Craving a creamy, indulgent dessert but short on time? Enter the No-Bake Oreo Cheesecake Bars—a decadent treat that combines the rich flavor of Oreo cookies with the creamy delight of cheesecake, all without turning on your oven.
These bars are a dessert lover’s dream, perfect for any occasion, and can be made in just 30 minutes. Whether you’re hosting a party, need a quick dessert for guests, or simply want to satisfy a sweet craving, this recipe is a must-try. Let's dive into the delicious world of Oreo cheesecake bars!
Other Bar Recipes you should try is Caramel cheesecake bars, cheesecake Brownie
Why You Should Make This Recipe
- No Oven Required: Perfect for warm days when you don’t want to heat up your kitchen.
- Quick and Easy: With just 30 minutes of prep time, this recipe is ideal for busy schedules.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Loved by kids and adults alike, these bars are a hit at parties, gatherings, or even casual dinners.
- Customizable: You can add your favorite toppings or variations to make it uniquely yours.
- Indulgent Yet Simple: The classic flavor of Oreos paired with the creamy cheesecake makes this dessert irresistibly good.
Ingredients and What They Do in the Recipe
- Oreo Cookies (28 cookies): The cookies serve as both the crust and chunks in the filling, providing a chocolatey, crunchy texture.
- Unsalted Butter (6 tablespoons, melted): This ingredient binds the crushed Oreo cookies together to form a sturdy crust.
- Cream Cheese (16 ounces, softened): Forms the creamy base of the cheesecake layer, adding richness and a tangy flavor.
- Powdered Sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the cheesecake layer without adding graininess.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor, adding a warm, aromatic touch.
- Heavy Whipping Cream (1 cup): Whipped to soft peaks, it lightens the cheesecake mixture and gives it a mousse-like texture.
- Extra Oreo Cookies (5-6 cookies): Crushed and folded into the filling for added texture and visual appeal.
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Crush Oreos into fine crumbs and mix with melted butter. Press into a lined 8x8-inch pan to form a crust.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling: Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Fold in whipped cream and crushed Oreos.
- Assemble: Spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the crust. Smooth the top.
- Chill: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set.
- Slice and Serve: Once set, slice into bars and enjoy!
Equipment Needed
- 8x8-inch Baking Pan: Perfect for achieving evenly thick bars.
- Parchment Paper: Makes removing the bars from the pan easier.
- Mixing Bowls: At least two for the crust and filling.
- Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: For whipping the cream and mixing the filling to a smooth consistency.
- Spatula: To spread the cheesecake mixture evenly.
- Food Processor or Rolling Pin: For crushing Oreos into crumbs.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Oreo Cookies: Substitute with any chocolate sandwich cookies if needed.
- Butter: Use coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
- Cream Cheese: Vegan cream cheese can work as a dairy-free alternative.
- Powdered Sugar: Swap with coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like stevia for a lower-sugar version.
- Heavy Cream: Use coconut cream as a non-dairy alternative.
Variations
- Mint Oreo Bars: Use Mint Oreos and add a few drops of peppermint extract to the filling.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the top before slicing for an extra indulgent touch.
- Peanut Butter Swirl: Swirl a few tablespoons of melted peanut butter into the cheesecake layer before chilling.
- Festive Toppings: Add colorful sprinkles or crushed candy canes for a seasonal twist.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve chilled with a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce.
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.
- Garnish with whipped cream and an Oreo cookie for a picture-perfect presentation.
- Serve as part of a dessert platter with brownies, cookies, and mini cupcakes.
Storage and Shelf Life Tips
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: These bars freeze well! Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
- Room Temperature: Avoid leaving the bars at room temperature for more than an hour, especially in warm conditions, to prevent the cheesecake from softening.
Expert Tips
- Softened Cream Cheese: Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smooth, lump-free filling.
- Whipping Cream: Whip the cream to soft peaks before folding it into the cheesecake mixture for a light, airy texture.
