Chocolate-Peanut Cheesecake Bars

By Addie

You won’t hear any complaints about these rich bars layered with a can’t-go-wrong combination of flavors. —Diane Nemitz, Ludington, Michigan (Taste of Home)



MY NOTES: Maybe try these with honesy-roasted peanut? Peanuts and honey go together nicely!

Ingredients

• BARS:
• 1 package (17-1/2 ounces) peanut butter cookie mix
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 1 cup chopped salted peanuts
• 2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• .........................................
• GANACHE:
• 4 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

Preparation

Step 1

In a large bowl combine the cookie mix and butter; stir in peanuts. Press onto the bottom of a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking pan. Bake at 350° for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly browned.

Meanwhile, in a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla; beat on low speed just until combined. Pour over crust.

Bake for 15-20 minutes or until center is almost set. Cool on a wire rack for 1 hour. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

Place chocolate in a small bowl. In a small saucepan, bring cream just to a boil. Pour over chocolate; whisk until smooth. Cool, stirring occasionally, to room temperature or until ganache reaches a spreading consistency, about 40 minutes. Spread over top. Refrigerate until firm. Cut into bars. Refrigerate leftovers. Yield: 2 dozen.
..........................

REVIEWS:


Next time I am going to try it without the peanuts. I liked it, but there were too many for my husband and kids.

There's nothing like the combination of flavors in these bars. They're sweet and salty and super delicious! I made them for a treat at Thanksgiving time and they disappeared! They were very easy to make, too!