Irresistible Oreo Cheesecake Bars: Easy Recipe for a Crowd-Pleasing Cookies & Cream Dessert

Oreo Cheesecake Bars masterfully combine the universally loved crunch of Oreo cookies with the smooth, creamy richness of classic cheesecake, creating a dessert that is truly irresistible. These luscious bars are a guaranteed hit at any gathering, from casual family dinners to festive parties, and you’ll find them disappearing almost as quickly as you can serve them.

Everyone who tries these Oreo Cheesecake Bars falls in love. They offer the perfect blend of texture and flavor – a crisp chocolatey base, a velvety cheesecake center studded with cookie bits, and a delightful finish that satisfies every sweet craving. This versatile treat is ideal for a delightful dessert or a satisfying snack, and it’s particularly popular with families. If you’re a fan of Oreo cookies and looking for more creative ways to enjoy them, we have a variety of Easy Oreo Dessert Recipes that are sure to become family favorites. Explore delightful options like Deep Fried Oreos, quick Air Fryer Oreos, the nostalgic Oreo Dirt Cake Recipe, or the chewy goodness of Oreo Rice Krispie Treats. For a no-bake treat that’s equally indulgent, you might also enjoy our creamy Cheesecake Dip.

What is an Oreo Cheesecake Bar?

Cheesecake bars are a delightful twist on traditional cheesecakes, designed for convenience and ease of serving. Instead of baking the cheesecake mixture in a round pie plate or springform pan, you pour it into a standard 9×13 inch baking pan. This simple change allows you to effortlessly cut the finished cheesecake into neat, individual squares or bars, making them perfect for feeding a crowd without the fuss of slicing a delicate whole cheesecake. They’re ideal for potlucks, parties, or any occasion where you want a delicious dessert that’s easy to grab and enjoy.

This particular recipe elevates the classic cheesecake bar with the undeniable appeal of America’s favorite cookie. From the rich, dark Oreo cookie crust that forms the base to the generous chunks of Oreo cookies folded into the creamy cheesecake mixture, every bite is a celebration of “cookies and cream” perfection. These bars are destined to become your go-to dessert for all special occasions, offering a stunning presentation and an unforgettable taste. Plus, with a preparation time of only 20 minutes before baking, they are incredibly easy to make, allowing you more time to enjoy your event.

Essential Ingredients for Oreo Cheesecake Bars

Crafting these delectable Oreo cheesecake bars requires a few simple, high-quality ingredients that work together to create a symphony of flavor and texture. Using ingredients at the specified temperatures, especially the dairy products, is key to achieving that signature smooth and lump-free cheesecake filling. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Oreo Cookies: The star of the show, used for both the crust and for mixing into the creamy filling.
• Salted Butter, melted: Binds the cookie crumbs together to form a sturdy, flavorful crust.
• Cream Cheese, softened: The base of any good cheesecake, ensuring a rich, tangy, and incredibly smooth texture. Ensure it’s at room temperature for easy blending.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake filling to perfection, balancing the tang of the cream cheese.
• Sour Cream, at room temperature: Adds an essential tanginess and contributes to the cheesecake’s luxurious, silky texture. Room temperature is crucial for smooth incorporation.
• Large Eggs, at room temperature: Act as a binder, giving the cheesecake its structure and helping it set. Using room temperature eggs prevents curdling and ensures even mixing.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile, adding a warm, aromatic note to the cheesecake.
• Salt: A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and brings out the depth of the other flavors.

The complete, detailed ingredient list with precise measurements can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Exciting Recipe Variations to Try

While these Oreo Cheesecake Bars are perfect as they are, there are many ways to customize them to suit your taste preferences or to add an extra layer of indulgence. Experiment with these variations to create your unique cookies and cream masterpiece:

