Fluffernutter Cheesecake Bars Recipe

If you’re a lover of all things sweet and nostalgic, you are going to adore this Fluffernutter Cheesecake Bars Recipe! Imagine the classic, dreamy combination of peanut butter and marshmallow creme, but elevated into an irresistibly creamy cheesecake bar with a buttery sugar cookie crust. It’s the perfect blend of fluffy, sweet, and peanut buttery goodness baked into one luscious treat. Every bite feels like a warm hug from childhood that you just can’t get enough of. Whether it’s for a special occasion, a cozy night at home, or simply because you deserve a little indulgence, these bars are guaranteed to become a new favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Fluffernutter Cheesecake Bars Recipe keeps things wonderfully simple with every ingredient chosen to bring out the best texture and flavor. Each element plays a key role: the sugar cookie crust provides that golden, buttery base, while the peanut butter cream cheese filling makes the bars ultra-smooth and rich. The marshmallow topping adds that iconic fluff and just the right amount of sweetness to balance everything perfectly.

• 1 cup salted butter (softened): Gives the crust a rich, creamy texture and helps everything hold together perfectly.
• 1 cup sugar: Adds the essential sweetness that balances the peanut butter’s savoriness.
• 2 large eggs (room temperature): Help bind the crust ingredients with smooth consistency.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to both the crust and filling.
• 2 & 3/4 cup all-purpose flour: Provides structure and a tender crumb to the crust.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances flavors and balances the sweetness.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the crust rise lightly for a delicate texture.
• 16 oz cream cheese (softened): The base of the cheesecake layer; smooth and creamy magic.
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter: Creates that unmistakable fluffy peanut butter flavor we all crave.
• 1 & 1/2 cups powdered sugar (divided): Sweetens the filling and adds a silky finish to the texture.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds extra flavor to the filling’s creaminess.
• 1/2 cup sour cream: Adds tang and moisture, giving the filling a perfect balance.
• 2 cups heavy whipping cream (cold): Whipped to soft peaks, it lightens the filling into a fluffy cloud.
• 6 oz Marshmallow creme: The star topping that makes the bars extra fluffy and irresistible.
• 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter: Warmed and drizzled on top for a glossy, peanut buttery finish.
• 1/2 cup Peanut butter or butterscotch chips: Adds bursts of texture and sweetness with each bite.

How to Make Fluffernutter Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the baking dish and preheat

Start by heating up your oven to 350°F and lining a 9×13 casserole dish with parchment paper. This step ensures your sugar cookie crust will come out cleanly and make cutting the bars a breeze later.

Step 2: Cream sugar and butter

In a big mixing bowl, beat that softened butter with sugar until it’s light and fluffy—this will create a soft, melt-in-your-mouth crust. Then, add in the eggs and vanilla extract, whipping it on high speed for a couple of minutes to get everything perfectly combined.

Step 3: Mix dry ingredients and combine

Whisk together flour, salt, and baking soda in a separate bowl. Slowly add this dry mixture to your wet butter mixture, beating just until combined. Overmixing here would lead to a tough crust, so keep it gentle!

Step 4: Form the crust and bake

Press the sugar cookie dough evenly across your prepared pan—don’t forget to press it firmly so the crust holds well. Pop it in the oven for 15 minutes until it turns a lovely golden hue.

Step 5: Make the peanut butter cheesecake filling

While the crust bakes and cools, mix the cream cheese, peanut butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and sour cream in a medium bowl. Beat until it’s smooth, creamy, and absolutely dreamy.

Step 6: Whip the heavy cream

In a chilled bowl, whip the cold heavy whipping cream on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form. This whipped cream is what makes the filling super light and luxurious.

Step 7: Fold whipped cream into the filling

Gently fold the whipped cream into your peanut butter cream cheese mixture using a spatula. The folding technique keeps the air in the mixture, making the bars fluffy and smooth.

Step 8: Spread the filling over crust

Evenly spread the decadent peanut butter cheesecake filling over your cooled sugar cookie crust. Try to keep it smooth for the most beautiful presentation.

Step 9: Chill to set

Place the dish in the fridge for at least 4 hours or in the freezer for 2 hours to let everything set and become sliceable.

Step 10: Warm peanut butter for topping

Microwave your peanut butter just until it becomes runny enough to drizzle—this warm topping adds a glossy finish and extra punch of flavor.

Step 11: Drizzle toppings

Using Ziploc bags with a corner snipped off, drizzle the warmed peanut butter and marshmallow creme over the chilled bars, creating swoops of sweetness that are as beautiful as they are delicious.

Step 12: Add chip sprinkle

Sprinkle peanut butter or butterscotch chips on top to add texture and little bursts of extra flavor with each bite.

Step 13: Slice and enjoy

Cut into bars and get ready to dive into these heavenly Fluffernutter Cheesecake Bars Recipe beauties!

How to Serve Fluffernutter Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Garnishes

To really make your Fluffernutter Cheesecake Bars Recipe pop, don’t hesitate to add a few extra peanut butter chips or a light dusting of powdered sugar right before serving. A couple of mini marshmallows or a sprinkle of crushed peanuts can also amp up the fun and flavor on top.

Side Dishes

These bars are delightfully rich, so pairing them with something refreshing, like a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a side of fresh berries, balances the decadence. A simple cup of hot coffee or a glass of cold milk also complements the flavors perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For an eye-catching dessert table, arrange the bars on a rustic wooden tray with little jars of peanut butter and marshmallow creme nearby for extra drizzling. Wrapping individual bars in wax paper and tying them with twine makes a charming gift or party favor everyone will rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Fluffernutter Cheesecake Bars Recipe leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Keeping them chilled preserves their creamy texture and keeps the flavors fresh and vibrant.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later delights, freeze the bars in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. They freeze beautifully for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before you dig in.

Reheating

This recipe is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t recommended. However, if you prefer a slightly softer texture, leave the bars out for 15 minutes before serving to let them warm up a bit.

FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter instead of creamy peanut butter?

You can, but natural peanut butter tends to be oilier and less smooth, which might affect the texture of both the filling and the drizzle. If using natural, stir it well and consider adding it slowly to maintain the right consistency.

Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Be sure to check that your baking soda and other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

Can I make these bars vegan?

This recipe relies heavily on dairy and eggs, so it would require several substitutions like vegan cream cheese, egg replacers, and dairy-free whipping cream. The texture and flavor may differ, but with some experimentation, you can create a delicious vegan version.

How long do these bars need to chill?

A minimum of four hours in the refrigerator is ideal to allow the cheesecake filling to set properly. If you’re short on time, two hours in the freezer works well for a quicker set.

Can I add chocolate to the Fluffernutter Cheesecake Bars Recipe?

Definitely! Mixing in some mini chocolate chips or drizzling melted chocolate on top pairs wonderfully with the peanut butter and marshmallow flavors, adding an extra dimension of indulgence.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that is as fun to make as it is to eat, the Fluffernutter Cheesecake Bars Recipe is your new best friend. It brings together nostalgic flavors in a creamy, dreamy way that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whip up a batch and share the love—these bars might just become the highlight of your treat rotation!

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