Decadent Reese’s Butterfinger Cheesecake Bars

This recipe makes about 16-20 bars and is designed for a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking pan.

Ingredients:

For the Oreo Crust:

• 250 g (about 25) Oreo cookies, finely crushed (filling included)
• 80 g unsalted butter, melted

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 680 g (3 blocks) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 200 g (1 cup) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 60 ml (¼ cup) sour cream (full-fat, room temperature)
• 150 g (about 10-12 fun-size bars) Butterfinger candy bars, chopped into small pieces
• 150 g (about 10-12 fun-size cups) Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, chopped into small pieces

For the Peanut Butter Drizzle (optional):

• 60 g (¼ cup) creamy peanut butter
• 1-2 tablespoons milk
• 60 g (½ cup) powdered sugar

For the Chocolate Ganache (optional):

• 100 g semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 60 ml (¼ cup) heavy cream

Equipment:

• 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking pan
• Parchment paper or aluminum foil
• Large mixing bowl
• Electric mixer (stand mixer or hand mixer)
• Rubber spatula
• Small microwave-safe bowls for melting/mixing drizzles

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Oreo Crust:

• Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F).
• Line the 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil, leaving an overhang on the sides to easily lift the bars out later. Lightly grease the paper/foil if desired.
• In a medium bowl, combine the finely crushed Oreo crumbs with the melted butter. Mix until well combined and the crumbs are moistened.
• Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
• Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack while you prepare the filling. Reduce oven temperature to 160°C (325°F).

2. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:

• In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. Make sure there are no lumps.
• Gradually add the granulated sugar and continue beating until well combined and fluffy, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
• Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing just until each egg is incorporated before adding the next. Do not overmix.
• Stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream until just combined.
• Gently fold in the chopped Butterfinger and Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups by hand with a rubber spatula.

3. Assemble and Bake the Cheesecake Bars:

• Pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled Oreo crust in the prepared pan. Spread evenly.
• Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center still has a slight jiggle when gently shaken. Overbaking can lead to cracks.
• Turn off the oven, crack the oven door slightly, and let the cheesecake cool in the oven for 1 hour. This helps prevent cracking.
• Remove the pan from the oven and let the cheesecake cool completely at room temperature on a wire rack.
• Once cool, cover the pan loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, until fully chilled and set.

4. Prepare the Drizzles (Optional, for topping):

• For the Peanut Butter Drizzle: In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter and milk. Microwave in 15-second intervals, stirring after each, until smooth and pourable. Stir in the powdered sugar until smooth.
• For the Chocolate Ganache: In a small heatproof bowl, place the chocolate chips. Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to simmer (don’t boil). Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips. Let stand for 5 minutes, then whisk until smooth and glossy.

5. Finish and Serve:

• Once the cheesecake is fully chilled, use the parchment paper/foil overhang to carefully lift it out of the pan onto a cutting board.
• If using, drizzle the cooled cheesecake with the peanut butter drizzle and chocolate ganache.
• Cut into squares or bars. For clean cuts, wipe your knife with a warm, damp cloth between each slice.

These Reese’s Butterfinger Cheesecake Bars are a truly indulgent and satisfying dessert for any chocolate and peanut butter lover. Enjoy every rich, sweet, and crunchy bite!