Description
Thick peanut butter cheesecake filling on top of a salty pretzel crust, stuffed with Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, and a chocolate drizzle on top.
Ingredients
Pretzel Crust
- 1 and 1/2 cups (120g) very finely ground salty pretzels (about 3 cups whole pretzels)
- 3 Tablespoons (35g) granulated sugar
- 7 Tablespoons (99g) unsalted butter, melted
Peanut Butter Cheesecake Filling
- 16 ounces (452g) full-fat brick cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (125g) creamy peanut butter
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 10 regular sized Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, chopped (or 20 small)
Chocolate Drizzle
- 1 Tablespoon (15g) creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup (45g) chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Line bottom and sides of an 8-inch or 9-inch square baking pan with aluminum foil, leaving an overhang on all sides. Set aside.
- For the crust: In a food processor or blender, pulse salty pretzels into a fine crumb. See photo above for how it will look. Stir the pretzel crumbs, sugar, and melted butter together in a medium sized bowl. Press evenly into the lined pan. Bake for 10-12 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to slightly cool as you prepare the filling.
- For the filling: Beat cream cheese, egg, sugar, peanut butter, and vanilla extract together with a hand or stand mixer until smooth and creamy, about 3 full minutes. Fold in the chopped Reese’s cups and spread the mixture over crust. Bake for 28-32 minutes, or until the cheesecake has set up and the edges are lightly browned. Allow to cool completely in the refrigerator for at least three hours. Lift the foil out of the pan and cut into squares.
- For the drizzle: Melt the peanut butter and chocolate chips together in a small bowl in the microwave. Stir until smooth and drizzle over squares.
- Store bars in a covered container for up to 10 days in the refrigerator.
Notes
- Special Tools (affiliate links): 8-inch Square Baking Pan or 9-inch Square Baking Pan | Food Processor/Blender | Glass Mixing Bowl | Electric Mixer (Handheld or Stand)
- Double Batch: Recipe can easily be doubled and baked in a 9×13-inch pan. Baking time will vary, about 45-55 minutes.