The concept of Oreo Cheesecake Bars evolved from my many attempts at mastering traditional cheesecakes, a dessert I’ve been experimenting with for years. However, after a series of cracked and sunken cheesecake failures, I decided to simplify the process. By using a crushed Oreo crust and layering it with a creamy, rich filling, I discovered a foolproof way to enjoy cheesecake that was much easier and far less stressful than making a whole cheesecake.
Made with just some simple ingredients, these bars are an absolute crowd-pleaser. The crushed Oreo crumbs offer the perfect texture contrast, while the combination of cookies and cream flavour makes every bite irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a party or just looking for a quick treat, these bars are guaranteed to impress with their creamy, indulgent layers and perfect texture!
5 Key Ingredients for Oreo Cheesecake Bar
When making Oreo Cheesecake Bars, your chosen ingredients are essential to achieving that perfect combination of flavour and texture. Here are the key ingredients to focus on:
Oreo cookies (pulverized): Used for the buttery crust, providing the classic cookies-and-cream flavor.
Images are for illustrative use; credits belong to the original creators.
Melted butter: Combines with the crushed Oreos to create a rich, buttery base for the bars.
Salt: A small amount to enhance the flavor and balance the sweetness of the crust.
Cream cheese (softened): Essential for the creamy texture of the filling. Make sure it’s at room temperature for a smooth mix.
Sour cream: Adds a slight tanginess, balancing the sweetness and giving the cheesecake filling a rich texture.
Large eggs (room temperature): Help bind the ingredients together and provide structure to the cheesecake bars.
Vanilla extract: Adds depth to the flavor and elevates the overall taste of the dessert.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling to the perfect level.
How to Make Perfect Cheesecake Bars (No Cracks)
To ensure your Oreo cheesecake bars come out smooth, creamy, and crack-free, follow these expert-backed tips to make the process easier and more effective.
Step 1- Use Quality Ingredients
Start with high-quality ingredients like Philadelphia cream cheese, pure vanilla extract, and the best Oreos. Using fresh and room-temperature ingredients will help prevent lumps and ensure a smooth, velvety batter without needing high-speed mixing.
Step 2- Make the Oreo Crust
When making the crust, pulse half of the Oreos in a food processor until finely crushed, then mix with melted butter and a pinch of salt. Press the mixture into a 9×9 pan, chill it to firm up, and you’ll have a sturdy base that won’t crumble when sliced.
Step 3- Avoid Overmixing the Batter
Mix the cream cheese and sugar until light and fluffy to create a silky batter, but don’t overbeat. When adding the eggs, beat them one at a time, mixing gently to avoid introducing air that can cause cracks while baking.
Step 4- Use the Right Baking Temperature
Bake your bars at a low temperature to keep the texture rich and creamy without creating a spongy or eggy texture. Adding a 9×13 pan of water on the bottom rack helps keep the oven moist and prevents cracking during baking.
Step 5- Let It Cool Slowly
After baking, let the cheesecake bars cool in the oven with the door cracked for about an hour. This gradual cooling helps maintain the dense, rich texture and prevents sudden temperature changes that could lead to cracks.
Following these steps, you’ll achieve perfectly creamy, indulgent, and crack-free Oreo cheesecake bars that everyone will love!
Top & Serve Oreo Cheesecake Bars
Once your bars have had time to set and chill, it’s time to finish them off and enjoy! Here are some tips for serving your Oreo Cheesecake Bars just right:
- Chill for optimal texture: Let the bars chill for an hour before serving to ensure the best texture.
- Top with crushed Oreos: Add the remaining crushed Oreo cookies for extra crunch and flavour.
- Slice into portions: Cut into nine larger bars or 16 smaller servings based on your preference.
- Store in the fridge: Keep leftover bars in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and taste.
How to Store Oreo Cheesecake Bars
To keep your Oreo Cheesecake Bars fresh, follow these simple storage tips:
- Refrigerate covered: Store your bars in an airtight container or wrap them tightly to keep them fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze for more extended storage: You can freeze the bars for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn.
FAQs
- What is no-bake cheesecake filling made of?
A no-bake cheesecake filling typically consists of cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, heavy cream, and sometimes sour cream or yogurt for added tang.
- Is baked cheesecake better?
It depends on preference. No-bake cheesecake is lighter and creamier, while baked cheesecake has a denser, richer texture.
- Why is my no-bake cheesecake sloppy?
A sloppy, no-bake cheesecake may result from under-beating the cream or using too-warm ingredients. Ensure your cream cheese and whipped cream are properly chilled and mixed. - How long will Oreo cheesecake last in the fridge?
Oreo cheesecake can last 3-4 days in the fridge if covered.
Oreo Cheesecake Bars
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Crush 24 Oreos in a food processor. Mix with 1/4 cup melted butter and a pinch of salt. Press into a 9x9 pan and chill to set.
- Beat 2 packages of softened cream cheese with 3/4 cup sugar until smooth. Add 3 room-temperature eggs one at a time, mixing gently. Stir in 1/2 cup sour cream and 1 tsp vanilla extract.
- Preheat oven to a low temperature. Bake the mixture for about 30 minutes, using a pan of water on the bottom rack to prevent cracking.
- Let the bars cool in the oven with the door cracked for an hour. Then, chill in the fridge for 1 hour.
- Top with remaining crushed Oreos, slice into 9 larger or 16 smaller bars, and serve.