Peanut Butter Butterscotch Cheesecake Bars
Creamy peanut butter and butterscotch flavors combine in these rich cheesecake bars, perfect for dessert lovers seeking a sweet, nutty treat with a crunchy graham cracker crust.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (325°F for glass pan).
- In a medium saucepan, melt butterscotch bits, peanut butter bits, and margarine, stirring until smooth.
- Mix in the graham cracker crumbs and chopped walnuts.
- Press half of the mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 13 x 9-inch pan to form the crust.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until fluffy.
- Add the condensed milk, vanilla, and egg; beat well until smooth.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust in the pan.
- Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture on top of the filling.
- Bake for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool at room temperature.
- Chill in the refrigerator before cutting into bars.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature before beating. You can substitute margarine with unsalted butter for a richer flavor. If you prefer a nut-free version, simply omit the walnuts or replace them with additional graham cracker crumbs. To enhance the butterscotch flavor, consider adding a pinch of sea salt to the melted mixture.
Serving Suggestions
These cheesecake bars are delicious on their own, but for an extra touch, serve them with a drizzle of chocolate sauce or a dollop of whipped cream. They pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a fun dessert platter, consider including Graham Cracker Layered Cookies or Cocoa Cheesecake Pie.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Peanut Butter Butterscotch Cheesecake Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For optimal freshness, separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. To enjoy them warm, you can reheat individual bars in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. They also taste great chilled straight from the fridge.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Peanut Butter Butterscotch Cheesecake Bars contains roughly 427 calories, with 9g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is a good source of protein (18% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (13% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular peanut butter instead of peanut butter bits?
Yes, you can use regular peanut butter in place of peanut butter bits. Just reduce the margarine slightly to maintain the right consistency, as regular peanut butter is more oily. Aim for about 1/2 cup of peanut butter, which will add a delightful creaminess to the bars.
What can I do if my bars are too soft after baking?
If your cheesecake bars are too soft, it may be due to underbaking or excess moisture. Make sure to bake until the edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle. Allow them to cool completely before chilling in the refrigerator, which will help firm them up.
Can I freeze these cheesecake bars?
Yes, these bars freeze well! To freeze, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving for the best texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).