlucks, and family gatherings, these cheesecake bars are a surefire hit. They make a fabulous dessert for celebrations like birthdays, anniversaries, or any festive occasion. Serve them at your next summer BBQ or bring them along to a holiday party for a sweet surprise that guests will rave about.
Decoration Tips: To elevate the presentation, consider using a fine mesh sieve to sprinkle a light layer of powdered sugar over the bars before adding the peanut butter and jelly topping. For a more dramatic effect, drizzle melted chocolate over the top, followed by the peanut butter and jelly. Add a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh strawberries for a burst of color and freshness just before serving.
Ingredients:
- Layer 1:
- 10-12 honey graham crackers
- 10 tablespoons melted butter
- Layer 2:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup full-fat coconut milk (or heavy cream)
- 4 tablespoons creamy salted peanut butter
- For Topping:
- Crushed graham crackers
- Peanut butter
- Strawberry jelly
- Prepare the Crust:
- In a food processor, combine the graham crackers and melted butter. Pulse until you achieve a fine, crumbly texture.
- Press this mixture firmly into a parchment-lined baking dish to form an even layer.
- Place the dish in the freezer to firm up the crust while you prepare the next layer.
- Make the Cheesecake Layer:
- Clean the food processor, then add the cream cheese, powdered sugar, coconut milk, and peanut butter.
- Whip these ingredients until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Remove the crust from the freezer and evenly spread the cheesecake mixture over the top.
- Freeze to Set:
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap and return it to the freezer. Allow the cheesecake to set for a few hours or overnight.
- Add the Toppings and Serve:
- Just before serving, sprinkle the top with crushed graham crackers.
- Drizzle peanut butter and dollop strawberry jelly across the surface. Use a skewer or the tip of a knife to swirl the jelly into an attractive pattern.
- Slice into bars and serve chilled.
Enjoy these luscious Peanut Butter Strawberry Cheesecake Bars, a delightful treat that combines nostalgic flavors with a modern twist, guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your guests!