• Topping Perfection – Before serving, elevate your bars with a generous dollop of homemade whipped cream or a fluffy layer of Cool Whip. A drizzle of chocolate syrup or caramel sauce would also be a fantastic addition, adding more visual appeal and flavor.
• Extra Chocolate Chips – For the ultimate chocolate lover, mix in a handful of semi-sweet, milk, or even white chocolate chips into the cheesecake batter. This intensifies the chocolate flavor and adds another delightful texture.
• Peanut Butter Swirl – Introduce a salty-sweet dimension by swirling in some creamy peanut butter into the cheesecake mixture before baking. The combination of peanut butter and chocolate-Oreo is always a winner.
• Powdered Sugar Dusting – For a simple yet elegant touch, dust the cooled cheesecake bars with a light coating of powdered sugar just before serving. It adds a subtle sweetness and a beautiful presentation.
• Flavored Oreos – Don’t limit yourself to just regular Oreos! Explore different Oreo flavors like Golden Oreos, Mint Oreos, Peanut Butter Oreos, or seasonal varieties to create unique flavor profiles for your cheesecake bars.
• Chocolate Ganache Layer – For a truly decadent treat, once the cheesecake bars are completely chilled, spread a layer of smooth homemade chocolate ganache over the top. Allow it to set before slicing.

How to Make Oreo Cheesecake Bars: Step-by-Step Guide

Creating these delightful Oreo Cheesecake Bars is a straightforward process, broken down into easy-to-follow steps. Precision in preparation and attention to detail will ensure your bars turn out perfectly creamy and delicious every time.

• Step 1 – Prepare Your Baking Dish: Begin by preheating your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (160°C). Then, line a 9×13 inch baking dish with aluminum foil or parchment paper. Make sure to leave a 2-inch overhang on both long sides; these “handles” will make it incredibly easy to lift the entire cheesecake out of the pan once it’s cooled and set. Lightly spray the foil or parchment with cooking spray to prevent sticking, and then set the prepared pan aside.

Step 2. Create the Oreo Crust: Take your Oreo cookies and place them into a food processor. Pulse the cookies until they are finely ground into crumbs. If you don’t have a food processor, you can place the cookies in a large Ziploc bag and crush them with a rolling pin until uniformly fine.

Step 3. Bind the Crust: Transfer the crushed Oreo crumbs to a medium bowl. Pour in the melted butter and stir thoroughly until the crumbs are completely coated and moistened. This step is crucial for ensuring a cohesive and stable crust.

Step 4. Press and Bake the Crust: Pour the buttered cookie mixture into the prepared 9×13 inch pan. Using the bottom of a glass or your fingers, evenly press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan to form a compact crust. Bake this crust for 10 minutes to help it set. Once baked, transfer the pan to a wire cooling rack while you prepare the filling.

Step 5. Prepare the Cream Cheese Base: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese on medium speed. You can use either an electric hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Beat until the cream cheese is completely smooth and creamy, with no lumps, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes. This step is crucial for a silky cheesecake texture.

Step 6. Add the Sugar: Once the cream cheese mixture is perfectly smooth and airy, gradually add the granulated sugar. Continue to blend on medium speed for about 2 minutes until the sugar is fully incorporated and the mixture is light and fluffy. Remember to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is well combined.

Step 7. Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Next, beat in the room temperature sour cream, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until just combined, ensuring not to overmix. Scrape down the sides of the bowl once more to catch any unmixed ingredients and blend again briefly.

Step 8. Add the Eggs Carefully: Add the large eggs one at a time, beating just until each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Overmixing at this stage can incorporate too much air, leading to cracks in your cheesecake. Scrape down the sides after adding the last egg and give it one final gentle beat to ensure everything is combined.

Step 9. Fold in the Oreos: With a spatula, gently fold in the roughly chopped Oreo cookies. Mix just enough to distribute the cookie pieces evenly throughout the cheesecake batter. This ensures pockets of delicious cookie crunch in every bite.

Step 10. Pour Over the Crust: Carefully pour the cheesecake batter over the pre-baked Oreo crust in the pan. Gently smooth out the top with a spatula to create an even layer. Avoid tapping the pan excessively, which can introduce air bubbles.

Step 11. Bake to Perfection: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 40 minutes. The cheesecake is done when the edges are set, but the very center still has a slight wobble when gently shaken. This slight wobble indicates a creamy interior. Do not overbake, as this can lead to a dry texture and cracks.

