Decadent Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake Squares: The Ultimate Party Dessert Recipe

Can you believe how quickly time flies? It feels like just yesterday we were enjoying the first whispers of summer, perhaps even picking fresh strawberries or celebrating Father’s Day with loved ones. Now, the anticipation of July is in the air, bringing with it the joyous spirit of the 4th of July for my American friends, and Canada Day for my wonderful Canadian companions! Holidays are synonymous with gatherings, laughter, and, most importantly, delicious food. That’s why the Holiday Food Bloggers are back, ready to inspire your celebrations with a fresh batch of irresistible sweet treats.

For my contribution, I’m thrilled to present these spectacular Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake Squares. Because, let’s be honest, what’s a party without a show-stopping cheesecake? While I briefly considered creating something in the traditional red, white, and blue theme, my culinary muse had other plans. Instead, I surrendered to a powerful craving and crafted these exquisite squares: perfectly layered chocolate and peanut butter cheesecake, all resting on a rich, crunchy Oreo crust, and crowned with miniature peanut butter cups. It’s a dessert that not only satisfies a sweet tooth but also brings a touch of pure indulgence to any festive table.

The Irresistible Inspiration: From Nutella to Peanut Butter Perfection

The journey to these delightful Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake Squares began with a simple yet brilliant idea: layered cheesecake squares. I first encountered this concept with a Nutella cheesecake, and my mind immediately started buzzing with possibilities. Nutella, with its wonderfully spreadable and creamy consistency, shares a similar texture profile with classic peanut butter. This realization sparked the idea for a delicious swap, knowing that the rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter would be a phenomenal complement to a creamy cheesecake base.

But why stop there? To elevate this dessert to truly legendary status, I decided to incorporate chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups directly into the topping. The combination of the smooth, velvety cheesecake layers with the distinct crunch and unparalleled flavor of those iconic peanut butter cups creates a textural and taste sensation that is simply unmatched. (And let’s be real, when you think “peanut butter cup,” doesn’t Reese’s instantly come to mind? They truly set the gold standard!)

Party-Perfect Portions: Why Squares Win Every Time

When it comes to bringing food to a party, practicality is key. I always aim to prepare something that can be easily served and enjoyed, minimizing fuss for both the host and the guests. This is precisely where cheesecake squares shine. Imagine the scene at a bustling gathering: people mingling, plates already laden with an array of delicious appetizers and side dishes. Trying to neatly slice and serve a traditional round cheesecake can often be a cumbersome task, leading to awkward maneuvering and sometimes, a bit of a mess.

However, with these pre-portioned cheesecake squares, the experience is entirely different. Guests can effortlessly pick up a single square, placing it gracefully on their plate without any struggle or fear of imbalance. It’s a small detail, but it makes a big difference in the flow and enjoyment of a party. The convenience factor of these squares ensures that everyone can easily indulge in a taste of heaven without the usual cheesecake-serving dilemmas. Of course, if you’re like me and can’t get enough, you might find yourself reaching for more than just one square – but that’s a different, wonderfully delicious story entirely!

Baking Beyond Celebration: Finding Joy and Belonging in the Kitchen

While these cheesecake squares are undoubtedly perfect for any celebration, their creation doesn’t necessarily require a special occasion. Despite some raised eyebrows – like that of a coworker who once questioned why I bake dessert “for the hell of it” – the act of baking holds a profound personal significance for me. To be honest, I find it quite amusing when someone questions the motive behind free, delicious food! Do they realize how many people would enthusiastically “fight” for a slice, or rather, a square, of homemade cheesecake?

For me, baking is much more than just preparing a sweet treat; it’s a powerful and therapeutic outlet. It’s where I find solace and bring order to the swirling chaos of thoughts and ideas in my head. In a world where I sometimes feel misunderstood, especially in the workplace, the kitchen becomes my sanctuary. The rhythmic process of measuring, mixing, and creating, coupled with the joy of sharing my creations through blogging, provides a deep sense of belonging and purpose. It’s a way to express myself, connect with others, and contribute something delightful to the world. So, whether there’s a holiday on the calendar or simply a need for a moment of peace, I’ll keep baking!

The Decadent Details: Crafting Layers of Flavor and Texture

Let’s talk about the magic within these squares. Each bite is a symphony of textures and flavors, starting with the foundation: a robust and perfectly crumbly Oreo crust. This dark, chocolatey base provides a delightful contrast to the creamy fillings above. On top of this, you’ll find two distinct, yet harmoniously blended, cheesecake layers. The first is a luscious peanut butter cheesecake, offering that distinctive nutty, slightly salty sweetness that we all adore. Then, carefully spread atop, is a rich and smooth chocolate cheesecake layer, delivering a deep cocoa indulgence.

