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Peanut Butter and Jelly Cheesecake Bars are a delightful fusion of flavors that everyone can enjoy. This dessert combines the classic tastes of peanut butter and strawberry jam with a creamy cheesecake filling, all layered on a crunchy oat base. It is perfect for parties, potlucks, or just a sweet treat at home.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is a wonderful way to take a childhood favorite—peanut butter and jelly—and transform it into a sophisticated dessert. The cheesecake texture adds creaminess, while the oats provide a hearty and satisfying crunch. It’s easy to make and is always a crowd-pleaser, whether you’re serving it to kids or adults.
How to Make Peanut Butter and Jelly Cheesecake Bars
Ingredients:
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 cup oats
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup homemade strawberry jam
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup peanut butter for topping
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish.
- In a bowl, mix peanut butter, oats, brown sugar, flour, salt, and baking powder to form the base. Press this mixture into the bottom of the greased baking dish.
- In another bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Then add sugar, egg, and vanilla. Mix until well combined.
- Spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the oat base.
- Drop spoonfuls of strawberry jam over the cheesecake layer and swirl gently with a knife or spoon.
- For the crumble topping, combine oats, peanut butter, and a bit of flour. Sprinkle this mixture over the top of the cheesecake.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until set.
- Let the bars cool completely before cutting them into squares to serve.
How to Serve Peanut Butter and Jelly Cheesecake Bars
These bars are best served chilled. Simply cut them into squares, and you can serve them as is or with a dollop of whipped cream. They make a great treat for gatherings, or you can enjoy them as a sweet snack any time of day.
How to Store Peanut Butter and Jelly Cheesecake Bars
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to a week. If you want to keep them for longer, you can freeze them. Just wrap each bar in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to three months.
Tips to Make Peanut Butter and Jelly Cheesecake Bars
- Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature for easy mixing.
- You can use store-bought jam if you’re short on time, but homemade jam gives a fresh flavor.
- Feel free to adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar based on your taste.
Variation
If you like, you can substitute the strawberry jam with any kind of fruit jam you prefer, such as raspberry or blueberry, to create different flavors. You can also add chocolate chips to the cheesecake mixture for an extra treat.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth?
Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter for added texture.
How can I make these bars gluten-free?
To make these bars gluten-free, use gluten-free oats and flour.
Can I add nuts to the topping?
Absolutely! Chopped nuts, like chopped peanuts or almonds, can be added to the crumble topping for extra crunch.
Peanut Butter and Jelly Cheesecake Bars
Ingredients
For the crust
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 cup oats
- 1/2 cup brown sugar packed
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
For the cheesecake filling
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup homemade strawberry jam or store-bought
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup peanut butter for topping
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish.
- In a bowl, mix peanut butter, oats, brown sugar, flour, salt, and baking powder to form the base. Press this mixture into the bottom of the greased baking dish.
Cheesecake Layer
- In another bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Then add sugar, egg, and vanilla. Mix until well combined.
- Spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the oat base.
- Drop spoonfuls of strawberry jam over the cheesecake layer and swirl gently with a knife or spoon.
- For the crumble topping, combine oats, peanut butter, and a bit of flour. Sprinkle this mixture over the top of the cheesecake.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until set.
- Let the bars cool completely before cutting them into squares to serve.