Peanut Butter and Jelly Cheesecake Bars

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Elevate your dessert game with these homemade Peanut Butter and Jelly Cheesecake Bars. Each bite marries the smoothness of cream cheese with the richness of peanut butter, all finished with a sweet jelly glaze. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a quiet night in, these bars promise to be a crowd pleaser!

Peanut Butter and Jelly Cheesecake Dessert Bar on a plate with peanuts.
Peanut Butter and Jelly Cheesecake Dessert Bar with graham cracker crust.

Recently, I’ve been all about peanut butter-based desserts. I think it started when I made those Peanut Butter Lovers’ Peanut Butter Cookies. To satisfy my craving, I decided to whip out the big jar of peanut butter I keep on hand and have at it again. This time I threw in some jelly for good measure and made the whole thing into a cheesecake. The result? Pure bliss. I think you’ll agree.

Imagine your childhood favorite sandwich meets the elegance of cheesecake. With a few simple steps and some basic ingredients, you can whip up these Peanut Butter and Jelly Cheesecake Bars in no time!

Peanut Butter and Jelly Cheesecake Dessert Bars on parchment paper.

These Peanut Butter and Jelly Cheesecake Bars begin with a graham cracker crust (another favorite of mine). But this crust gets a flavor upgrade with the addition of finely chopped peanuts. The cheesecake comes together in the usual way with cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla. However, this time we’re also bringing creamy peanut butter to the party. This IS peanut butter cheesecake after all.

After the cheesecake is baked and cooled, the whole thing gets topped with Concord grape jelly. (You can use whatever kind of jelly you like. Just make sure it’s jelly, not jam or preserves.) Once the jelly sets, this flavor-packed slab of deliciousness is ready to be sliced into bars and served.

Many Peanut Butter and Jelly Cheesecake Dessert Bars on parchment paper.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Peanut butter and jelly is a combo that wins hearts, and in these cheesecake bars, it’s front and center. It’s the taste you know and love with a creamy, rich twist that elevates it from a lunchbox staple to a dessert favorite.
  • While the idea of cheesecake might sound fancy, these bars are incredibly simple to make. The steps are clear-cut, and the result is consistently stunning—making you feel like a baking pro with every batch.
  • Whether it’s for a get-together, potluck, or just a treat at home, these cheesecake bars have universal appeal. Kids and adults alike can’t resist the familiar, comforting flavors.
  • The contrasting layers in these bars are a texture-lover’s dream. From the crunchy, nutty base to the velvety cheesecake, topped with the smooth, sweet jelly – every bite is an experience.

Love peanut butter based dessert? Me too? You’re in for a treat because I have an entire collection of my best peanut butter dessert recipes. I’m certain you’ll find a few new recipes to enjoy.

Peanut Butter and Jelly Cheesecake Dessert Bar surrounded by peanuts.

Ingredients

  • Unsalted Butter: This is the foundation of your crust, giving it a rich flavor and perfect crumbly texture. I like unsalted to control the salt in the recipe.
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: They provide the classic, sweet base that complements the creamy filling.
  • Roasted Peanuts: Crushed to a fine consistency, they add a nutty crunch that’s irresistible in the crust. Plus, it’s another level of peanut butter.
  • Brown Sugar: It brings a deep, molasses-like sweetness that enhances the base layer.
  • Kosher Salt: Just a pinch balances the sweetness and rounds out the flavors in both crust and filling.
  • Cream Cheese: The star of the show, it creates the smooth, indulgent canvas for your peanut butter and jelly masterpiece.
  • Creamy Peanut Butter: This adds a rich, nutty layer that pairs perfectly with the tang of the cream cheese. JIF is my go-to here.
  • Sugar: It sweetens the filling, highlighting the peanut butter and contrasting the tartness of the jelly.
  • Eggs: They bind the filling together, giving it a luxurious texture that’s firm yet creamy.
  • Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla adds a warm, aromatic essence to the cheesecake mixture.
  • Concord Grape Jelly: It crowns the cheesecake with its sweet and fruity glaze, sealing the deal on this classic flavor combo. You can use your favorite flavor of jelly. Just make sure it’s a jelly, not a jam or preserve.
Peanut Butter and Jelly Cheesecake Dessert Bar with text on image.

How to Make

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 9 x 13-inch baking pan with cooking spray. Set aside.
  2. In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, crushed peanuts, brown sugar, and ½ teaspoon salt. Mix in melted butter and stir to combine. Mixture should resemble wet sand. Press into the bottom and about three-quarters of the way up the sides of the prepared pan. Bake the crust 12-15 minutes until it is set and just beginning to brown. Cool completely.
pouring butter onto graham crackers in a bowl.
adding graham crackers crust to cake pan with parchment paper.

