Peanut Butter Snickers S'mores Cheesecake Bars {Gluten Free!}

Did you read that whole title?  Maybe we should go over it again:

Peanut butter

Snickers. 

S'mores. 

Cheesecake. 

Bars.

Okay, I really can't look at these pictures much longer. I'm craving another batch. 

I made these at Chloe's house during a baking day.  If you haven't checked out her pretzels DO IT RIGHT NOW. They are so good and the recipe is foolproof. While she made pretzels, I was making this. At one pint, she looked at me and giggled. "Do you know what you are doing?"

Uh no!  I was making this up on the fly!  And you know what?  This is one of my favorite on the fly creations to date.  Since I can't think of a creative way to tell you all the reasons this is incredible, I'll just make a list. 

1. The peanut butter cookie dough gives a firm base to this dessert and packs a powerful punch if peanut butter. (Say that five times fast!). Only five ingredients and a breeze to whip up. 

2.  The chocolate cheesecake is so creamy, but not very thick so it doesn't overpower the other flavors. The smooth texture contrasts the next layers wonderfully. 

3.  The peanut butter caramel sauce!  Oh my goodness, THIS was my favorite part of these bars. Very thick and smooth and did I mention peanut butter!?!?  Make this. It is so good. 

4. The peanuts and marshmallows. These are simple to sprinkle on top and they add so much. The peanuts add crunch and some color and the marshmallows add a sticky sweetness unique to them and s'mores flavor.

It truly is a texture and flavor party. One where everyone knows the steps to the dance! :)  And although it may sound complicated, it really isn't. You may be washing more than one bowl, but it comes together relatively fast and is completely worth it. I mean, just look at it!

Geez, I told you all I can't look at these without wanting one. You probably want the recipe now, don't you.  

Before I give it to you, I want to tell you one more thing about this recipe: it is gluten free!

It wasn't planned that way and I am not gluten free, but for all who are, you can eat these bars!  I have gluten free friends and I'm never sure what to bring (I'm sure they get tired about the 5 ingredient on cookies that make up the base!) but now I do!  Talk about a really pleasant surprise!

Peanut Butter Snickers S'Mores Cheescake Bars {Gluten Free!}

Recipe Source: The Sweet {Tooth} Life

Yield: 12-16 servings

Peanut Butter Cookie Layer

1/2 cup peanut butter 

1/3 cup brown sugar

1 egg white

1 teaspoon baking soda 

1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon salt 

Chocolate Cheesecake

8 oz.low far cream cheese

1/3 cup sugar

2 tablespoons cocoa powder

1/3 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Peanut Butter Caramel Sauce 

1/3 cup sugar

1 tablespoon cornstarch 

2/3 cup 2% milk

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon peanut butter 

Toppings:

1-1/2 cups mini marshmallows

3/4 cup plain peanuts    

1. Preheat oven to 350. Lightly grease 9x9 pan. 

2. For cookie dough: stir peanut butter and sugar together. Beat in egg and vanilla for a minute, until smooth and combined. Stir in baking soda and salt. Press into pan and place in refrigerator. 

3. For cheesecake: Bear cream cheese, sugar, cocoa powder, and vanilla for 1-2 minutes, or until smooth and creamy. Spread over cookie dough. 

4. Bake pan with cookie dough and cheesecake for 25-30 minutes. 

5. While the cheesecake is baking, make the caramel sauce. Combine sugar and cornstarch in a small pan and whisk milk into the sugar and cornstarch until smooth. Cook on medium heat for 5 minutes, stirring constantly, or until caramel reaches desired consistency. Remove from heat and stir vanilla, salt, and peanut butter. Set aside. 

6. Sprinkle mini marshmallows and peanuts over cheesecake and drizzle caramel sauce (you may need to heat it in the microwave for a couple seconds) over marshmallows and peanuts. Broil for 2-3 minutes or until marshmallows are puffed and melty. 

7. Let cool and then refrigerate for at least an hour before serving. Store leftovers in refrigerator. 

If your family doesn't want marshmallows, feel free to bake through step 5 and just drizzle the caramel on the bars as pictured above!  Enjoy!

Want more s'mores?  Marshmallow Cheesecake Swirled S'mores Brownies!

Or try these Snicker's Birthday Cookies!  Stuffed with peanuts, chocolate chips, and caramel, they have the flavors of a Snickers without an actual Snickers.  The caramel keeps this INCREDIBLY soft!

More peanut butter?  Just check out this post!