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These Peanut Butter and Jelly Cheesecake Bars transform the comforting flavors of the classic sandwich into a cool creamy no-bake dessert. Whether you are whipping these up for a summer picnic or a sweet family treat these bars capture nostalgia and delight both kids and adults with every bite.
I first made these on a whim when my little one was begging for peanut butter and jelly after dinner. Seeing their excitement over these bars made it an instant family classic.
Ingredients
- Graham cracker crumbs: provide a sweet and crunchy base look for fresh crisp crackers for best flavor
- Unsalted butter: helps hold the crust together choose high quality real butter for extra richness
- Granulated sugar: gives the crust structure and sweetness
- Cream cheese: offers classic tang and creaminess room temperature cheese blends smoothly
- Creamy peanut butter: brings nutty richness use your favorite smooth brand for best texture
- Vanilla extract: warms and rounds out flavors choose pure vanilla for authenticity
- Sour cream: softens the cheesecake and adds a gentle tang use full fat for smoothest results
- Heavy cream: whips up for a light billowy cheesecake texture cold cream whips better
- Confectioners sugar: sweetens the whipped cream and blends easily with no grit
- Strawberry jam: is swirled for fruity ribbons choose a quality berry jam with bright flavor
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Pan:
- Line your nine by nine inch pan with parchment paper making sure it extends up the sides for easy lifting later
- Make the Crust:
- Combine graham cracker crumbs sugar and melted butter in a bowl mixing until it feels like damp sand
Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the pan using your hands or a measuring cup
Chill in the fridge while you prepare the filling so the base sets - Mix the Cheesecake Base:
- In a large bowl beat together cream cheese and sugar until totally smooth with no lumps remaining
Add peanut butter and vanilla mixing until everything is silky and incorporated
Pour in sour cream and blend until just mixed so the filling stays light - Whip the Cream:
- In a separate bowl whip cold heavy cream on low then medium speed until it just starts to thicken
Gradually sprinkle in confectioners sugar whipping until the cream is glossy and stiff peaks hold their shape - Fold the Mixtures:
- Gently fold your whipped cream into the cheesecake base using a rubber spatula mix until the filling is one even color with no visible streaks
- Assemble and Swirl:
- Spread the peanut butter cheesecake filling over the chilled crust smoothing the top with a spoon or offset spatula
Dollop strawberry jam on top and swirl with a butter knife to create beautiful marbled ribbons - Chill to Set:
- Place the pan in the fridge for at least six hours or overnight so the bars firm up fully for slicing
- Slice and Serve:
- Use the parchment to lift the cheesecake out and cut into neat bars serve chilled for the best creamy results
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I have always loved how creamy peanut butter and tart berry jam play off each other. My favorite part as a kid was lining up those bright strawberry swirls so each bar looked a little different and completely irresistible.
Storage Tips
Store bars in a tightly sealed container in the fridge for up to five days. If stacking lay a piece of parchment between layers to keep them from sticking. You can also freeze individual bars wrapped in plastic and placed in a freezer bag for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge for a quick sweet treat.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap graham cracker crumbs for vanilla wafer cookies or chocolate cookies for a fun twist. Almond butter or cashew butter works well instead of peanut butter for a different nutty flavor. Any favorite jam such as raspberry or blueberry will swirl beautifully too. Light cream cheese will work in a pinch but full fat makes creamier bars.
Serving Suggestions
Cut bars small for a party tray or into larger squares for generous desserts. Top with extra spoonfuls of raspberry or grape jelly for even more childhood magic. For a pretty finish sprinkle a handful of crushed peanuts on top for crunch. Serve after a summer cookout or as a sweet lunchbox surprise.
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Cultural Context
Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are an American lunchbox staple with roots going back to the early 1900s. Transforming those flavors into cheesecake bars creates a nostalgic treat that bridges generations. These bars honor a classic while offering a fun playful update.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use a different jam flavor?
Yes, you can substitute strawberry jam with raspberry, grape, or your favorite fruit preserves for a different twist.
- → How do I achieve a smooth cheesecake texture?
Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature and beat thoroughly until no lumps remain before adding other ingredients.
- → How long do these bars need to chill?
Chill the bars for at least 6 hours, or overnight, for the best texture and easy slicing.
- → Can these cheesecake bars be frozen?
Yes, once set, wrap individual bars and freeze for up to one month. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
- → What type of peanut butter works best?
Use creamy peanut butter for a smooth filling. Natural peanut butter can work but may alter the texture slightly.