- Pack the Crust: Press the crust firmly into the pan to ensure it holds together when cutting.
- Chill Thoroughly: For clean slices, let the bars chill for at least 2 hours, preferably longer.
- Use a Hot Knife: Dip your knife in hot water and wipe dry before slicing for neat edges.
Make-Ahead Tips for a Crowd
- Prepare the crust and filling the night before and refrigerate overnight.
- Double the recipe and use a larger pan for bigger gatherings.
- Freeze individual bars in advance for easy grab-and-serve portions at events.
FAQs
- Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
- Yes! Use gluten-free chocolate sandwich cookies for the crust and filling.
- How long do these bars take to set?
- At least 2 hours in the refrigerator, but overnight chilling is ideal.
- Can I make these bars without a mixer?
- Yes, but mixing the filling by hand may require extra effort to achieve a smooth texture.
- Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
- Yes, but full-fat cream cheese provides the best texture and flavor.
- What’s the best way to crush the Oreos?
- A food processor works best, but you can also crush them in a zip-top bag using a rolling pin.
- Can I use Cool Whip instead of heavy cream?
- Yes, you can substitute an equal amount of Cool Whip for convenience.
- Can I freeze these bars after assembling?
- Absolutely! They freeze well for up to 2 months.
- What’s the ideal pan size?
- An 8x8-inch pan is perfect for thick, even bars.
- Can I use flavored Oreos?
- Yes! Experiment with flavors like Golden Oreos, Mint Oreos, or Peanut Butter Oreos.
- How can I make cleaner cuts?
- Chill the bars thoroughly and use a hot, sharp knife, wiping it clean between cuts.
No-Bake Oreo Cheesecake Bars in 30 Minutes are the perfect dessert for busy days or last-minute gatherings. With their creamy cheesecake filling, crunchy Oreo crust, and no-bake convenience, they’re a guaranteed hit. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is simple, quick, and irresistibly delicious. Ready to give them a try? Let’s get started and share the joy of Oreo cheesecake bliss!
📖 Recipe
No-Bake Oreo Cheesecake Bars in 30 Minutes
Equipment you will need
Ingredients
For the Oreo Crust:
- 28 Oreo cookies (crushed into fine crumbs)
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 ounces cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream (cold)
- 5-6 extra Oreo cookies (roughly chopped)
For Garnish (Optional):
- Extra Oreo crumbs or whole Oreos
- Whipped cream or melted chocolate for drizzling
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
- Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to lift out the bars easily once set.
Step 2: Make the Oreo Crust
- Use a food processor to crush the Oreo cookies into fine crumbs. Alternatively, place the cookies in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the Oreo crumbs and melted butter until evenly mixed.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the lined pan to form a crust. Use the back of a spoon or a flat-bottomed glass to ensure an even layer.
- Place the pan in the refrigerator while you prepare the filling.
Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Filling
- Beat the Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Add Sweetener and Vanilla: Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then beat until fully combined.
- Whip the Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the cold heavy cream until soft peaks form.
- Combine: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until smooth and fluffy.
- Add Chopped Oreos: Fold in the roughly chopped Oreos, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
Step 4: Assemble the Bars
- Spread the cheesecake filling evenly over the chilled Oreo crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Sprinkle extra Oreo crumbs on top or decorate with halved Oreos for added texture and visual appeal (optional).
Step 5: Chill and Serve
- Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until the cheesecake layer is firm.
- Once set, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan.
- Slice into squares or bars using a sharp knife. Clean the knife between cuts for cleaner slices.
- Serve chilled and enjoy!
Notes
Customize the Garnish: Add whipped cream, drizzle with chocolate, or sprinkle extra Oreo crumbs for a fancy finish. These No-Bake Oreo Cheesecake Bars are rich, creamy, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you're treating yourself or sharing with others, they're guaranteed to impress with their simplicity and indulgence.
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