What happens when peanut butter cups meet crunchy Butterfinger bars in a rich cheesecake filling? A game changing dessert is born, thanks to these easy homemade cheesecake bars featuring a velvety smooth Reese’s infused center and a crunchy pecan crust. Save this idea for your next family favorite dessert night.

reese’s butterfingerer cheesecake bars are stacked on top of each other

Introduction

Imagine a dessert that combines the creamy richness of cheesecake, the crunch of Butterfinger, and the unmistakable taste of Reese’s, all in perfectly stacked bars. This innovative dessert is not only a feast for the eyes, but it’s also surprisingly easy to make, using everyday ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. The best part? It’s incredibly versatile, allowing you to experiment with different flavors and textures to make it your own. Whether you’re a fan of peanut butter, a lover of cheesecake, or just someone who appreciates the beauty of a well-crafted dessert, these Reese’s Butterfinger cheesecake bars are sure to impress.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The combination of Reese’s and Butterfinger provides a perfect balance of peanut butter and crunchy candy, while the cheesecake adds a creamy element. All the ingredients are easily found in most grocery stores, making this dessert accessible to anyone.
• Ease of preparation: Despite its impressive appearance, this dessert is relatively simple to prepare. It requires minimal cooking and can be assembled in a straightforward manner, making it perfect for beginners or those short on time.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: The stacked presentation of these bars makes them look like they were prepared by a professional pastry chef, but the truth is, they require very little effort to achieve such an impressive result. This makes them ideal for special occasions or as a centerpiece for any dessert table.

Key Ingredients

To make these Reese’s Butterfinger cheesecake bars, you’ll need a few key ingredients. First, you’ll need a package of Butterfinger candy bars, which will be crushed and used both in the crust and as a topping. Next, you’ll need Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, which will be chopped and mixed into the cheesecake batter for an intense peanut butter flavor. For the cheesecake itself, you’ll need cream cheese, eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract. Finally, for the crust, you’ll need graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and a bit of sugar. Practical substitutions can be made for some of these ingredients; for example, you could use a different type of candy bar or nuts for added crunch in the crust.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, prepare your crust by mixing together the! graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and a bit of sugar in a bowl until well combined. Press this mixture into the bottom of a lined or greased 8×8 inch baking dish.
2. Step 2: Next, prepare your cheesecake batter. In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until it’s smooth, then add in the eggs one at a time, followed by the sugar and vanilla extract. Once the batter is smooth, fold in the chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.
3. Step 3: Pour the cheesecake batter over the prepared crust and smooth out the top. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is just slightly jiggly. Allow the cheesecake to cool completely in the pan.
4. Step 4: Once the cheesecake is cool, it’s time to assemble the bars. Cut the cheesecake into bars, then top each bar with a piece of Butterfinger candy bar. You can also drizzle with melted chocolate or caramel for extra flavor and visual appeal.

Handy Tips

• To ensure the cheesecake sets properly, don’t overmix the batter, and make sure to not open the oven door during the baking time. If you find that your cheesecake is cracking, it might be due to overbaking or sudden temperature changes.

Heat Control

For this recipe, heat control is crucial, especially when baking the cheesecake. The ideal temperature is 350°F (175°C), and the cheesecake should be baked for 25-30 minutes. It’s done when the edges are set, and the center is just slightly jiggly. Overbaking can lead to a dry cheesecake, so keep an eye on it towards the end of the baking time.

Crunch Factor

The crunch factor in these bars comes from the Butterfinger candy bars and the graham cracker crust. To achieve the perfect crunch, make sure the crust is pressed firmly into the pan and baked until it’s lightly browned. For the Butterfinger topping, you can crush the candy bars into smaller pieces for a more textured top or leave them in larger pieces for a more pronounced crunch.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• One pro trick for making these bars look even more professional is to use a sharp knife to cut them. This will give you clean edges and prevent the cheesecake from tearing. Another trick is to chill the bars in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together and the textures to set.

Storage Tips

• These bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you want to freeze them, it’s best to do so before adding the chocolate or caramel drizzle. Simply place the bars in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 2 months. To serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then drizzle with your preferred topping.

Gift Packaging Ideas

These Reese’s Butterfinger cheesecake bars are perfect for gifting, especially during holidays or special occasions. To package them, consider placing each bar in a small cellophane bag and tying the top with a ribbon. You could also arrange them in a gift box or on a platter, drizzled with chocolate and sprinkled with crushed Butterfinger for a decorative touch.

Flavor Variations

• Different spices: Consider adding a pinch of salt or a teaspoon of cinnamon to the cheesecake batter for an extra depth of flavor.
• Creative toppings: Instead of using just Butterfinger, you could also top these bars with chopped nuts, sprinkles, or even a dollop of whipped cream.
• Ingredient swaps: If you’re not a fan of peanut butter, you could substitute the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups with another type of candy or nut butter.

Troubleshooting

• Texture problems: If your cheesecake turns out too dense, it might be due to overmixing the batter. If it’s too soft, it might not have baked long enough.
• Ingredient replacements: If you can’t find Butterfinger or Reese’s, you can substitute them with similar ingredients. However, keep in mind that the flavor and texture might be slightly different.
• Over/undercooking signs: Keep an eye on your cheesecake while it’s baking. If the edges start to brown too quickly, you can cover the pan with foil to prevent overbrowning.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, these bars can be frozen for up to 2 months before adding any toppings.
• Is it gluten-free? Depending on the ingredients used, this dessert can be made gluten-free by substituting the graham cracker crust with a gluten-free alternative.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can easily double or triple this recipe to make more bars. Just keep in mind that you’ll need to adjust the baking time slightly for a larger cheesecake.

Conclusion

Making Reese’s Butterfinger cheesecake bars that are stacked on top of each other is a fun and rewarding project that’s perfect for any dessert lover. With their unique combination of flavors and textures, these bars are sure to be a hit at any gathering. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and toppings 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, these bars are a great way to challenge yourself and try something new. So go ahead, get creative, and indulge in the delicious world of cheesecakes and candy bars!