Peanut Butter Cheesecake Heart Bites

Name: Peanut Butter Cheesecake Heart Bites
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 12 bites
Ingredients: 1 cup crushed graham crackers; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted; 2 tablespoons sugar; 8 ounces cream cheese, softened; 1 cup creamy peanut butter; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Sweet Indulgence Recipes

I love making these Peanut Butter Cheesecake Heart Bites for special occasions, and they never fail to impress! The creamy texture and rich peanut butter flavor paired with a crumbly crust make them utterly irresistible. Plus, they’re quick to whip up in just a few simple steps, and guests are always delighted to see a heart-shaped dessert on the table. Whether it’s a romantic dinner or a festive gathering, these bites are a perfect sweet treat that everyone adores!

Created by

Emma

Last updated on 2026-01-18T13:24:27.782Z

When I first stumbled upon this recipe, I was drawn to the perfect combination of peanut butter and cream cheese. I decided to give it a try for a Valentine’s Day dessert, and it was a huge hit! The blend of flavors is simply divine, and shaping them into hearts adds a fun twist that makes them feel special.

What I found really helpful was letting the mixture chill slightly before scooping it out. This makes the bites easier to handle and ensures they hold their shape perfectly. Trust me; once you've made these, they will become your go-to treat for any occasion!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Rich peanut butter flavor combined with creamy cheesecake
Perfectly shaped bites that are great for sharing
No baking required, making them quick and easy

      

Creating the Perfect Crust

The foundation of any great cheesecake is its crust, and for these Peanut Butter Cheesecake Heart Bites, a crumbly, buttery graham cracker base is essential. When mixing the crushed graham crackers, melted butter, and sugar, make sure to fully incorporate the ingredients until the mixture resembles wet sand. This ensures that the crust holds together firmly when pressed into your heart-shaped molds. If you're looking for a gluten-free alternative, try using crushed gluten-free cookies instead of graham crackers.

Once your crust mixture is ready, use the back of a spoon or your fingers to press it firmly into the molds. This step is crucial; a well-compressed crust will provide structural integrity to each bite. Aim for about 1/4 inch thickness, and don’t be afraid to make it firm—this will help keep the bites together during the chilling process. You want the crust to be slightly golden when you pop these heart-shaped treats out of the molds.

Mastering the Peanut Butter Filling

Achieving the right consistency for the creamy peanut butter cheesecake filling is key to the success of these bites. Start by ensuring your cream cheese is softened to room temperature—this helps achieve a smooth, lump-free mixture when combined with the peanut butter. If you're short on time, you can microwave the cream cheese for about 10-15 seconds, but make sure it doesn't melt. The goal is to beat it until it’s glossy and smooth before adding other ingredients.

When incorporating the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mix until fully combined to avoid any graininess. You can adjust the sweetness to your liking by adding more or less powdered sugar, but be cautious not to overmix, as this can result in a denser filling. Using creamy peanut butter is essential here; it provides a velvety texture that contrasts wonderfully with the crunchy crust. If you're looking for a nuttier flavor, consider using a natural peanut butter, just be mindful that the consistency might vary slightly.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create these delightful bites:

For the crust

1 cup crushed graham crackers
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons sugar

For the filling

8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately for the best results!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your Peanut Butter Cheesecake Heart Bites:

Prepare the crust

In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed graham crackers, melted butter, and sugar. Mix until well combined and crumbly. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of heart-shaped silicone molds.

Make the filling

In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and peanut butter together until smooth. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.

Assemble the bites

Spoon the peanut butter mixture over the crust in the molds, pressing it down gently. Smooth the tops if necessary.

Chill

Refrigerate the molds for at least 1 hour, or until the bites are firm enough to pop out.

Once prepared, your delicious bites are ready to share!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, consider drizzling melted chocolate over the chilled bites before serving.

Chilling and Serving

Chilling the bites is a vital step, as it allows the filling to set properly, creating that delightful creamy texture. Ideally, you should refrigerate them for at least 1 hour, but for the best results, let them chill for 2-3 hours. This not only solidifies the bites but enhances the flavors as they meld together. If you're in a hurry, you can place them in the freezer for 30 minutes, but keep an eye on them to prevent freezing solid.

When it’s time to serve, gently pop them out of the silicone molds by pushing from the bottom. These heart-shaped bites can be garnished with a drizzle of chocolate or a sprinkle of crushed peanuts for an added touch of elegance. They can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days, making them great for make-ahead treats for your next gathering.

Variations and Substitutions

Feel free to customize these heart bites based on dietary preferences or flavor profiles. For instance, you can substitute cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative for a vegan version. Additionally, switching out peanut butter for almond or cashew butter can change the flavor significantly while still keeping its creamy essence. Just ensure that whatever nut butter you choose is smooth and creamy to maintain the texture of the filling.

For a fun twist, consider adding mix-ins like mini chocolate chips or crushed pretzels to the filling for added texture and flavor. You could even swirl in a layer of fruit preserves before chilling to introduce a fruity note to the bites. These variations can elevate your dessert while keeping the original recipe's simplicity and charm.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead?

Yes, using crunchy peanut butter will give a delightful texture to the bites!

→ How long do these bites last in the fridge?

They can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

→ Can I make them ahead of time?

Absolutely! These bites are perfect for preparing a day in advance.

→ What can I use instead of graham crackers?

You can substitute with crushed cookies or even gluten-free alternatives if needed.