Reese’s Butterfinger Cheesecake Bars – Decadent Dessert

Craving a Dessert That Hits All the Right Notes?

Are you someone who dreams in layers of creamy, crunchy, sweet, and salty? If your answer is a resounding “yes,” then you’re in for an absolute treat! Today, we’re diving headfirst into a dessert phenomenon: Reese’s Butterfinger Cheesecake Bars. This isn’t just any cheesecake; it’s a delightful fusion of two iconic candy bar flavors – the irresistible peanut butter cups of Reese’s and the uniquely crispy, flaky goodness of Butterfinger – all swirled into a decadent cheesecake base. Imagine a buttery graham cracker crust, a velvety smooth cheesecake filling studded with chopped candy, and a topping that’s pure indulgence. This recipe is designed to be accessible, impressive, and utterly delicious, perfect for any occasion, from a casual weeknight treat to a show-stopping dessert for your next party.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather your ingredients and let’s get baking! We’ve aimed for a balanced combination that lets the peanut butter and chocolate shine through.

For the Graham Cracker Crust:

• 2 cups Graham Cracker Crumbs (about 10-12 full crackers) – The foundation of our delightful bar.
• 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the crust just right.
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) Unsalted Butter, melted – Binds everything together and adds richness.

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 3 (8-ounce) blocks Cream Cheese, softened to room temperature – The creamy heart of our cheesecake. Ensure it’s truly soft for a smooth texture!
• 1 cup Granulated Sugar – Balances the tanginess of the cream cheese.
• 2 Large Eggs, at room temperature – Helps bind the filling and adds richness.
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract – Enhances all the other flavors.
• 1/2 cup Sour Cream or Full-Fat Greek Yogurt (optional, for extra creaminess) – Adds a lovely tang and silken texture.

For the Candy Bar Swirls:

• 4-5 King Size Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, chopped – The classic peanut butter chocolatey goodness.
• 2-3 King Size Butterfinger Bars, chopped – For that irresistible crispy, flaky texture and peanut butter-chocolate flavor.
• 1/4 cup Milk Chocolate Chips (optional) – For an extra layer of chocolatey depth.

For the Topping (Optional):

• Melted Chocolate or Chocolate Ganache
• Chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups or Butterfinger pieces

Substitutions & Tips:

• Crust: If you don’t have graham crackers, digestive biscuits or shortbread cookies can work as a base.
• Cream Cheese: Full-fat brick cream cheese yields the best results. Avoid cream cheese spread in a tub as it can make the filling too soft.
• Candy: Feel free to adjust the ratio of Reese’s to Butterfinger based on your preference. You can also use mini versions if that’s what you have on hand.
• Flavor Boost: A pinch of salt can enhance the sweet and salty notes.

Timing is Everything

Compared to a traditional baked cheesecake that can take over an hour to bake and then several hours to chill, these bars offer a quicker path to indulgence. The shorter baking time is ideal for creating bars, and the chilling is essential for them to set up perfectly for slicing.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s get these amazing bars into your kitchen! Here’s how we bring together the magic of Reese’s and Butterfinger in a cheesecake form.

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy lifting. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and granulated sugar. Pour the melted butter over the dry ingredients and stir until well combined and the crumbs are evenly moistened. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Bake for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden. Let it cool slightly while you prepare the filling.

Step 2: Mix the Cream Cheese Base

In a large bowl (or the bowl of a stand mixer), beat the softened cream cheese until it’s completely smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps. Gradually add the granulated sugar and beat until well combined and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing just until each is incorporated. Don’t overmix here! Stir in the vanilla extract and the sour cream (if using). The batter should be smooth and luscious.

Step 3: Incorporate the Reese’s and Butterfinger

Gently fold about two-thirds of the chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and Butterfinger bars into the cream cheese mixture. You can also fold in the milk chocolate chips here if you’re using them. This adds lovely pockets of candy throughout the cheesecake.

Step 4: Assemble the Bars

Pour the cream cheese filling evenly over the pre-baked crust. Now, take the remaining chopped candy pieces and sprinkle them over the top of the cheesecake filling. You can also gently swirl them in with a knife for a marbled effect, if you like, but don’t over-swirl as you want distinct pieces.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is just slightly jiggly when gently shaken. Be careful not to overbake, as this can lead to a dry cheesecake.

Step 6: Chill and Set

Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack at room temperature. Once cooled, cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This is crucial for the cheesecake to fully set and develop its signature creamy texture.

Step 7: Decorate (Optional but Recommended!)

Once chilled and set, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the cheesecake from the pan. Drizzle with melted chocolate or ganache, and sprinkle with additional chopped Reese’s and Butterfinger pieces. Slice into bars using a sharp knife (wiping it clean between cuts for neat edges). Enjoy!

Nutritional Snapshot

Please note that nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.

• Calories: Approx. 350-450 per bar (depending on size and toppings)
• Fat: Approx. 25-35g
• Carbohydrates: Approx. 30-40g
• Protein: Approx. 5-8g
• Sugar: Approx. 25-35g

Slightly Healthier Alternatives

While this is undeniably a decadent treat, here are a few tweaks if you’re looking for something a *little* lighter without sacrificing too much flavor:

• Crust: Use fewer graham crackers, or consider a base made with almond flour and a touch of sweetener for a lower-carb option.
• Sweetener: You can slightly reduce the sugar in the crust and filling, or experiment with a natural sweetener like maple syrup (though this may affect texture; use sparingly).
• Candy: Use smaller amounts of actual candy, or opt for dark chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate. Consider a peanut butter powder mixed into a healthier frosting for a similar flavor profile.
• Cream Cheese: Replace some of the cream cheese with Neufchâtel cheese, which has a similar flavor but is lower in fat.

Serving Suggestions

These Reese’s Butterfinger Cheesecake Bars are fantastic on their own as a rich, satisfying dessert. For an extra indulgence, consider serving them slightly chilled with:

• A dollop of whipped cream.
• A drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce.
• A few extra sprinkles of chopped candy.
• A small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.

They also make for a fantastic addition to any dessert buffet or potluck.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your cheesecake bars turn out perfectly every time, keep these common pitfalls in mind:

• Overmixing the Filling: Overbeating the cream cheese mixture after adding the eggs can incorporate too much air, leading to cracks in the cheesecake as it bakes and cools.
• Using Cold Cream Cheese: Warm or cold cream cheese won’t emulsify properly, resulting in a lumpy filling. Always ensure it’s at room temperature.
• Overbaking: A slightly jiggly center is what you’re aiming for. Overbaking will dry out the cheesecake.
• Not Chilling Long Enough: Patience is key! The chilling period is essential for the cheesecake to set and achieve its creamy texture. Do not rush this step.

Storing Your Delicious Bars

Like most cheesecakes, these bars are best stored in the refrigerator. Keep them in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap. They will remain delicious for up to 4-5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them!

Freezing: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Your New Favorite Dessert Awaits!

There you have it – Reese’s Butterfinger Cheesecake Bars! A truly sensational dessert that marries the beloved flavors of two iconic candies with the creamy luxury of cheesecake. These bars are incredibly satisfying, surprisingly easy to make, and guaranteed to be a hit with anyone who tries them. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of these candies or just a cheesecake enthusiast looking for a new adventure, this recipe is a winner. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a dessert that’s simply irresistible.

Let us know in the comments below if you try this recipe and what you think! We love hearing from you!

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