  1. Set the oven to 325 degrees F. In the bowl of a mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese and peanut butter about 5 minutes or until smooth.

  1. Gradually beat in the sugar and remaining ½ teaspoon salt until the mixture is light and fluffy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Beat in the eggs one at a time; then add the vanilla. Again, scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Adding cheesecake filling to graham cracker crust.

  1. Pour the filling into the prepared crust. Use a spatula to level the top. Bake 40 – 45 minutes until slightly puffed, set along the edges, and still a bit wobbly in the center. Let cool completely.

cheesecake prepared in a cake pan.
  1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk the jelly until melted and smooth. Allow to cool slightly. Pour evenly over the cheesecake. Spread lightly with a spatula to create a thin, even layer.

pan pour jelly layer onto cheesecake.
  1. Refrigerate about 2 hours until the jelly is set. Cut into bars. Wipe off the knife between cuts to keep the edges of the bars clean. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days.
sliced Peanut Butter and Jelly Cheesecake Dessert Bars with a knife and peanuts.

And that’s it! Just slice, serve, and dig in. You’re in for a treat!

These treats are a game-changer, folks. They’re not just a dessert; they’re a conversation starter, a reason to gather, and a way to make any day a bit more special. Whip up a batch, share the love, and enjoy every delicious moment.

Satisfy your dessert cravings with a slice of nostalgia – these Peanut Butter and Jelly Cheesecake Bars are just the ticket. These bars offer layers of irresistible flavor, with a crunchy base, creamy center, and glossy jelly topping. They’re the perfect treat for any time you need a delicious pick-me-up or a hit at your next potluck.

Peanut Butter and Jelly Cheesecake Dessert Bars on a table.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use natural peanut butter for the cheesecake bars?

While you can use natural peanut butter, keep in mind that it may alter the texture of the cheesecake filling due to its oil separation. For best results, use the kind that doesn’t separate.

What if I don’t have / like Concord grape jelly?

No worries! You can use any jelly or jam flavor you prefer. Strawberry or raspberry also make great options for a twist on the classic PB&J.

How do I store the cheesecake bars, and how long will they last?

Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and they should keep well for up to three days.

Can I freeze these cheesecake bars?

I wouldn’t recommend it. I’m not a fan of frozen cream cheese based desserts. It may also make the bars soggy.

What’s the best way to get clean cuts when slicing the bars?

For the cleanest cuts, dip your knife in hot water, wipe it dry, and then slice. Repeat between cuts to ensure each piece comes out looking neat and professional.

Peanut Butter and Jelly Cheesecake Dessert Bars with graham cracker crust and jelly topping.
Peanut Butter and Jelly Cheesecake Dessert Bar on a plate with more in the background.

More Peanut Butter Desserts You’ll Love

No matter how you serve or slice them, these Peanut Butter and Jelly Cheesecake Bars are a winner. Crunchy, creamy, smooth, and tart. It’s dessert perfected, my friends. I hope you’ll give it a try!  If you do, please leave a comment and a 5-star rating below. 

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These Peanut Butter and Jelly Cheesecake Bars are a dessert everyone will love.

Peanut Butter and Jelly Cheesecake Bars

These Peanut Butter and Jelly Cheesecake Bars are beyond delicious. Packed with that classic flavor pairing we all love, and served cheesecake-style, these bars will have you looking for any excuse to make them.
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Servings: 20 servings

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 9 x 13-inch baking pan with cooking spray. Set aside.
  • In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, crushed peanuts, brown sugar, and ½ teaspoon salt. Mix in melted butter and stir to combine. Mixture should resemble wet sand. Press into the bottom and about three-quarters of the way up the sides of the prepared pan. Bake the crust 12-15 minutes until it is set and just beginning to brown. Cool completely.
  • Set the oven to 325 degrees F. In the bowl of a mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese and peanut butter about 5 minutes or until smooth. Gradually beat in the sugar and remaining ½ teaspoon salt until the mixture is light and fluffy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Beat in the eggs one at a time; then add the vanilla. Again, scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
  • Pour the filling into the prepared crust. Use a spatula to level the top. Bake 40 – 45 minutes until slightly puffed, set along the edges, and still a bit wobbly in the center. Let cool completely.
  • In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk the jelly until melted and smooth. Allow to cool slightly. Pour evenly over the cheesecake. Spread lightly with a spatula to create a thin, even layer.
  • Refrigerate about 2 hours until the jelly is set. Cut into bars. Wipe off the knife between cuts to keep the edges of the bars clean. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days.

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3 Comments

  1. First, many congratulations and best regards for your cover on the magazine! It’s on my shopping list now! Thank you also for the delicious peanut butter cream cheese and jelly bars!? Be proud of yourself, pat yourself on the back too because you are more than awesome!