Irresistible Reeses Butterfinger Cheesecake Bars

Reeses Butterfinger Cheesecake Bars: The Only Recipe You’ll Ever Need

Imagine biting into a decadent treat that perfectly marries the creamy richness of cheesecake with the irresistible crunch of Reeses and Butterfinger candies—this is the essence of our Reeses Butterfinger Cheesecake Bars recipe. As a home cook, you know how challenging it can be to create desserts that balance textures and flavors flawlessly, but this recipe solves that problem with its unique angle of an irresistibly crunchy and creamy fusion. Crafted by Chef Lalyta, these bars stand out as the ultimate indulgence, offering a simple yet sophisticated way to elevate your dessert game. Whether you’re preparing for a family gathering or a cozy night in, this Reeses Butterfinger Cheesecake Bars recipe will become your go-to for satisfying those sweet cravings.

The moment you take a bite, the velvety smoothness of the cheesecake filling envelops your palate, contrasted beautifully by the snap of chopped Reeses and Butterfinger pieces that add a playful crunch. Aromas of vanilla and chocolate waft through the kitchen as these bars bake, creating an inviting scent that promises pure bliss. The flavors are a harmonious blend: the peanut buttery notes from Reeses mingle with the toffee-like crispness of Butterfinger, all set against a buttery graham cracker crust that provides a sturdy base. It’s not just a dessert; it’s a textural adventure that makes every mouthful memorable, from the initial creamy burst to the lingering sweet finish.

What sets this Reeses Butterfinger Cheesecake Bars recipe apart on lalytarecipes.com is the expertise of Chef Lalyta, whose tested methods ensure a foolproof outcome every time. You’ll discover insider tips, like the Chef’s Secret for achieving that extra creamy texture without overbaking, making this the single best resource online for mastering these bars. Dive into comprehensive instructions, ingredient spotlights, and FAQs that build your confidence in the kitchen, turning you into a dessert pro. With our guidance, you’ll learn how to avoid common pitfalls and create a treat that’s not only delicious but also impressively presented.

Why This Reeses Butterfinger Cheesecake Bars Recipe is a Game-Changer

The Chef’s Secret lies in the perfect harmony of textures achieved by incorporating generous amounts of chopped Reeses and Butterfinger candies directly into the cheesecake filling, creating an irresistibly crunchy and creamy fusion that sets this recipe apart. This technique ensures that every bite delivers a surprising crunch amidst the smooth creaminess, elevating the bars from ordinary to extraordinary. By folding in the candies just before baking, we preserve their crispness while allowing them to meld subtly with the cheesecake, resulting in a dessert that’s both nostalgic and innovative.

Unbeatable Texture: The science behind this lies in the contrast of ingredients; the high-fat content in the cream cheese creates a rich, stable emulsion that holds the crunchy elements in place without sogginess. When baked, the eggs and sugar form a network that sets the filling just right, ensuring a firm yet tender bar that doesn’t crack or weep, thanks to precise temperature control during baking.

Foolproof for a Reason: This recipe has been tested multiple times in our kitchen to guarantee success, with adjustments made for common variables like oven heat. It’s designed for home cooks, offering clear steps that minimize errors, making Reeses Butterfinger Cheesecake Bars accessible and reliable for everyone, from beginners to seasoned bakers.

Ingredient Spotlight: Quality Makes the Difference

For the crust, start with 1 1/2 cups of graham cracker crumbs—these provide the foundational structure and a subtle sweetness that complements the overall dessert. Quality matters here because fresh crumbs ensure a crisp base; opt for whole graham crackers you crush yourself to avoid staleness. If you’re looking for a substitution, try digestive biscuits for a slightly different, more neutral flavor that still offers that essential crunch.

Melted butter, at 1/2 cup, is crucial for binding the crust; it adds richness and helps achieve a golden-brown finish. Use high-quality, unsalted butter to control salt levels and enhance the flavor profile—its fats contribute to a flaky texture. A common swap is coconut oil for a dairy-free version, which maintains moisture but imparts a subtle tropical note.

In the filling, 16 oz of softened cream cheese forms the creamy heart of these Reeses Butterfinger Cheesecake Bars. Full-fat cream cheese is key for a luxurious texture; cheaper brands can result in a watery filling, so choose Philadelphia or similar for consistency. For those with dietary needs, a 1:1 swap with vegan cream cheese works, though it may slightly alter the tanginess.

Powdered sugar, at 1 cup, sweetens and stabilizes the filling; its fine texture dissolves easily, preventing graininess. Always use pure powdered sugar without additives for the best results. If needed, substitute with granulated sugar blended into a powder, but be mindful of potential crystallization.

