These Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bites are little treasures of creamy goodness! With a crunchy crust and a rich peanut butter filling, they are perfect for satisfying sweet cravings!
Don’t be surprised if these disappear quickly. I always end up having one (or three) more than I intended! They’re so simple to make—just mix, chill, and enjoy a bite-sized treat!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Oreo cookie crumbs: These give the cheesecake bites a sweet and crunchy base. If you can’t find Oreos, try using any chocolate wafer cookies or graham crackers mixed with cocoa powder as a substitute.
Cream cheese: This is the key to that creamy texture. Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing. If you want a lighter version, you can use low-fat cream cheese, but it may affect the creaminess slightly.
Peanut butter: Creamy peanut butter works best here, but you can swap it out for almond butter or cashew butter if you have nut allergies. Just keep in mind that the flavor will change!
Chocolate chips: Semi-sweet chocolate brings sweetness to the topping. If you prefer dark chocolate, that works great too! You can also use white chocolate for a fun twist.
How Do I Ensure My Cheesecake Bites Are Perfectly Set?
The key to perfect cheesecake bites is to bake them just right! Here’s how:
- Watch the baking time. Bake until the edges are set, but the center still looks a bit wobbly. It will continue to firm up as it cools.
- Let them cool in the pan. This helps prevent cracks. Cooling slowly allows the cheesecakes to set properly.
- Chill well. Don’t skip the chilling step in the fridge! Two hours is ideal for helping them firm up and develop flavor.
Following these tips will help you create delicious, perfectly set cheesecake bites that everyone will love!
Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups Oreo cookie crumbs (about 20 Oreos, finely crushed)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling:
- 16 oz (450 g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Topping:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for chocolate topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take about 15 minutes for preparation and around 2 to 2.5 hours for chilling and baking. So, in total, set aside about 2 hours and 45 minutes to make these scrumptious Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bites!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Muffin Tin:
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). While it’s heating, line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners. This will help in easy removal once the cheesecake bites are cooled.
2. Make the Crust:
In a medium-sized bowl, mix the Oreo cookie crumbs with the melted butter. Stir until all the crumbs are wet and well combined. Next, press about 1 tablespoon of the mixture firmly into the bottom of each muffin cup to create a nice, sturdy crust.
3. Bake the Crust:
Bake the crusts in the preheated oven for about 5 minutes. Once done, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
4. Prepare the Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy. Then add the creamy peanut butter and sugar, and keep mixing until everything is well combined. Finally, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth.
5. Fill the Muffin Cups:
Spoon the peanut butter filling evenly over the baked crusts, filling almost to the top of each cup to create those delicious cheesecake bites.
6. Bake the Cheesecake Bites:
Place the filled muffin tin back in the oven and bake for about 18-20 minutes. You want the edges to be set while the center remains slightly jiggly. This ensures a creamy texture.
7. Cool and Chill:
Once baked, take the muffin tin out of the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack. After they’ve cooled, transfer the muffin tin to the refrigerator for at least 2 hours so the cheesecake bites can set properly.
8. Prepare the Chocolate Topping:
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and 1 tablespoon of butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the chocolate is melted and smooth.
9. Top the Cheesecakes:
After the cheesecake bites have chilled and set, gently remove them from the paper liners and place them on a parchment-lined tray. Drizzle or spread the melted chocolate over each cheesecake bite evenly.
10. Final Chill:
Return the tray to the refrigerator for about 15 minutes, or until the chocolate is firm and set.
11. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the chocolate is set, serve these peanut butter cheesecake bites chilled. Enjoy the delightful combination of Oreo crust, creamy peanut butter filling, and luscious chocolate topping. They’re perfect for sharing—or not!
These rich dessert bites are sure to impress friends and family at parties or make for a sweet treat anytime. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use a Different Type of Cookie for the Crust?
Absolutely! While Oreos provide a great flavor, you can use any chocolate wafer cookies or graham crackers. Just crush them into fine crumbs and mix with melted butter as you would with Oreos.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Cheesecake Bites?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They can also be frozen! Just place them in a freezer-safe container and they’ll keep for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the fridge before enjoying!
Can I Make These Cheesecake Bites Dairy-Free?
Yes! You can use dairy-free cream cheese and replace the chocolate chips with dairy-free chocolate. Just be sure to check the labels for any milk ingredients!
How Do I Know When the Cheesecake Bites Are Done Baking?
Watch for the edges to be set while the center still jiggles slightly. They will continue to firm up while cooling. A toothpick inserted should come out mostly clean but may have some creaminess on it.
