Reeses Butterfinger Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Reeses Butterfinger Cheesecake Bars Recipe for Sweet Lovers

Reeses Butterfinger Cheesecake Bars Recipe combines two beloved candy bars into one crowd-pleasing dessert that works for any celebration or casual gathering.

Rich, creamy, and satisfying, it provides big flavor in compact portions that disappear fast from any dessert table.

Whether you need something special for a potluck, birthday party, or weekend treat, it fits right in without requiring advanced baking skills.

Fans of peanut butter and chocolate will find exactly what they crave in every bite.

It balances sweet and salty notes beautifully while offering a texture contrast that keeps things interesting from first taste to last.

No matter the occasion, having a reliable bar dessert on hand makes entertaining so much easier.

If you love candy as much as cheesecake, then it’s time to see just how well they come together.

What Makes Reese’s Butterfinger Cheesecake Bars So Lovable

  • Easy Crust: Graham cracker crumbs and butter create a super simple base that makes your baking process smooth and straightforward.
  • Candy Bar Surprise: Chopping Reeses and Butterfinger adds incredible texture and flavor bursts that will make everyone at the dessert table super happy.
  • No-Fuss Dessert: This cheesecake bar recipe requires basic mixing and minimal prep, perfect for bakers who want something delicious without complicated steps.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: These bars are fantastic for gatherings, potlucks, or when you need a dessert that will definitely impress friends and family with minimal effort.

What Goes into the Ingredient List for Reeses Butterfinger Cheesecake Bars

Crust Base:
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs (1 cup): These crumbly crackers create the perfect sandy foundation for your cheesecake bars.
  • Unsalted Butter, Melted (1/2 cup): Butter binds the crumbs together, ensuring a solid and delicious crust.
Cheesecake Filling:
  • Cream Cheese, Softened (2 cups): The creamy heart of your dessert that provides rich, smooth texture.
  • Powdered Sugar (1 cup): Adds sweetness and helps create a silky smooth consistency.
  • Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Brings a warm, comforting flavor that enhances the entire dessert.
  • Large Eggs (2): These bind the filling and help it set perfectly during baking.
Candy Toppings:
  • Reeses Peanut Butter Cups, Chopped (1 cup), Butterfinger Candy Bars, Crushed (1 cup): These beloved candies add incredible crunch, chocolate, and peanut butter flavor that makes every bite exciting.

Kitchen Tools for Reese’s Butterfinger Cheesecake Bars

  • 9×9 inch Baking Pan: Perfect for creating those dreamy cheesecake bars with just the right thickness for your dessert.
  • Large Mixing Bowls: Two bowls will help separate your crust ingredients from your creamy cheesecake mixture.
  • Electric Mixer: Essential for beating cream cheese until silky smooth and incorporating eggs without lumps.
  • Rubber Spatula: Great for folding in Reeses and Butterfinger pieces without deflating your cheesecake mixture.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements ensure your bars turn out consistently delicious every time.
  • Parchment Paper: Helps line your baking pan for easy removal and clean cutting of bars.
  • Cooling Rack: Allows your cheesecake bars to cool evenly after baking before refrigerating.
  • Sharp Knife: Helps cut clean, precise squares when serving your decadent dessert.

How to Bake Reeses Butterfinger Cheesecake Bars

1

Prepare the Oven

Heat the oven to exactly 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×9 inch baking pan and have it ready nearby.

2

Create the Crust

Combine 1 cup graham cracker crumbs with 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter in a mixing bowl. Stir until the mixture feels like wet sand. Press this into the bottom of the pan, creating a solid, even layer.

3

Mix the Cheesecake Base

Grab your electric mixer and beat 2 cups softened cream cheese until it becomes completely smooth. Then add:

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Blend everything until the mixture looks creamy and well combined.

4

Add the Eggs

Crack 2 large eggs into the cream cheese mixture. Add them one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each egg to keep the texture perfect.

5

Prepare the Candy Layers

Roughly chop your candies into small pieces:

  • 1 cup Reeses peanut butter cups
  • 1 cup Butterfinger candy bars

Gently fold these chopped candies into the cheesecake batter.

6

Bake the Bars

Pour the entire cheesecake mixture over the graham cracker crust. Spread it evenly with a spatula. Slide the pan into the preheated 350°F oven and bake for exactly 25-30 minutes. The center should look just set when you wiggle the pan.

7

Cool and Chill

Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before cutting into bars. The chilling helps the bars set up perfectly.

Tips for Perfecting Reese’s Butterfinger Cheesecake Bars

  • Crush graham crackers super fine so your crust sticks together perfectly and doesn’t crumble when cutting bars.
  • Use room temperature cream cheese to guarantee a silky smooth filling without lumps that can make your bars look bumpy.
  • Chop Reeses and Butterfinger into small pieces so every single bite gets maximum candy crunch and flavor throughout the bars.
  • Tap your pan gently on the counter after pouring the cheesecake mixture to release any sneaky air bubbles that could make your bars look uneven.
  • Cool bars completely in the refrigerator before slicing to help them set firmly and make cutting clean, sharp edges much easier.
  • Gluten-Free Cheesecake Bars: Replace graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free cookie crumbs or almond flour, making sure your candy bars are also gluten-free so you can enjoy the same delicious treat.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap cream cheese for cashew cream cheese and use coconut oil instead of butter, letting you savor the chocolate and peanut butter flavors without dairy.
  • Lighter Version: Cut back on powdered sugar and use Greek yogurt mixed with cream cheese, reducing calories while keeping the creamy texture that makes these bars so satisfying.
  • Vegan Transformation: Use plant-based cream cheese, flax eggs, and dairy-free chocolate candy bars, recreating the classic dessert for your plant-based lifestyle.

