These Peanut Butter & Bacon Cheesecake Fudge Bars are the ultimate sweet and savory mashup that will have your taste buds dancing with delight. Imagine a rich, creamy cheesecake layer infused with peanut butter, crowned with a decadent fudgy topping, and sprinkled with crispy, smoky bacon bits. It’s a flavor explosion that will leave you craving more.
Why You’ll Love This Peanut Butter & Bacon Cheesecake Fudge Bars
These bars are a delightful combination of salty and sweet, with a velvety smooth texture that will melt in your mouth. The peanut butter lends a creamy, indulgent flavor, while the crispy bacon adds a zesty, savory element that perfectly complements the sweetness. It’s a cozy, comforting dessert that’s sure to become a new family favorite.
Ingredients
The key ingredients for these Peanut Butter & Bacon Cheesecake Fudge Bars are cream cheese, peanut butter, sugar, eggs, and a few pantry staples. The fudgy topping is made with melted chocolate, butter, and more peanut butter, while the smoky bacon bits add the perfect finishing touch.
- 8 oz (226 g) – Cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) – Peanut butter
- 3/4 cup (150 g) – Granulated sugar
- 2 – Eggs
- 1/2 tsp – Vanilla extract
Ingredient Substitutions
- Peanut Butter: You can use smooth or crunchy peanut butter, depending on your preference.
- Bacon: Substitute the bacon with chopped pecans or walnuts for a nutty crunch.
How to Make Peanut Butter & Bacon Cheesecake Fudge Bars
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Step 1: Prep Work
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add in the sugar, eggs, and peanut butter, mixing until well combined.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Pour the cheesecake batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the center is almost set. Allow the cheesecake to cool completely before topping it with the fudgy layer.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
In a saucepan, melt the chocolate and butter together, then stir in the peanut butter until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Spread the fudgy topping over the cooled cheesecake and sprinkle with the crispy bacon bits.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Chill the bars in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours, or until the fudge layer is set, then cut into squares and serve.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Peanut Flavor Boost: For an extra burst of peanut flavor, you can swirl in some chopped peanuts or peanut butter chips into the cheesecake batter.
- Chocolate Lovers: You can also drizzle the bars with melted chocolate or dust them with cocoa powder for a richer chocolate experience.
- Crunchy Topping: Add a sprinkle of chopped peanuts or crushed pretzels on top of the fudgy layer for an extra layer of texture.
- Dietary Swaps: Use dairy-free cream cheese and vegan chocolate to make this recipe suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: A scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a sprinkle of chopped peanuts.
Storage: These Peanut Butter & Bacon Cheesecake Fudge Bars can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
Reheat: For best results, serve the bars chilled.
Make-Ahead: These bars can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Nutrition Information
These bars are a rich and indulgent treat, but a small square goes a long way in satisfying your sweet and savory cravings. Each serving provides a satisfying dose of protein and healthy fats from the peanut butter and cream cheese.
- Serving Size: 1 bar (1/16 of recipe)
- Calories: 270 kcal
- Protein: 5 g
- Carbs: 20 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! These bars can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Can I use a different type of nut butter?
Absolutely! You can use any nut butter you prefer, such as almond or cashew butter, in place of the peanut butter.
How do I get the fudgy topping to set properly?
Make sure to chill the bars in the refrigerator until the fudgy topping is set, usually about 2-3 hours.
Can I use pre-cooked bacon?
Yes, you can use pre-cooked bacon for a quicker assembly. Just be sure to chop or crumble it before sprinkling it over the top.
Can I freeze these bars?
Yes, you can freeze the bars for up to 3 months. Just be sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
Try These Next
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- pumpkin spice maple bacon cheesecake bars
- pumpkin spice bacon cheesecake swirl bars
Peanut Butter & Bacon Cheesecake Fudge Bars
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 120 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: 🍰 Sweet & Savory Mashups
- Method: No Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Peanut Butter & Bacon Cheesecake Fudge Bars combine the rich flavors of peanut butter and cream cheese with the savory crunch of bacon, creating a sweet and savory treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
• 1 cup peanut butter
• 1 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup bacon bits, cooked and crumbled
• 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
1. 1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, cream cheese, and powdered sugar. Mix until smooth.
2. 2. Add the cocoa powder, crumbled bacon, graham cracker crumbs, chocolate chips, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until well combined.
3. 3. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Spread the fudge mixture evenly in the pan.
4. 4. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until set.
5. 5. Once set, remove from the pan and cut into bars. Enjoy!
Notes
• For extra flavor, consider drizzling the bars with melted chocolate before serving.
• Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: peanut butter, bacon, fudge, dessert, cheesecake