Step 12. Cool and Chill: Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and transfer it to a wire cooling rack. Let the cheesecake bars cool completely at room temperature for about 1 hour. This slow cooling helps prevent cracks. After reaching room temperature, move the pan to the refrigerator and chill for at least 3 hours, or preferably overnight. Chilling is essential for the bars to set properly and firm up, making them easy to slice. Once thoroughly chilled, use the foil overhangs to lift the entire cheesecake out of the pan and cut it into squares.

Step 13. Serve and Enjoy: Keep the Oreo Cheesecake Bars refrigerated until you are ready to serve them. This maintains their perfect texture and keeps them fresh. Arrange them beautifully on a platter and watch them disappear!

Expert Tips for Perfect Oreo Cheesecake Bars

Achieving perfectly creamy, crack-free, and delicious Oreo Cheesecake Bars is easier than you think with these simple yet effective tips:

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This is perhaps the most crucial tip for any cheesecake. Ensure your cream cheese, sour cream, and eggs are all at room temperature. This allows them to blend together smoothly and evenly, creating a creamy batter free of lumps and preventing overmixing.
• Do Not Overmix the Batter: While you want to ensure all ingredients are well combined, overmixing can incorporate too much air into the batter. This air can expand during baking and then collapse upon cooling, leading to unsightly cracks on the surface of your cheesecake. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined and smooth.
• Cut with a Plastic Knife: For the cleanest, sharpest slices, use a plastic knife to cut your chilled cheesecake bars. The non-stick surface of a plastic knife helps glide through the creamy cheesecake and crunchy crust without dragging or sticking. For even better results, wipe the knife clean after each cut.
• Opt for Full-Fat Cream Cheese: Resist the urge to use reduced-fat cream cheese. Full-fat cream cheese provides the essential richness, creaminess, and flavor that makes these bars so decadent. Reduced-fat versions can result in a less stable and flavorful cheesecake.
• A 9×13 Inch Pan is Perfect: There’s no need for a specialized springform pan for this recipe. A regular 9×13 inch baking pan works wonderfully, making these cheesecake bars incredibly convenient. The foil or parchment paper overhang will help you lift the entire cheesecake out for easy slicing.
• Don’t Forget to Chill: While it’s tempting to dig in right away, chilling is vital. The cheesecake needs ample time in the refrigerator (at least 3 hours, preferably overnight) to fully set and firm up. This not only makes it easier to cut but also significantly improves the texture and flavor.
• Let It Cool Slowly: After baking, allow the cheesecake to cool gradually on a wire rack before refrigerating. Sudden changes in temperature can cause cracks.

How to Properly Store Your Cheesecake Bars

These delightful cheesecake bars are excellent for making ahead, making them a fantastic option for entertaining or meal prepping your desserts for the week. Once baked and fully chilled, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Placing parchment paper between layers of bars can prevent them from sticking together. The rich and creamy texture holds up beautifully, making this a perfect holiday dessert or a convenient sweet treat any day of the week.

How to Freeze Cheesecake Bars for Later

Cheesecake bars freeze exceptionally well, allowing you to enjoy this delicious dessert long after you’ve made it. To freeze them, first ensure the bars are completely chilled and firm. Place the individual bars in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Transfer the baking sheet to the freezer for at least 1-2 hours, or until the bars are frozen solid. This step prevents them from sticking together when stored. Once frozen, transfer the bars to a freezer-safe bag or an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper if necessary. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply remove the desired number of bars from the freezer. You can defrost them at room temperature for a few hours, or in the refrigerator overnight. Once defrosted, you’ll have a delicious, ready-to-eat dessert to enjoy on your own or share with unexpected guests.

Frequently Asked Questions About Oreo Cheesecake Bars

Here are some common questions about making and enjoying Oreo Cheesecake Bars:

More Easy Cheesecake Recipes You’ll Love

If you’ve enjoyed these Oreo Cheesecake Bars, you’re in for a treat with our other fantastic cheesecake recipes. Each offers a unique flavor profile and the same delicious creaminess you crave:

• Classic Cheesecake Bars
• Easy Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bites
• Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars
• Decadent Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars
• “Slutty” Cheesecake Bars
• Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies

We hope you love making and enjoying this easy Oreo cheesecake recipe. Once you’ve tried it, please come back and leave a comment to share your experience!