Are you ready to indulge in a dessert that combines creamy cheesecake with your favorite candy? Snickers Cheesecake Bars are the perfect treat for any occasion. With a crunchy graham cracker crust, creamy filling, and gooey Snickers bits, these bars are simply irresistible. Join me as I guide you through a fun and easy step-by-step recipe. Let’s dive into making your next dessert obsession!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Decadent Flavor: The combination of creamy cheesecake and Snickers bars creates a rich and indulgent dessert that satisfies any sweet tooth.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require any advanced baking skills, making it perfect for beginners.
- Perfect for Sharing: With 16 servings, these cheesecake bars are ideal for parties, potlucks, or family gatherings, ensuring there's enough for everyone.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the toppings or add different candy bars to personalize the cheesecake to your liking.
Ingredients
List of Ingredients Required
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chopped Snickers bars (about 3-4 bars)
- 1/2 cup chopped roasted peanuts (for topping)
- 1/4 cup chocolate sauce (for drizzling)
Gathering the right ingredients makes all the difference in your Snickers cheesecake bars. Start with graham cracker crumbs. They create a tasty crust. Mix them with melted butter for a rich base. Next, grab cream cheese. It gives the bars a creamy and smooth texture. Powdered sugar adds sweetness. Don’t forget vanilla extract for flavor.
You will need two large eggs. They help bind everything together. Heavy cream adds richness and a fluffy feel. Now for the star of the show—chopped Snickers bars. They bring that classic candy flavor and chewy texture. For the topping, use roasted peanuts for some crunch. Finally, drizzle chocolate sauce over the bars for a sweet finish.
Make sure you have everything on this list ready before you start. It makes the process smooth and fun!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
- Set the temperature to 325°F (163°C).
- Grease and line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Make the Crust
- Combine 1 cup of graham cracker crumbs with 1/4 cup of melted butter.
- Press the mixture evenly into the pan and bake for 10 minutes.
Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
- In a large bowl, beat 2 packages of softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Add 1 cup of powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
- Mix in 2 large eggs one at a time, scraping the bowl after each.
- Pour in 1/2 cup of heavy cream and mix until just combined.
- Gently fold in 1 cup of chopped Snickers bars.
Bake and Cool
- Pour the filling over the cooled crust.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until the center is set but still jiggly.
- Turn off the oven and leave the door ajar for 1 hour to cool.
Chill and Serve
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
- Lift the cheesecake out of the pan using the parchment paper.
- Cut into squares and top with chocolate sauce and chopped roasted peanuts.
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Texture
To get the best texture, use room temperature ingredients. This step helps mix everything smoothly. Cold cream cheese can create lumps in your cheesecake. Let it sit out for about 30 minutes before you start.
When you mix, use low speed first. This helps combine the ingredients without adding too much air. Too much air can lead to cracks. Scrape the bowl often as you mix. This ensures all the ingredients blend well.
Customizing Your Recipe
You can switch up the toppings and sauces to fit your taste. Try drizzling caramel sauce or adding whipped cream. You can also sprinkle some sea salt for a nice contrast. If you want to mix in other candies, go for it! Chopped Reese’s cups or M&Ms can add fun flavors.
Serving Suggestions
When serving, think about drinks that pair well. A cold glass of milk or coffee works great. These flavors complement the rich cheesecake. For presentation, cut the bars into even squares. Drizzle chocolate sauce on top for a fancy look. Sprinkle the chopped peanuts for some crunch. You can also place them on a nice serving platter to impress your guests.
Pro Tips
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smooth and creamy cheesecake filling. Cold cream cheese can lead to lumps in your mixture.
- Don’t Overmix the Eggs: When adding the eggs to the mixture, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can introduce too much air and cause the cheesecake to crack while baking.
- Let It Cool Gradually: After baking, let the cheesecake cool in the oven with the door slightly ajar. This gradual cooling process helps prevent cracks on the surface.
- Chill Overnight: For the best texture and flavor, refrigerate the cheesecake bars overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and the bars to set perfectly.
Variations
Peanut Butter Snickers Cheesecake Bars
You can add peanut butter to the filling for a rich twist. Just mix in half a cup of creamy peanut butter with the cream cheese. This gives each bite a nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the Snickers. If you love peanut butter cups, this is a must-try variation.
No-Bake Snickers Cheesecake Bars
Want a quick and easy option? Try a no-bake version! For this, use whipped cream and gelatin. Start by mixing one cup of whipped cream with two tablespoons of gelatin. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken. Then, fold this mixture into your cream cheese, sugar, and Snickers mixture. This will create a light and creamy dessert that doesn’t need baking.
Chocolate Crust Variation
If you crave more chocolate, change the crust! Instead of graham crackers, use chocolate cookies. Crush about 24 chocolate sandwich cookies and mix them with melted butter. Press this into the pan just like the original crust. This adds a deep chocolate flavor that enhances the bars. It’s a fun twist that chocolate lovers will adore.
Storage Info
How to Store Leftovers
To keep your Snickers cheesecake bars fresh, store them in the fridge. Use an airtight container to avoid drying out. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Wrap each bar in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. This keeps them tasty for later.
Reheating Tips
If you freeze the bars, let them thaw in the fridge overnight. This method keeps them from getting too soft or soggy. To reheat, use a microwave on low power. Heat in short bursts of about 10-15 seconds. Check often to avoid overheating.
Shelf Life
These cheesecake bars last about 5 days in the fridge. After that, they may not taste as good. If you freeze them, they can last up to two months. Just remember to label the bags with the date. This way, you know when to enjoy them!
FAQs
Can I freeze Snickers Cheesecake Bars?
Yes, you can freeze these bars. To freeze, first cut them into squares. Wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped bars in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label it with the date. These bars can freeze well for up to three months. To thaw, remove them from the freezer. Place them in the fridge for several hours or overnight before serving. This method keeps them fresh and tasty.
What can I substitute for cream cheese?
If you need a substitute for cream cheese, consider using dairy-free cream cheese. Brands like Tofutti or Kite Hill work well. You can also use Greek yogurt for a tangy taste. However, note that the texture may change slightly. Another option is to blend silken tofu until smooth. This keeps the bars creamy while being dairy-free.
How do I prevent the cheesecake from cracking?
To avoid cracks, make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature. This helps it blend smoothly. Mix at low speed to prevent too much air from getting in. Avoid overbaking; the center should be a little jiggly when you take it out. Lastly, let the cheesecake cool slowly by leaving the oven door slightly open after baking. This gradual cooling can help prevent cracks.
Can I use other candy bars in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can swap Snickers for other candy bars like Milky Way or Reese's. Each choice will add unique flavors to the bars. For a fun twist, try using a mix of different candy bars. Just chop them up and fold them into the cheesecake batter. The possibilities are endless, making each batch a new treat!
This recipe guides you through making delicious Snickers cheesecake bars. We covered the ingredients, easy steps, and ways to customize your dessert. You can now impress everyone with your baking skills. Don't forget to chill them well for the best taste! Enjoy these bars at your next gathering. They are sure to be a hit! Happy baking!
