Easy No-Bake Cheesecake in a Jar w/ Oreo Crust and Chocolate Peanut Butter Ganache Topping

There are certain things you can make when you are baking for a party or bake sale.  You have to think of easy delivery; an entire cheesecake, pie, or cake is usually out unless it is an intimate party.  

Usually for a party or bake sale you either need a cookie, bar, brownie, or bite of something that can be easily handled or it needs to be in a jar or individual carrying case.

It is far too difficult let someone buy a slice of pie or cheesecake at a back sale.  They either need to buy the entire cheesecake or pie or you need to make small individual cheesecakes in a jar.  

Last week I told you my husbands work had a bake sale and I made these delicious Golden Oreo Truffles.  These truffles are bite size and therefore great for a party or bake sale.  

I had some more Oreos and cream cheese to use up so I made this Easy No-Bake Cheesecake in a Jar with Oreo Crust and Chocolate Peanut Butter Ganache for the bake sale as well.  According to my husband they were a big hit.  However, anything with Oreos, Cheesecake, and Ganache is bound to be a big hit I would think. . 

The whole cheesecake in a jar sounds complicated, but I guarantee it is easy.  Plus, it looks so fancy and cute in a little jar.

Whether you want to make a fun treat for a bake sale or a New Years Eve Party, give these Cheesecakes in a Jar a go.  They are delicious and their black and white appearance is so very appropriate.  

Easy No-Bake Cheesecake with Oreo Crust and Chocolate Peanut Butter Ganache

Recipe: Alohamora

Active Time: 45 minutes

Inactive Time: 1 hour

Servings: 8- 1/2 pint jars 

Ingredients: 

8 half-pint jars

For the crust: 

1 pkg (15 oz) peanut butter Oreos, or regular Oreos, crushed (approximately 3 cups)

1/2 c. butter, melted

For the Cheesecake Filling: 

2 (8oz) pkg cream cheese, softened

1 c. sugar

1/4 tsp salt

1 tsp vanilla

1/2 c. milk

1 (8oz) cool whip

For the Ganache Topping: 

1/2 c. bittersweet/semi-sweet chocolate chips

1/4 c. peanut butter, creamy

1/2 c. heavy whipping cream

1/2 tsp vanilla

1/2 Tbsp powdered sugar

Directions: 

1. Using a food processor or a Ziploc bag crush your Oreos.  You need approximately 3 cups of crushed Oreos. 
2. In a medium bowl stir the crushed Oreos and the melted butter together. 
3. Distribute about 1/4 c. cup of crust mixture to the bottom of the 8 half pint jars and press it down in the jar. You can stretch it to nine jars, but I just use the leftover crust for topping.   
4. To make the filling, beat the cream cheese and sugar together in a stand mixer or large bowl until smooth. 
5. Add the salt, vanilla, and milk together one at a time mixing after each addition. 
6. Using a spoon or the stand mixer on low fold in the Cool Whip. 
7. Place approximately 1/2 cup of cheesecake filling in each jar on top of the already pressed down crust. 
8. In a small bowl or a 2 cup pyrex measuring dish place the chocolate chips and peanut butter. 
9. In a small microwaveable dish, or I use a mug, scald the heavy cream by placing it in the microwave on high for 30 seconds.  
10. Pour scalded cream over the chocolate chips and peanut butter and stir it until the chocolate and peanut butter are melted and make a smooth ganache. 
11. Add the vanilla and powder sugar one at at time stirring after each addition.  
12. When ganache is smooth pour approximately 3 tablespoons of ganache on top of each cheesecake filling in each jar.  You can also evenly distribute the ganache among the 8 half pint jars.
13. Top your cheesecakes with any leftover crust crumbs, secure the lids, and place the cheesecakes in the refrigerator for at least an hour to set. 
14. Enjoy! 
15. Store leftovers in the fridge. 

Happy Easy No-Bake Cheesecake in a jar with an Oreo Crust and Chocolate Peanut Butter Ganache eating!