Reese’s Butterfinger Cheesecake Bars

 

 

Quick Overview

Craving a dessert that combines the irresistible flavors of chocolate and peanut butter? Look no further than these indulgent Reese’s Butterfinger Cheesecake Bars. These delicious treats mix a creamy cheesecake layer with crunchy Butterfinger pieces on a graham cracker crust. Perfect for parties or a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your guests.

Ingredient Breakdown

Graham Cracker Crust

For the base of your cheesecake bars, you will need 1.5 cups of crushed graham crackers. This provides a buttery flavor and crunchy texture. Combine it with 0.5 cups of melted unsalted butter for richness.

Cream Cheese

You will need two packages (16 oz total) of softened cream cheese. This ingredient forms the main body of your cheesecake filling and gives it that smooth and rich consistency.

Sugar

Add 1 cup of granulated sugar to sweeten the cream cheese mixture. This balances the rich flavors and ensures your cheesecake bars taste delightful without being overly sweet.

Eggs

Incorporate three large eggs into your mixture. The eggs help bind everything together while giving the bars a light and fluffy texture when baked.

Vanilla Extract

One teaspoon of pure vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile of the cheesecake filling. It adds depth and complements the sweetness from the sugar.

Heavy Cream

Use half a cup of heavy cream to achieve that creamy texture in your cheesecake layer. This ingredient also helps create a luscious mouthfeel.

Butterfinger Candy Bars

You will need two full-sized Butterfinger candy bars (2.1 oz each) chopped into small pieces. These chunks add crunchiness and that signature peanut butter flavor throughout your cheesecake bars.

Step By Step Recipe: Reese’s Butterfinger Cheesecake Bars

Prepare the Baking Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang on the sides for easy removal once they are baked. This step ensures that your cheesecake bars come out smoothly without sticking to the pan.

Make the Graham Cracker Crust

In a medium bowl, combine 1.5 cups of crushed graham crackers with 0.5 cups of melted unsalted butter and a bit of sugar if desired. Mix until well combined, then press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan to form an even layer. Bake for about 10 minutes until slightly golden before removing from oven to cool.

Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

In a large mixing bowl, beat together two packages (16 oz) of softened cream cheese with 1 cup of granulated sugar until smooth and creamy using an electric mixer on medium speed. Add three large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition before adding one teaspoon of vanilla extract and half a cup of heavy cream to enhance texture.

Fold in Butterfinger Chunks

Once your cheesecake mixture is smooth, gently fold in chopped Butterfinger candy pieces using a spatula or wooden spoon until evenly distributed throughout the batter. This will create delightful pockets of crunchy goodness within your creamy filling.

Pour Filling Over Crust

Carefully pour the prepared cheesecake filling over your cooled graham cracker crust in the baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula to ensure uniform baking. Tap the pan lightly on the counter to release any air bubbles trapped within the mixture.

Bake Your Cheesecake Bars

Place your filled baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes until set around the edges but slightly jiggly in the center. Turn off the oven and crack open its door slightly; let them cool inside for another hour to prevent cracking before transferring outside to cool completely at room temperature.

Chill Before Serving

Once cooled entirely, cover your cheesecake bars with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least four hours or overnight before slicing into squares for serving. Chilling helps firm up their structure while enhancing their flavors further!

Serving and Storing Tips

Serving Suggestions

Cut chilled cheesecake into squares using a sharp knife for clean edges; serve them plain or top with whipped cream and extra chopped Butterfingers for an added crunch! These bars make an excellent dessert option at gatherings or special occasions due to their delicious flavor combination!

Storage Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days; keep them covered tightly so they maintain freshness! You can also freeze individual portions wrapped securely in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil—these last up to three months frozen! Thaw overnight in fridge before enjoying again!

Mistakes to avoid

One common mistake when making Reese’s Butterfinger Cheesecake Bars is not properly measuring ingredients. Accurate measurements are crucial in baking. A small deviation can lead to texture issues or an uneven flavor profile. Always use standard measuring cups and spoons for liquids and dry ingredients.

Another mistake is overmixing the cheesecake filling. Mixing too much can incorporate excess air, leading to cracks in your bars during baking. Aim for a smooth mixture without whipping too much air into it. Mix until just combined for the best results.

Failing to chill the cheesecake bars adequately before slicing is another pitfall. Patience is key; chilling allows the bars to set properly and makes slicing easier. If you cut them too soon, they might crumble or lose their shape.

Not letting your butter soften at room temperature can lead to a lumpy crust. If the butter is too cold, it won’t blend well with the other crust ingredients. Allow it to sit out for about 30 minutes before mixing for a smoother consistency.

