So many layers to explore.

We had family visiting over the weekend! The house was filled with teenagers and kids, running around like wild animals. It was messy, it was noisy, it was a blast. Having a full house puts me in my element, as feeding people is my greatest skillset. And feed them, I did. Big breakfasts, snack platters, sizzling BBQ dinners, and best of all…dessert.

Perhaps my most overtop creation yet, these no bake peanut butter cup cheesecake jars were a huge hit. You know you’ve done a job well when the entire table sits in silence and all you hear is spoons clinging against glass, and occasionally a sigh. Layer upon layer of sweet, peanut buttery, milk chocolatey, graham crackery, cheese cakery, deliciousness. Yes, I made up words. A dynamite dessert will do that.

Let’s talk about these layers:

First, you’ve got the graham cracker crust made with Kodiak Cakes Honey Bear Bites. This is my favorite part of the dessert. Who doesn’t love a graham cracker crust? The Honey Bear Bites aren’t overly sweet so the crust balances out the other layers perfectly. Kodiak Cakes Bear Bites are the only grahams I buy these days. They’re made with whole grains and packed with protein, and they come in the cutest bear shapes, making them irresistible.
Second, you’ve got the layer of milk chocolate ganache. I love milk chocolate here, because it creates a candy bar-like flavor, but any chocolate will do. Dark chocolate would be extra decadent. The chocolate layer is the perfect combination with the graham cracker crust.
Third, you’ve got the layer of peanut butter cheesecake mixed with chunks of chopped peanut butter cups. No complaining here! Creamy, slightly tangy, and filled with everyone’s favorite peanut butter and chocolate candy. Yes, please.
Last, but not least, you’ve got the garnishes. More chocolate ganache, whipped cream, chopped peanut butter cups, and an adorable Kodiak Cakes Bear Bite topper.
Picture perfect. Delicious. Get in my belly.

These jar desserts are also incredibly easy to put together. No baking is needed, the ingredients are simple, and the layering is a piece of (cheese) cake. You can even throw a top on them and pack them up for a picnic or camping trip. They’re the perfect summer treat. Everyone will sing your praises.

A surefire crowd pleaser! Make sure you’ve got cold milk near by!

No Bake Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake Jars

Makes 8 6 ounce mason jars

Crust:

1 1/2 cups finely crushed Kodiak Cakes Honey Bear Bites
1/4 tsp kosher salt
2 tbsp granulated sugar
4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1 tsp pure vanilla extract

Milk Chocolate Ganache:

1 1/2 cups chopped milk chocolate
3/4 heavy cream

Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake Filling:

2 blocks (16 oz) of cream cheese, at room temperature
4 tbsp creamy peanut butter
2/3 cup powdered sugar
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups chopped mini peanut butter cups (like Reece’s)
2 cups heavy cream

Optional Garnishes:

Extra KodiakCake Honey Bear Bites
Chopped mini peanut butter cups
Bear Bite Crumbs
Chocolate Ganache Drizzle
Whipped Cream

Make the jars:

Start with the chocolate ganache so it has some time to cool. Place the chopped chocolate in a medium bowl. Heat the heavy cream for 30-45 seconds in the microwave till it’s simmering hot. Pour the cream over the chocolate and let it sit for 30 seconds, then stir till smooth. Set aside while you make the crust.
For the crust, in a medium bowl, mix the ingredients for the crust together till combined, forming some moist crumbs. Spoon the mixture evenly into the bottom of each jar and press firmly into the bottom.
Take the slightly cooled chocolate ganache and spoon a heaping tablespoon (or two) over the crust, making sure to cover the surface. Chill the jars to let the chocolate set while you make the cheesecake filling.
For the filling, in a large bowl, using a hand held mixer, combine the cream cheese, peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla. Mix on medium speed till light and fluffy. Using a rubber spatula, stir in the chopped peanut butter cups. In another bowl, whip the heavy cream till stiff peaks form. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture till fully combined. Divide the filling evenly among the jars, over the chocolate ganache layer.
Chill the jars for at least an hour. When ready to serve, top each jar with desired garnishes and serve.