No-bake cheesecake bars are an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert. Made with chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, these bars layer creamy peanut butter cheesecake over a crisp graham crust for a perfect chocolate-and-peanut-butter treat.
These no-bake Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup cheesecake bars are ideal for warm-weather gatherings because they require minimal hands-on time and chill in the freezer until you’re ready to serve. The recipe combines a buttery graham-cracker crust with a rich, smooth peanut butter cheesecake studded with chopped candy cups. It’s a simple recipe that yields big flavor and a dessert that’s easy to slice and share.
Short prep—about 15 minutes—and a few hours of freezing time make these bars perfect to prepare ahead for parties, potlucks, or an indulgent weeknight treat. For best results, bring the cream cheese to room temperature so the filling becomes extra smooth when mixed. If you like, add a drizzle of chocolate, peanut-butter sauce, or caramel before serving to make them even more decadent.
Reese’s No Bake Cheesecake Bars Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup sugar
- 5 tbsp butter, melted
- ½ cup peanut butter
- 16 oz cream cheese (room temperature recommended)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups (approximately 10 cups of the smaller pieces or adjust to taste)
Reese’s No Bake Cheesecake Bars Instructions
- Combine graham cracker crumbs and sugar in a large bowl. Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs and holds together when pressed.
- Line an 8 x 8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Press the graham mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the pan to form the crust.
- Place the pan in the freezer for 10 minutes to firm the crust while you prepare the filling.
- In a medium bowl, use an electric hand mixer to beat the peanut butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth and creamy. Scrape the sides of the bowl as needed for an even texture.
- Fold the chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup pieces into the cheesecake mixture by hand with a spatula or large spoon so the candy is evenly distributed without breaking it up too fine.
- Remove the crust from the freezer and spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the crust.
- Return the pan to the freezer and chill for at least 4 hours, or until firm. For best slicing results, freeze overnight.
- Before serving, remove the bars from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes to soften slightly—this makes slicing easier and results in cleaner pieces.
- Lift the bars from the pan using the parchment paper, place on a cutting board, slice into bars, and serve. Optionally drizzle with chocolate syrup, warmed peanut butter, or caramel.
Tips, Variations, and Storage
- Room temperature cream cheese: Let the cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30–60 minutes before mixing to ensure a smooth filling without lumps.
- Mix-ins: Swap or add other chopped candies, chocolate chips, or chopped nuts for texture and flavor variety. Use a peanut-free cookie butter for a nut-free twist.
- Crust alternatives: Use chocolate cookie crumbs or crushed pretzels instead of graham crackers for a different contrast in flavor and texture.
- Serving: Drizzle with melted chocolate, peanut butter sauce, or caramel just before serving. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt can enhance the peanut-butter–chocolate contrast.
- Storage: Keep bars frozen or refrigerated. Store in an airtight container with parchment between layers. Frozen bars keep well for up to 2–3 weeks; refrigerated, they will stay good for several days but may soften.
- Slicing tips: Warm a sharp knife under hot water, wipe it dry, and slice in a single clean motion for neat bars. Repeat warming and wiping between cuts if needed.
Serving Size, Time, and Nutrition
This recipe makes about 9 large cheesecake bars. Prep time is approximately 15 minutes, freezing time is at least 4 hours, and total time is roughly 4 hours 25 minutes. Per serving (one large bar), approximate nutrition values: 537 kcal, 43 g carbohydrates, 10 g protein, 38 g fat, 18 g saturated fat, 34 g sugar, and 431 mg sodium. Use these numbers as general guidance—actual values may vary based on brands and exact measurements used.
About This Recipe
No-bake Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup cheesecake bars are a simple, no-fuss dessert that delivers rich peanut butter flavor with crunchy chocolate-candy bits throughout. Because the bars are made without baking, they’re a great choice for hot days, busy schedules, or anytime you want a quick, indulgent dessert that’s easy to prepare ahead.
More Dessert Ideas
If you enjoy these no-bake cheesecake bars, you might also like other frozen or no-bake desserts such as Frozen Strawberry Cheesecake Bars, Berry Cream Fillo Baskets, Slow Cooker Dessert Fruit Taco Cups, Watermelon Lime Sherbet Float, or homemade Peanut Butter Ice Cream. These make great additions to a summer dessert menu and are easy to prepare for gatherings.