Healthier Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bars
Indulging in dessert doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your health goals. These Healthier Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bars are the perfect balance of creamy, rich cheesecake with the delightful flavor of peanut butter. Made with wholesome ingredients, they are a fantastic option for those looking to satisfy their sweet tooth without the guilt. With a crispy oat crust and a creamy filling, these bars are sure to become a favorite in your dessert rotation.
Why This Recipe Works
The charm of these Healthier Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bars lies in their thoughtful ingredient choices. By using reduced-fat cream cheese and Greek yogurt, we achieve a creamy texture while cutting back on calories and fat. The inclusion of white whole-wheat flour and oats in the crust not only adds fiber but also brings a delightful nuttiness that complements the peanut butter filling beautifully. Plus, the use of coconut oil keeps the bars moist and adds a hint of tropical flavor. The balance of flavors and textures ensures that every bite is truly satisfying.
What You’ll Need
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup + 3 tablespoons white whole-wheat flour
- 3/4 cup + 2 tablespoons old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons coconut oil, at room temperature
- 8 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons plain Greek nonfat yogurt
- 1 large egg white
- 1/2 cup peanut butter chips, plus additional for topping, optional
- Peanut butter for drizzling, optional
Toolbox for This Recipe
- Mixing Bowls: For combining ingredients smoothly.
- 9×9-inch Baking Pan: To hold the cheesecake bars as they bake.
- Whisk: For mixing the filling ingredients evenly.
- Spoon or Spatula: To spread the crust and filling in the pan.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For precise ingredient measurements.
Healthier Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bars Made Stepwise
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your bars will bake evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Crust
In a large mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, white whole-wheat flour, rolled oats, baking soda, and salt. Stir until well mixed. Add the melted coconut oil, mixing until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your greased 9×9-inch baking pan to form the crust.
Step 3: Bake the Crust
Place the crust in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until it is lightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool slightly.
Step 4: Make the Cheesecake Filling
In another mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar using a hand mixer until smooth. Add the vanilla extract, Greek yogurt, and egg white, mixing until fully incorporated and creamy.
Step 5: Add Peanut Butter Chips
Fold in the peanut butter chips gently into the cheesecake mixture, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
Step 6: Assemble the Bars
Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula. If desired, sprinkle additional peanut butter chips on top for extra flavor and texture.
Step 7: Bake the Cheesecake Bars
Return the baking pan to the oven and bake for another 20-25 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly. Remove from the oven and let it cool at room temperature.
Step 8: Chill the Bars
Once cooled, transfer the pan to the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect cheesecake texture.
Step 9: Drizzle and Serve
Before serving, drizzle melted peanut butter over the chilled bars for a decadent touch. Cut into squares and enjoy your Healthier Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bars!
No-Store Runs Needed
- Most of these ingredients are pantry staples, so you likely have them on hand.
- Substitutions can easily be made, such as using almond butter instead of peanut butter if preferred.
- Oats and flour can be stored for a long time, making this an easy go-to recipe.
Chef’s Notes
- For a gluten-free option, substitute the white whole-wheat flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- These bars can be made ahead of time, making them perfect for meal prep or gatherings.
- If you’re a fan of chocolate, consider adding chocolate chips to the filling for a delightful twist.
- Feel free to adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar according to your taste.
Save for Later: Storage Tips
Store the Healthier Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. They can also be frozen for up to three months. Just make sure to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn. Thaw in the refrigerator before enjoying.
Quick Q&A
Can I use a different type of nut butter?
Absolutely! Almond butter or cashew butter can work beautifully in place of peanut butter for a different flavor profile.
Are these bars suitable for kids?
Yes! These Healthier Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bars are a great option for kids as they provide a mix of protein, good fats, and wholesome ingredients.
What can I use instead of Greek yogurt?
If you don’t have Greek yogurt, you can substitute it with regular plain yogurt or even cottage cheese, although the texture may vary slightly.
How do I know when the cheesecake bars are done?
The bars are done when the edges are set, and the center is just slightly jiggly. They will firm up as they cool in the refrigerator.
Bring It Home
These Healthier Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bars are a delicious and guilt-free treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re indulging after a long day or sharing with friends at a gathering, these bars are sure to impress! With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can whip up a batch that everyone will love. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a slice of heaven that won’t derail your healthy eating goals. Happy baking!
Healthier Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bars
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat the Oven - Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your bars will bake evenly.
- Step 2: Prepare the Crust - In a large mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, white whole-wheat flour, rolled oats, baking soda, and salt. Stir until well mixed. Add the melted coconut oil, mixing until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your greased 9x9-inch baking pan to form the crust.
- Step 3: Bake the Crust - Place the crust in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until it is lightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool slightly.
- Step 4: Make the Cheesecake Filling - In another mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar using a hand mixer until smooth. Add the vanilla extract, Greek yogurt, and egg white, mixing until fully incorporated and creamy.
- Step 5: Add Peanut Butter Chips - Fold in the peanut butter chips gently into the cheesecake mixture, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
- Step 6: Assemble the Bars - Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula. If desired, sprinkle additional peanut butter chips on top for extra flavor and texture.
- Step 7: Bake the Cheesecake Bars - Return the baking pan to the oven and bake for another 20-25 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly. Remove from the oven and let it cool at room temperature.
- Step 8: Chill the Bars - Once cooled, transfer the pan to the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect cheesecake texture.
- Step 9: Drizzle and Serve - Before serving, drizzle melted peanut butter over the chilled bars for a decadent touch. Cut into squares and enjoy your Healthier Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bars!
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, substitute the white whole-wheat flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- These bars can be made ahead of time, making them perfect for meal prep or gatherings.
- If you’re a fan of chocolate, consider adding chocolate chips to the filling for a delightful twist.