Eggs, at 2, act as binders, giving the cheesecake its structure; fresh, room-temperature eggs incorporate air for a lighter texture. For an egg-free version, try flax eggs, which mimic the binding properties but may make the bars denser.

Vanilla extract, 1 tsp, adds depth and aroma; pure extract elevates the flavor over imitation versions. Its role is to enhance the other ingredients without overpowering, so quality vanilla beans or extract is essential for authenticity.

Chopped Reeses pieces and Butterfinger bars, each at 1 cup, bring the star flavors with their peanut butter and toffee crunch. Fresh, high-quality candies ensure vibrant taste; if Butterfinger isn’t available, see our FAQ for substitutes. They’re irreplaceable for that signature crunch in these Reeses Butterfinger Cheesecake Bars.

Finally, the 1/2 cup chocolate sauce for topping adds a glossy finish; choose a thick, high-cocoa sauce for the best drizzle. Homemade is ideal for control, but store-bought works—substitute with caramel for a twist that complements the candies.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Pan and Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring it overhangs the sides for easy removal. This step creates a non-stick surface and makes cleanup a breeze.

Pro Tip: Use high-quality parchment paper to prevent any tears, which could cause the bars to stick and affect their presentation.

Step 2: Creating the Crust

In a medium bowl, mix 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and 1/2 cup melted butter until fully combined. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan to form an even layer, using the back of a spoon or a flat-bottomed glass for uniformity.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Don’t skimp on pressing the crust; if it’s too loose, it might crumble when cutting the bars. Ensure even pressure for a solid base.

Step 3: Preparing the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, beat 16 oz softened cream cheese and 1 cup powdered sugar with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. Add 2 eggs and 1 tsp vanilla extract, continuing to beat until fully incorporated and the mixture is lump-free.

Pro Tip: Always use room-temperature ingredients for a smoother blend; cold cream cheese can lead to a curdled texture.

Step 4: Incorporating the Candies

Gently fold in 1 cup chopped Reeses pieces and 1 cup chopped Butterfinger bars into the cream cheese mixture using a spatula, ensuring even distribution without overmixing.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Over-folding can melt the candies prematurely, losing that desirable crunch; fold just until combined for the perfect texture in your Reeses Butterfinger Cheesecake Bars.

Step 5: Baking the Bars

Pour the filling over the prepared crust in the pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.

Pro Tip: Check for doneness by gently shaking the pan; the center should have a slight wobble, indicating it’s perfectly baked.

Step 6: Cooling and Topping

Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature for about 1 hour, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set fully. Once chilled, drizzle with 1/2 cup chocolate sauce before slicing into bars.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Rushing the cooling process can cause the bars to crack; patience ensures a clean cut and optimal texture.

Serving & Presentation

For an impressive presentation, cut the Reeses Butterfinger Cheesecake Bars into neat squares and arrange them on a platter with a dusting of powdered sugar for a professional touch. Garnish with extra chopped Reeses or Butterfinger pieces on top for added visual appeal and texture contrast. These bars pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh berries to balance the richness, making them ideal for dessert tables at parties. For a more elegant serving, plate individually with a side of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce, enhancing the flavors in these Reeses Butterfinger Cheesecake Bars.

Make-Ahead & Storage Solutions

Make-Ahead Strategy: Prepare the crust up to 3 days in advance by mixing and pressing it into the pan, then cover and store in the refrigerator. The filling can be made a day ahead; just cover and chill it separately, folding in the candies right before baking to maintain crunch.

Storing Leftovers: Store cooled bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days; this keeps them fresh and prevents sogginess. For longer storage, freeze the bars in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.

The Best Way to Reheat: Thaw frozen bars in the refrigerator overnight, then bring to room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. If needed, warm individual bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore that creamy texture without melting the candies.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Reeses Butterfinger Cheesecake Bars

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• Author: Chef Lalyta
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 bars 1x

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Description

Delicious cheesecake bars combining Reeses and Butterfinger candies for a crunchy, creamy treat.

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Ingredients

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• Crust:
• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• Filling:
• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup chopped Reeses pieces
• 1 cup chopped Butterfinger bars
• Topping:
• 1/2 cup chocolate sauce

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter; press into the pan to form crust.
3. Beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth; add eggs and vanilla.
4. Fold in chopped Reeses and Butterfinger; pour over crust.
5. Bake for 30 minutes or until set.
6. Cool and drizzle with chocolate sauce before serving.

Notes

Store in refrigerator for up to 5 days. Great for parties!

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Method: Dessert
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 18g
• Fat: 24g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Protein: 5g