Oreo Cheesecake Bars have been a cherished dessert in my family for as long as I can remember. Growing up, my grandma would make a batch every time we gathered for a holiday or special occasion. The way the rich, creamy cheesecake melted in your mouth, combined with the crunch of the Oreo crust – it was like a little piece of heaven. I can still picture myself sneaking into the kitchen, trying to grab an extra square before dinner was served. Of course, grandma always caught me in the act, but she’d just wink and tell me to save room for dessert. Those Oreo Cheesecake Bars hold so many wonderful memories for me, and I’m excited to share this recipe that’s been perfected over the years.
Why This Oreo Cheesecake Bars Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The secret behind these Oreo Cheesecake Bars is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The Oreo crust provides a delightful contrast to the silky smooth cheesecake filling, and the addition of chopped Oreos takes the whole dessert to the next level. Plus, this recipe is incredibly easy to make, with no water baths or complicated techniques required. Trust me, once you try these Oreo Cheesecake Bars, they’ll become your new go-to dessert for any occasion.
The Secret Behind Perfect Oreo Cheesecake Bars
The key to achieving the perfect Oreo Cheesecake Bars is all in the technique. By using a combination of cream cheese, sour cream, and just the right amount of sugar, you end up with a cheesecake filling that’s rich, creamy, and not too dense. And the secret to that irresistible Oreo crust? Pulsing the cookies in a food processor until they’re a fine crumb, then mixing them with melted butter. This creates a sturdy, buttery base that perfectly complements the cheesecake topping.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Oreo cookies: The star of the show! You’ll need a whole package of Oreos, both for the crust and the chopped Oreo topping.
- Cream cheese: Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for a smooth, creamy filling.
- Sour cream: This adds a lovely tangy flavor and helps keep the cheesecake filling light and airy.
- Granulated sugar: Just the right amount to balance the sweetness.
- Eggs: Bind the cheesecake filling together.
- Vanilla extract: For that classic cheesecake flavor.
Step-by-Step Oreo Cheesecake Bars Instructions
Preparing Your Oreo Cheesecake Bars
Ready to get baking? This Oreo Cheesecake Bars recipe is a breeze to make, with just a few simple steps. You’ll need a 9×13-inch baking pan, a food processor, and about an hour and a half of total time to whip up this decadent dessert.
1- Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). Then, grease the 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray.
2- In a food processor, pulse the Oreo cookies into a fine crumb. Transfer the crumbs to a bowl and mix in the melted butter until well combined. Press the Oreo crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
3- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a hand mixer until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. Add in the sour cream, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract, and continue mixing until the filling is well combined and silky.
4- Pour the cheesecake filling over the Oreo crust, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the chopped Oreo cookies over the top, pressing them in slightly.
5- Bake the Oreo Cheesecake Bars for 40-45 minutes, or until the center is almost set. The edges should be lightly golden, and the center should still have a slight jiggle.
6- Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack, about 2 hours. Then, cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or up to 3 days, before slicing and serving.
Pro Tips for Success
- Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature for the smoothest, creamiest cheesecake filling.
- Don’t overmix the batter, as this can lead to air bubbles and a dense texture.
- Keep a close eye on the baking time – you want the center to be just set, but not overbaked.
- Chilling the bars in the fridge for at least 4 hours (or up to 3 days) is crucial for achieving that perfect texture.
- Avoid cutting into the Oreo Cheesecake Bars until they’ve had ample time to chill and set – this will help them hold their shape when sliced.
Serving and Storing Your Oreo Cheesecake Bars
Perfect Pairings for Oreo Cheesecake Bars
These Oreo Cheesecake Bars are the ultimate crowd-pleasing dessert, perfect for any occasion. They’re delicious on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. For a festive touch, try topping them with a sprinkle of crushed Oreos or a dollop of whipped cream.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Oreo Cheesecake Bars are the perfect make-ahead dessert. Once they’ve chilled in the fridge for at least 4 hours, you can store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. They’ll retain their delicious flavor and texture, making them a great option for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. If you want to get a head start, you can even bake the bars up to 3 days in advance and keep them refrigerated until you’re ready to serve.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Oreo Cheesecake Bars
Creative Oreo Cheesecake Bars Variations
While the classic Oreo Cheesecake Bars are hard to beat, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on this delicious dessert. Try swirling in some melted chocolate or caramel for a decadent twist. Or, for a festive touch, top the bars with crushed peppermint candies or a sprinkle of holiday sprinkles. You can even experiment with different Oreo flavors, like Mint or Double Stuff, to create unique flavor combinations.
Making Oreo Cheesecake Bars Diet-Friendly
If you’re looking to make your Oreo Cheesecake Bars a bit more diet-friendly, there are a few simple substitutions you can try. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free Oreo-style cookies in the crust. To make them vegan, swap the cream cheese and sour cream for plant-based alternatives, and use a flax or chia egg instead of regular eggs. And for a low-carb option, you can use a sugar substitute and swap the Oreos for a low-carb cookie crumb.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of cookie in the crust instead of Oreos?
A: Absolutely! While Oreos are the classic choice, you can experiment with other cookie varieties, like graham crackers, Nilla wafers, or even chocolate chip cookies. Just be sure to adjust the amount of butter as needed to achieve the right crust texture.
Q: How do I know when the Oreo Cheesecake Bars are done baking?
A: The bars are done when the edges are lightly golden, and the center is almost set, with just a slight jiggle. Overbaking can lead to a dry, crumbly texture, so it’s important to keep a close eye on them in the oven.
Q: Can I make Oreo Cheesecake Bars ahead of time?
A: Yes, these bars are the perfect make-ahead dessert! Once they’ve chilled in the fridge for at least 4 hours, you can store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Just be sure to let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Q: How many Oreo Cheesecake Bars does this recipe yield?
A: This recipe makes 12-15 servings, depending on how you slice them. The bars are rich and decadent, so a small square is usually enough to satisfy a sweet tooth.
Q: What should I do if the center of my Oreo Cheesecake Bars cracks?
A: If the center of your bars cracks, don’t worry – it’s a common issue with cheesecakes. The good news is that the cracked area will be covered by the chopped Oreos on top, so it won’t affect the overall appearance. To help prevent cracking in the future, be sure not to overbake the bars and avoid opening the oven door during the baking process.
Oreo Cheesecake Bars
- Total Time: 35
- Yield: 16 bars
Description
These Oreo Cheesecake Bars are a decadent, no-fail treat that’s ready in just 5 minutes! With a creamy cheesecake filling and an Oreo cookie crust, they’re the ultimate indulgence.
Ingredients
– 24 Oreo cookies, crushed
– 16 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 eggs
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
1. 1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease an 8×8 inch baking pan.
2. 2. In a food processor, crush the Oreo cookies into fine crumbs.
3. 3. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.
4. 4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla.
5. 5. Press the Oreo crumbs into the bottom of the prepared pan. Spread the cheesecake filling evenly over the crust.
6. 6. Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the center is almost set. Allow to cool completely before cutting into bars.
7. 7. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Notes
For an extra Oreo flavor, reserve a handful of crushed Oreo crumbs and sprinkle them on top of the cheesecake before baking. Bars can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
Oreo Cheesecake Bars are the ultimate indulgent dessert, combining the classic flavors of Oreo cookies and rich, creamy cheesecake. This recipe is a family favorite that’s sure to become a new go-to in your household. With its easy-to-follow instructions and expert tips, you’ll be able to whip up these delectable bars with confidence. So what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a little piece of heaven in every bite!