How Do You Serve Reeses Butterfinger Cheesecake Bars?

  • Perfect Portion Control: Cut these bars into small, bite-sized squares to make them easier to share at gatherings or keep your portion in check.
  • Chill for Maximum Flavor: Refrigerate the bars overnight to let the flavors meld and the texture become perfectly smooth and creamy.
  • Garnish with Flair: Sprinkle extra crushed Butterfinger or Reeses pieces on top just before serving to add a delightful crunch and visual appeal.
  • Serving Suggestion: Pair these bars with a cold glass of milk or a strong coffee to balance the rich, sweet flavor of the cheesecake.

Reliable Storage Tips for Reeses Butterfinger Cheesecake Bars

  • Refrigerate the bars in an airtight container for up to 5 days, keeping them tightly covered to prevent drying out. The candy pieces stay crunchy and delicious.
  • Freeze individual bars wrapped in plastic wrap, then placed in a freezer bag for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for a perfect cold treat.
  • Warm slightly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds if you prefer a softer, more gooey texture. Just be careful not to overheat and lose the candy’s crunch.
  • Store bars between layers of parchment paper to keep them from sticking together, making grab-and-go snacking super easy for your sweet tooth.

Reeses Butterfinger Cheesecake Bars Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

Regular cream cheese works best for rich, creamy texture. Low-fat versions might make your bars less smooth and dense.

FAQ

How do I prevent cracks in the cheesecake bars?

Avoid overmixing the batter and don’t overbake. Remove from oven when center is slightly jiggly but set around edges.

FAQ

What if I cannot find Butterfinger candy bars?

Substitute with another chocolate or peanut butter candy bar that has similar crunch and flavor profile.

FAQ

Should the cream cheese be room temperature?

Absolutely! Cold cream cheese creates lumpy texture. Let cream cheese sit out for about 30 minutes before mixing.

FAQ

Can these bars be frozen?

Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer container. They freeze well for up to 3 months.

FAQ

Do I need a stand mixer for this recipe?

No, a hand mixer or even vigorous whisking works fine. Just ensure cream cheese is smooth before adding other ingredients.

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Reeses Butterfinger Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Reeses Butterfinger Cheesecake Bars Recipe


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4.5 from 32 reviews

  • Total Time: Approximately 2 hours 40 minutes
  • Yield: 8 to 10 1x

Description

This Reeses Butterfinger cheesecake bars recipe brings together creamy peanut butter cheesecake and crunchy candy pieces for an irresistible dessert that disappears fast at parties. Rich chocolate cookie crust and candy-studded filling make every bite a treat.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cream cheese
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup Reeses peanut butter cups
  • 1 cup Butterfinger candy bars

Supporting Ingredients:

  • 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • ½ cup unsalted butter

Flavoring Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Heat your oven to 350F and prepare a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
  2. Combine 1 cup graham cracker crumbs with ½ cup melted unsalted butter in a mixing bowl, stirring until the mixture resembles wet sand.
  3. Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan, creating an even, compact base layer.
  4. Using an electric mixer, whip 2 cups softened cream cheese until completely smooth and free of lumps.
  5. Gradually blend 1 cup powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract into the cream cheese, mixing until fully incorporated.
  6. Add 2 large eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition to maintain a silky texture.
  7. Gently fold 1 cup chopped Reeses peanut butter cups and 1 cup crushed Butterfinger bars into the cheesecake batter.
  8. Pour the entire mixture over the graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly to the pan’s edges.
  9. Bake at 350F for 25-30 minutes, watching for a slightly firm center that barely jiggles when gently shaken.
  10. Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely at room temperature for approximately 1 hour.
  11. Refrigerate the pan for at least 2 hours to set the cheesecake and enhance its flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Crush the Butterfinger candy bars while they’re still in the wrapper to prevent messy crumbling and keep your hands clean.
  • Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature to create a smoother, lump-free cheesecake mixture that blends easily.
  • When pressing the graham cracker crust into the pan, use the bottom of a measuring cup to create an even, compact layer that will hold together perfectly.
  • For a gluten-free version, swap graham cracker crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs, and use gluten-free candy bars.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
  • Category: Dessert Bars
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8 to 10
  • Calories: 394 kcal
  • Sugar: 30 g
  • Sodium: 190 mg
  • Fat: 29 g
  • Saturated Fat: 13 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 7 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
Madison Wyman

Madison Wyman

Recipe Developer & Food Storyteller

Expertise

Recipe Research and Adaptation, Food Writing and Cultural Storytelling, Sustainable and Ethical Sourcing, Dietary Adaptations (e.g., gluten-free, plant-based)

Education

Oregon Health & Science University

  • Degree: Master’s in Food Systems and Society
  • Focus: Sustainable food practices, cultural food traditions, and social impact of food.

Portland Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Foundational cooking skills, nutrition, and diverse culinary methods.

Madison’s passion for flavor and culture ignited amidst the rich Southern cooking traditions of her upbringing, where cherished family recipes told delicious tales.

Armed with a Master’s in Food Systems and Society from Oregon Health & Science University and a Culinary Arts Certificate from Portland Community College, Madison truly excels at transforming rich, intricate flavors into dishes that are both approachable and heartfelt.

For her, cooking is a vibrant blend of science, art, and heritage – a powerful way to connect us to our roots and each other. Her recipes invite you to delve deeper, uncovering the fascinating stories woven into every ingredient.

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