This probably won’t come as much of a surprise to you, but I read a ton of food blogs. I am constantly inspired by and in awe of the creativity of other bloggers. Every week it seems I find at least a handful of new-to-me blogs that I fall in love with too. There really aren’t enough hours in the day to keep up with all of them!
Most recently I’ve become obsessed with Mel’s Kitchen Cafe, and I just had to share with you guys. I think I just might be the last person to discover Mel’s blog, but if you’re late to this party too, you have to stop by and check it out. So many easy, family-friendly recipes – I’ve made a handful of them in the past few months and they don’t disappoint!
These Peanut Butter Oreo Cheesecake Bites were actually inspired by a recipe over on Mel’s site too, and let me tell you, you guys are going to love these babies! Have you seen the Peanut Butter Oreos in stores? I’m not a fan of many store-bought cookies, but Oreos are definitely an exception to the rule. Replace the traditional filling with a peanut butter one and they become even harder to resist, so of course I had to buy them. To avoid eating the entire package in front of the tv I immediately got baking with them and made these cheesecake bites.
When you scroll down the ingredient list you’ll see why this recipe has become a fast favorite – Oreo cookies, cheesecake, peanut butter, ganache and all in a cute, bite-sized treat too? The stuff of dreams, I tell you. I used the Peanut Butter Oreos to make the crust for the bites, and also coarsely chopped them up and folded them into the cheesecake itself. I love the contrasting texture of the creamy cheesecake with the chunks of Oreos throughout. To really drive home the peanut butter element, I chose to top the bites with a chocolate-peanut butter ganache. If you have any imperfections in your cheesecake, the ganache will cover those too so it’s a win-win 🙂
These cheesecake bites would be perfect finger food for any football parties or get-togethers you’re having this fall. And bonus – you could even make them ahead of time because they freeze wonderfully!
Peanut Butter Oreo Cheesecake Bites
cheesecake bites adapted from Mel’s Kitchen Cafe (original recipe via Kraft Recipes), glaze from Tracey’s Culinary Adventures
{Note: you can double the recipe and bake in a 13×9-inch pan if you need to feed a bigger crowd. The baking time may be slightly longer if you go this route. And obviously, regular Oreos would be fine here if you can’t find or don’t want to use the peanut butter ones.}
Crust
10 Peanut Butter Oreo Cookies
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1/8 teaspoon salt
Filling
2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, at room temperature
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup sour cream (light is fine), at room temperature
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs, at room temperature
6 Peanut Butter Oreo Cookies, coarsely chopped
Glaze
2 oz bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
1/4 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
1 teaspoon corn syrup
Preheat the oven to 325 F. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with aluminum foil leaving overhang on opposite sides to use as “handles” to lift the cheesecake out with afterward.
To make the crust: Add the Oreos to the bowl of your food processor and process until finely crushed (if you don’t have a food processor, you could put the Oreos in a resealable plastic bag and use a rolling pin). Transfer the crumbs to a bowl – you should have about 1 1/4 cups. Add the melted butter and the salt and use a fork to mix until the crumbs are evenly moistened. Transfer to the prepared pan and press into a thin layer over the bottom to form the crust.
To make the filling: Add the cream cheese and sugar to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Beat on medium speed until light and fluffy. Mix in the sour cream and vanilla, beating until well combined. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating just until blended after each addition. Stir in the chopped Oreos.
Pour the cheesecake filling over the crust and smooth into an even layer. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is nearly set (it should jiggle just a tiny bit if you shake the pan). Remove the pan to a wire rack and allow to cool to room temperature.
When the cheesecake is nearly cool, make the ganache. Add the chopped chocolate to a heatproof bowl and set aside. Heat the cream in a small saucepan until it reaches a simmer then pour it over the chocolate. Let stand for 1 minute, then gently whisk until the chocolate is melted and smooth. Add the peanut butter and corn syrup, whisking until incorporated. Allow to cool slightly, then pour the ganache over the cooled cheesecake and spread into an even layer.
Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours. When ready to serve, lift the cheesecake out using the foil “handles” then cut into bite-sized pieces. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, or frozen (defrost in the fridge before serving).
I love Mels blog! Ive never made anything that wasn’t a winner!
Im with you on never having enough time to keep up with all the amazing talented bloggers..I need more hours in the day!
These little babies sound amazing!! Oreos are definitely the exception, the only store bought cookies Ill buy, but omg are they the best! Pb, oreos, cheesecake..these are winners!
Yes, please!! These sound perfect!
Oh my gosh. I might need to make these for my presentation on Monday. I’ve been having a hard time thinking of what I want to make. Although I was trying to pick something with white chocolate since it is national white chocolate day on the 23rd. But I just cannot resist peanut butter!
These are seriously too cute! I must be behind — I haven’t even heard of PB Oreos before. But they are definitely going on my grocery list. Great recipe!
I am dying! These look amazing!
Oh these are torturing me right now! I’ve got to find some PB oreos!
Or I could double the recipe and eat the whole thing… because let’s be honest, this looks incredibly dangerously good!
Every weekday morning, I check Mel’s and your blog–back to back! Two of the best food blogs around, in my opinion!
I love Mel’s site and I LOVE your adapatation of these treats! PB and chocolate is the best!
I swear I find a new amazing food blog at least once a week. I love the big oreo chunks in these bars. Looking good!
I’m dying over these bars…..they look out of this world, Tracey! I clearly live under a rock bc I’ve never seen peanut butter Oreos before, and I have yet to check out Mel’s blog.
These look deliciously decadent! I’ve been majorly into cheesecake recently, and I definitely can’t resist these. Need to be made! Going to check out Mel’s blog. If it has recipes like this, I’ll love it!
Oh heavens, these look SO good. I love any sort of cheesecake-related desserts, so I know I’d love these!
Yes, yes and yes! These bites look so delicious and perfect for parties. What a wonderful recipe!
Ugh, love these so much – these look incredible!! LOVE!
I had no idea those PB oreos even existed! Do I need to make up for lost time or what?! And you kind of just made the ultimate cheesecake. By the way.
i was in awe when i saw these on facebook today–gorgeous!
also, i totally agree that oreos are one cookie worth buying!
I’ve never heard of PB Oreo but they are on my grocery list now. These bites are seriously dangerous. Glad you found Mel’s blog…I love it too!
This recipe is definitely on my list to do!
Where have I been? PB oreos? Your adaptation of this recipe is brilliant, Tracey! I’ve been a longtime admirer of your blog so your kind words made my day. Thank you!
Obsessed with this idea. I love the ganache you added on top- best finishing touch!
Oh, this looks so good! I love peanut butter and cream cheese together! Perfect little bites!
I have been able to avoid the PB Oreos at the store so far, but I am not sure how much longer I can last! Love these bars, and they look gorgeous!
Mel is who I hope to be some day. You’re right, she’s awesome! These bites look seriously amazing. You’re right, with all those amazing ingredients, can you really go wrong? Yum!
Oh my gosh this looks tasty! I am not really a fan of Oreos unless they are in something, like ice cream, cupcakes, cheesecakes and such. I bet this would be amazing with the birthday cake batter ones 🙂
I subscribe to what feels like a million food blogs, but I just can’t stop adding. I have to know EVERYTHING!