Looking for a sweet treat that combines rich cheesecake with the iconic flavors of Snickers? You’re in for a real treat! My Snickers Cheesecake Bars are not only easy to make, but they also deliver a burst of creamy, chocolatey goodness in every bite. This delightful dessert is perfect for any occasion, and I’ll guide you through each simple step. Let's dive into this delicious recipe that you won't want to miss!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Decadent Flavor: The combination of cream cheese, Snickers, and chocolate creates a rich and indulgent dessert that satisfies any sweet tooth.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these cheesecake bars are perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
- Perfect for Sharing: Cut into bite-sized squares, these bars are great for parties, potlucks, or any gathering where you want to impress your friends and family.
- Garnish Options: The addition of chocolate sauce and peanuts not only enhances the flavor but also adds a beautiful presentation to your dessert.
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup Snickers bars, chopped
- 1/2 cup roasted peanuts, chopped
- 1/4 cup chocolate sauce
To make Snickers cheesecake bars, start with the right ingredients. You will need graham cracker crumbs for the crust. Butter adds richness and helps hold the crust together. Cream cheese gives the bars their creamy texture. Powdered sugar sweetens the filling, while vanilla adds flavor.
Next, use eggs for binding the mixture. Heavy cream adds a velvety touch. Chopped Snickers bars are the star of this recipe, bringing chocolate and caramel goodness. Roasted peanuts add crunch and a nutty taste. Finally, chocolate sauce is perfect for drizzling on top.
Gather these ingredients before you start. This helps you stay organized and ensures you have everything you need. Each ingredient plays a key role in creating a rich and creamy delight that is sure to impress.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat and Prepare the Pan
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Grease an 8x8 inch baking pan with cooking spray.
Create the Crust
- In a medium bowl, mix 1 cup of graham cracker crumbs with 1/4 cup of melted butter.
- Stir until it looks like wet sand.
- Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the pan.
- Bake the crust for about 10 minutes. Let it cool.
Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
- In a large bowl, beat 2 packages of softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Gradually add in 1 cup of powdered sugar. Keep mixing until no lumps remain.
Incorporate Eggs and Heavy Cream
- Add 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract to the cream cheese.
- Mix well, then add 2 large eggs, one at a time.
- Scrape the bowl's sides to blend evenly after each egg.
- Pour in 1/2 cup of heavy cream and mix until just combined.
- Fold in 1 cup of chopped Snickers bars gently.
Bake the Cheesecake Bars
- Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust.
- Use a spatula to smooth the top.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the center is slightly jiggly but set.
- Turn off the oven and leave the door ajar for 1 hour to cool.
Chill and Serve
- After cooling, put the cheesecake in the fridge for at least 4 hours.
- Use the parchment overhang to lift it from the pan.
- Cut into squares for serving.
- Drizzle each bar with chocolate sauce and sprinkle with chopped peanuts for garnish.
Tips & Tricks
Ensuring a Perfect Crust
To make a great crust, press it down firmly. This helps it hold together. Use the back of a measuring cup to press evenly. If you want, you can swap graham crackers for crushed cookies or even nuts. Just remember to adjust the butter if needed.
Making the Cheesecake Filling Smooth
When mixing cream cheese, make sure it’s softened. This will help it blend well. Start mixing on low speed. Gradually increase the speed to avoid splatters. To prevent lumps, beat the cream cheese until smooth before adding sugar. Scrape the bowl sides often for a creamy mix.
Variations for Different Flavors
Want to switch things up? Try adding other candy bars like Reese’s or Milky Way. Chop them into small pieces and mix them in. You can also add flavored extracts. Almond or coconut extracts can give a fun twist to the cheesecake. Just add a small amount, about half a teaspoon, to start.
Pro Tips
- Chill for Best Results: Allow the cheesecake bars to chill overnight for optimal texture and flavor. This extra time helps the flavors meld beautifully and results in a firmer cheesecake.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature before mixing. This will help achieve a smoother batter and prevent lumps in your cheesecake.
- Don’t Overmix: When incorporating the eggs and heavy cream, mix just until combined. Overmixing can introduce too much air, leading to cracks in your cheesecake.
- Garnish Just Before Serving: Drizzle the chocolate sauce and sprinkle the chopped peanuts on the bars right before serving to maintain their crunch and visual appeal.
Variations
Nut-Free Version
If you want a nut-free version of Snickers cheesecake bars, there are great options. You can swap out the roasted peanuts for sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds. These seeds add crunch without using nuts. If allergies are a concern, just leave the nuts out entirely. The bars will still taste amazing without them.
Gluten-Free Version
To make gluten-free Snickers cheesecake bars, start with gluten-free graham crackers. Many brands offer these, and they work just like regular ones. You can also use almond flour mixed with melted butter. This will create a tasty crust too. Just ensure all your other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
No-Bake Snickers Cheesecake
For a no-bake version, you can skip the oven entirely. Instead of baking the crust, chill it in the fridge for 30 minutes. Prepare the filling as usual, but add more heavy cream for a lighter texture. Once mixed, pour the filling over the crust. Chill it for at least 4 hours or overnight. This method gives you a creamy, rich treat without any baking!
Storage Info
Proper Refrigeration
To store leftover bars, place them in an airtight container. You can also cover them with plastic wrap. This helps keep them fresh and tasty. If stored this way, they last for up to one week in the fridge.
Freezing Snickers Cheesecake Bars
For freezing, cut the cheesecake bars into squares. Wrap each square in plastic wrap tightly. Then, put them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This keeps them from freezer burn. They can stay frozen for up to three months.
To thaw, simply take them out and place them in the fridge overnight. This helps them regain their creamy texture. You can also leave them at room temperature for a couple of hours. Enjoy your delicious bars anytime!
FAQs
Can I use other candy bars instead of Snickers?
Yes, you can use other candy bars! Try Milky Way, Reese’s, or Twix. Each adds a fun twist to the bars. Just chop them up as you would the Snickers. You will still enjoy a creamy and rich dessert.
What can I substitute for cream cheese?
You can use mascarpone cheese or Greek yogurt. Both options offer a similar texture. If you want a lighter version, Greek yogurt works well. Keep in mind, this may change the flavor slightly.
How long do these bars need to chill?
Chill the bars for at least four hours. For best results, overnight chilling is ideal. This helps the bars set properly. They become firmer and easier to cut.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely, making these bars ahead of time is a great idea! You can prepare them a day or two before serving. Just store them in the fridge until you're ready to enjoy them.
What’s the best way to cut cheesecake bars?
To cut the bars, use a sharp knife. Clean the knife between cuts for neat pieces. You can also run the knife under hot water for easier slicing. This helps create clean edges and a beautiful presentation.
In this blog post, we explored how to make delicious Snickers cheesecake bars. We covered the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for a perfect dessert. Remember to prepare your crust well and mix your filling until smooth. You can even try different flavors or variations. These bars are easy to make and will impress anyone. Enjoy your tasty treat and share it with friends and family!