The genius of these squares lies in the balance. The slight bitterness of the dark chocolate in the Oreo crust, the creamy, comforting sweetness of the peanut butter, and the decadent depth of the chocolate cheesecake all come together in a way that truly excites the palate. And of course, the grand finale: a generous sprinkling of chopped peanut butter cups. These morsels melt slightly as the cheesecake bakes, infusing the top layer with even more peanut butter goodness and adding a wonderful, chewy texture. Every square is a testament to the power of classic flavor combinations, elevated to a truly luxurious dessert experience.

Now, for the moment you’ve been waiting for… you may now lick the screen (metaphorically, of course)!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake Squares

Yield:
16 squares

These decadent Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake Squares feature a crunchy Oreo crust, creamy layers of chocolate and peanut butter cheesecake, and a generous topping of chopped peanut butter cups. They’re easy to serve and perfect for any party or gathering!

Ingredients

• 2 cups Oreo crumbs
• 4 tablespoons butter, melted
• 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 2 ounces semisweet chocolate, melted
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1 cup chopped peanut butter cups

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325F degrees. Line an 8×8 pan with parchment paper (or lightly grease the pan). This ensures easy removal of the baked cheesecake.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together the Oreo crumbs and melted butter until well combined. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan, forming a firm crust. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is set and slightly fragrant. Allow it to cool completely before adding the filling.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until the mixture is beautifully creamy and smooth, typically 2-3 minutes. Incorporate the eggs one at a time, beating just until smooth after each addition – be careful not to overmix. Finally, beat in the heavy cream and vanilla extract until just combined.
4. Carefully remove half of the prepared cheesecake batter and place it into a separate bowl. To this half, beat in the melted semisweet chocolate until it is thoroughly blended and uniform in color. Set this chocolate batter aside.
5. With the remaining half of the batter in the main bowl, beat in the peanut butter until it is completely smooth and fully incorporated. Spread this peanut butter batter evenly over the cooled Oreo crust. Next, gently spread the chocolate batter on top of the peanut butter layer, creating a beautiful two-toned effect. Finish by sprinkling the chopped peanut butter cups generously over the top of the chocolate layer. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center still has a slight jiggle. Let the cheesecake cool completely to room temperature, then chill it in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours, or ideally, overnight, for the best texture and flavor.

Notes

For the smoothest cheesecake, ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature. Avoid overmixing the batter once the eggs are added, as this can introduce too much air and lead to cracks. Chilling the cheesecake thoroughly is crucial for setting and easy slicing into perfect squares. Store any leftover squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze individual squares for a longer treat!

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This delightful recipe was adapted from Tide and Thyme, where the initial inspiration for layered cheesecake bars began. It’s wonderful how a single idea can spark so many delicious variations!

More Indulgent Recipes From My Kitchen

If you’ve fallen in love with these Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake Squares and crave more of that irresistible chocolate-peanut butter combination, you’re in luck! Here are a few more fan-favorite recipes from my collection that I’m sure you’ll enjoy:

• Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Texas Sheet Cake: A classic sheet cake elevated with everyone’s favorite candy.
• Reese’s Pieces Chocolate Peanut Butter Blondies: Chewy, sweet, and bursting with colorful peanut butter candy.
• Peanut Butter Cup Bars: A simpler, yet equally satisfying bar version of this beloved flavor pairing.

Join the Celebration: The Holiday Food Bloggers Collaboration

What truly makes any party special isn’t just the food, but the wonderful company you share it with. And boy, do I have some truly awesome friends and talented fellow bloggers! I had the immense pleasure of teaming up with this group of passionate food creators, all of whom share a deep love for developing and sharing the best recipes. This collaboration brought us together to bring you a diverse and delicious spread of holiday eats, perfect for your upcoming celebrations. Explore their incredible contributions below and find even more inspiration for your festive table:

1. Berry Cheesecake Crumb Tart from Hungry Couple NYC
2. California Burgers from That Skinny Chick Can Bake
3. 4th of July Ice Cream Cones from Roxana’s Home Baking
4. Red, White & Blueberry Parfaits from Cravings of a Lunatic
5. Red, White & Blue Deviled Eggs from Created by Diane
6. Summer Berry Pizza from Magnolia Days
7. Sparkling Pineapple Cake Martini from The Messy Baker (site gone)
8. Red, White & Bleu Mac ‘N Cheese from Juanita’s Cocina
9. Red, White & Blue Vanilla Bean Spritzers from Pineapple and Coconut
10. Red, White & Blue S’mores Pies from Big Bears Wife
11. Lemon Raspberry Sugarless Cookies from What Smells so Good
12. Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake Squares (that’s me!)
13.Berry Trifle (link gone)
14. Watermelon Mojito Ice Pops (link gone)

I hope these Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake Squares bring as much joy to your celebrations as they did to mine. Their perfect balance of rich chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and crunchy Oreo crust, all topped with those irresistible peanut butter cups, makes them an unforgettable dessert. Happy baking, and happy holidays!