Lastly, neglecting to line your baking pan with parchment paper can result in sticky situations. It’s essential for easy removal of the bars after they cool. Line the pan generously, allowing some overhang to lift the bars out easily.

Tips and tricks

To achieve perfect Reese’s Butterfinger Cheesecake Bars, consider using room temperature cream cheese. Cold cream cheese takes longer to blend smoothly, increasing the risk of lumps in your filling. Set your cream cheese out ahead of time so that it softens evenly, ensuring a creamy texture that blends nicely with sugar and other ingredients.

Incorporate crushed Butterfinger candy into both the cheesecake filling and as a topping for added flavor and crunch. This dual use enhances the overall taste experience while providing a consistent flavor throughout each bite. Just be sure to reserve some pieces for garnishing after baking.

Baking these cheesecake bars in a water bath can help regulate temperature and moisture during cooking. Wrap your pan in aluminum foil and place it inside a larger pan filled with hot water before putting it in the oven. This method helps prevent cracks and keeps your bars creamy.

Allow your Reese’s Butterfinger Cheesecake Bars to cool at room temperature before refrigerating them. This prevents condensation from forming on top of your dessert, which could make them soggy over time. After they reach room temperature, cover them tightly with plastic wrap or foil before placing them in the fridge.

Lastly, experiment with different toppings! While Butterfinger candies are deliciously classic, consider adding whipped cream or chocolate drizzle as finishing touches. These additions not only enhance visual appeal but also provide extra layers of flavor that complement the rich cheesecake base beautifully.

Suggestions for Reese’s Butterfinger Cheesecake Bars

For an even richer flavor profile, try adding a pinch of sea salt to your crust mixture or cheesecake filling. The salt enhances sweetness and balances flavors beautifully, creating a more complex taste experience with every bite of these delightful cheesecake bars.

If you want an extra layer of texture, consider mixing finely chopped nuts into the crust or filling. Almonds or pecans pair wonderfully with chocolate and caramel notes found in Butterfingers while adding a delightful crunch that contrasts nicely with smooth cheesecake.

Another suggestion is serving these dessert bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. The coldness of ice cream complements warm flavors from baked goods beautifully while creating an inviting presentation that’s perfect for parties or special occasions.

You might also want to allow these cheesecake bars to chill overnight for better flavor development. As they sit in the refrigerator, flavors meld together beautifully, resulting in an even more delicious treat when you finally serve them!

Finally, if you’re feeling adventurous, experiment by incorporating peanut butter into either the crust or filling for added richness and depth of flavor! Peanut butter works harmoniously with chocolate flavors present in both Reese’s and Butterfinger candies.

FAQs

What are Reese’s Butterfinger Cheesecake Bars?

Reese’s Butterfinger Cheesecake Bars are delectable dessert treats that combine creamy cheesecake infused with crushed Butterfinger candy pieces atop a buttery graham cracker crust. They offer a sweet blend of flavors that fans of both Reese’s and Butterfingers will enjoy!

How long do I need to chill my cheesecake bars?

You should chill your Reese’s Butterfinger Cheesecake Bars for at least four hours after baking, but overnight chilling is ideal for better flavor and texture development. Proper chilling ensures that they set firmly enough for clean slices when served.

Can I make these cheesecake bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare Reese’s Butterfinger Cheesecake Bars up to two days ahead of serving them without losing quality or freshness if stored correctly in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Can I freeze leftover cheesecake bars?

Yes! You can freeze leftover Reese’s Butterfinger Cheesecake Bars by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil or placing them in freezer-safe containers. They will keep well frozen for up to three months; just thaw before serving!

What size pan should I use?

A 9×13-inch baking dish works best for making Reese’s Butterfinger Cheesecake Bars as it provides ample space for even baking while allowing easy removal once cooled down completely! Ensure proper lining with parchment paper beforehand.

Are there any alternatives if I can’t find Butterfingers?

If you cannot find Butterfingers, consider substituting with another candy bar like Crunch or Twix that also features chocolate and crunchy elements! These alternatives will still deliver satisfying results while maintaining similar textures within your recipe.

Summary

In summary, making delicious Reese’s Butterfinger Cheesecake Bars involves careful attention to detail to avoid common pitfalls such as overmixing or improper chilling times. By following essential tips like using room temperature ingredients and experimenting with different toppings, you’ll create delectable treats everyone loves! Remember that patience pays off—allowing flavors to meld overnight significantly improves taste quality when served fresh from the fridge!

 

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