Reese’s Butterfinger Cheesecake Bars

Indulge in the perfect blend of creamy cheesecake and candy bar goodness with these Reese’s Butterfinger Cheesecake Bars. With a buttery graham cracker crust, rich cream cheese filling, and a crunchy mix of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and Butterfinger candy pieces, these bars are the ultimate treat for candy lovers. They’re sweet, creamy, and utterly decadent, making them the perfect dessert for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
• 1 cup chopped Butterfinger candy bars

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with foil and spray it with non-stick cooking spray for easy removal later.
2. Prepare the Crust: In a medium-sized bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and melted butter. Stir until everything is well-mixed. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust.
3. Make the Cream Cheese Filling: In a separate large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs, one at a time, and mix well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until combined.
4. Assemble the Bars: Pour the cream cheese mixture over the graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly. Then, sprinkle the chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and Butterfinger candy bars on top of the cheesecake layer.
5. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Cool and Slice: Allow the cheesecake bars to cool completely in the baking dish. Once cooled, lift them out using the foil and cut into 12 bars.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12 bars
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 40-45 minutes

Variations

• Add Extra Toppings: For even more flavor, top the bars with extra crushed Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups or Butterfingers after baking. You can also drizzle caramel or chocolate sauce over the bars before serving.
• Chocolate Crust: Swap out the graham cracker crumbs for chocolate cookie crumbs to give the crust an extra chocolatey flavor that pairs wonderfully with the candy bars.
• Make It Peanut-Free: If you’re allergic to peanuts or simply don’t enjoy them, you can substitute the Reese’s with chopped white chocolate and use another candy like Snickers for the Butterfinger.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: These cheesecake bars should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
• Freezing: If you want to store them longer, you can freeze the bars. Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container. They will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Let them thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
• Reheating: There’s no need to reheat these bars, as they’re best enjoyed cold. If you’d like to soften them slightly, just let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use different candy bars?
   Yes! Feel free to swap out the Reese’s and Butterfinger for other candy bars like Snickers, Milky Way, or M&M’s, depending on your preference.
2. Can I make these bars without a 9×13-inch pan?
   Yes, you can use an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch pan, but the bars will be thicker and may require a longer baking time. Check them after 30 minutes and add 5-minute intervals if necessary.
3. Can I make the crust without butter?
   You can use melted coconut oil or vegetable oil as a butter substitute in the crust.
4. How do I know when the cheesecake is done baking?
   The cheesecake should be set in the center and not jiggle when gently shaken. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
5. Can I freeze the bars?
   Yes, you can freeze these cheesecake bars. Just make sure they are wrapped well to prevent freezer burn, and allow them to thaw in the fridge before serving.
6. Can I use a hand mixer instead of a stand mixer?
   Absolutely! A hand mixer will work just fine to beat the cream cheese filling. Just be sure to mix it until smooth and creamy.
7. Can I make these bars gluten-free?
   Yes, you can use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs for the crust, or you can use gluten-free cookies if you prefer a different base.
8. What if I don’t have a 9×13-inch baking dish?
   You can use a slightly smaller or larger dish, but keep in mind that this may affect the cooking time. A smaller dish will require a longer baking time, while a larger dish will cook more quickly.
9. How do I prevent the cheesecake from cracking?
   To prevent cracking, avoid over-baking the cheesecake. Bake until the center is set, and don’t open the oven door frequently. Also, cooling the cheesecake slowly by leaving it in the oven with the door slightly ajar after baking can help.
10. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
    Yes, these bars are perfect for making ahead! You can prepare them the day before and refrigerate them overnight. In fact, the flavor might improve as they sit and chill in the fridge.

Conclusion

These Reese’s Butterfinger Cheesecake Bars are a candy lover’s dream come true! With a creamy, rich cheesecake filling and a crunchy, sweet topping of Reese’s and Butterfinger pieces, they offer the perfect balance of textures and flavors. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday gathering, a special occasion, or simply craving something sweet, these cheesecake bars are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy every bite of this indulgent treat!

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