These Easy No Bake Fireworks Oreo Cheesecake Bars are a fun and tasty treat! With creamy cheesecake filling, crunchy Oreo crust, and colorful sprinkles, they make every bite feel like a celebration!
Making these bars is a breeze since there’s no baking involved! Just mix, layer, and chill. I love making them for parties because they always get eaten up quickly—everyone wants a second helping!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Oreo Cookies: These are crucial for the crust and add flavor. If you want a different twist, try using chocolate graham crackers or golden Oreos for a change! Just crush them like you would with regular Oreos.
Cream Cheese: This gives the cheesecake its rich texture. If you need a lighter option, low-fat cream cheese works well. For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based cream cheese alternative!
Heavy Whipping Cream: This helps achieve a light and fluffy filling. If you’re looking for a lower-fat option, half-and-half can be used, but the texture won’t be quite as light. It’s best to use the cold cream for easier whipping.
How Do I Make Sure My Cheesecake Bars Are Firm Enough?
To ensure your cheesecake bars set well, it’s essential to let them chill long enough in the refrigerator—at least 4 hours, but overnight is best! If you want them extra firm, you can even chill them in a freezer for about 30 minutes before serving.
- Make sure your cream cheese is well-softened before mixing to achieve a smooth texture.
- Whipping the heavy cream well is key; it should hold stiff peaks for a light filling.
- Allow ample time in the fridge—do not skip this crucial step! It helps the bars hold their shape.
Easy No Bake Fireworks Oreo Cheesecake Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust:
- 24 Oreo cookies, divided (about 20 crushed and 4 chopped for topping)
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 ounces (2 packages) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream, cold
For the Garnish:
- Red, white, and blue sprinkles for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 20 minutes of preparation time, plus at least 4 hours of chilling time in the refrigerator (overnight is even better!). So, make sure to plan ahead to let these bars firm up nicely!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oreo Crust:
Start by crushing about 20 Oreo cookies into fine crumbs. You can do this in a food processor or place them in a sealed bag and crush them with a rolling pin. Once crushed, mix the Oreo crumbs with the melted butter until fully combined.
Next, press the Oreo mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×9-inch square baking dish to form a solid crust. Place it in the refrigerator to chill while you work on the filling.
2. Make the Cheesecake Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s nice and smooth. This makes the filling creamy and fluffy. Then, add in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Beat the mixture again until everything is well combined and creamy.
3. Whip the Cream:
In another bowl, whip the heavy cream using an electric mixer until it reaches stiff peaks. This means when you lift the beaters out, the cream holds its shape. Now, carefully fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until everything is nicely blended, taking care not to deflate the whipped cream.
4. Combine and Chill:
Now it’s time to mix things up! Stir in the remaining crushed Oreos into the creamy filling. Then, spread this mixture evenly over the chilled Oreo crust in the baking dish.
To make it festive, top the cheesecake layer with the chopped Oreos and scatter red, white, and blue sprinkles over the top for a fun fireworks effect!
5. Set and Serve:
Cover the bars with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until they are firm. When ready to enjoy, cut them into squares and serve chilled. Perfect for gatherings, holidays, or just because!
Enjoy these creamy, crunchy, no-bake cheesecake bars with a fun, patriotic twist!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Different Cookies for the Crust?
Absolutely! While Oreos are a classic choice, you can substitute with chocolate graham crackers or any other favorite cookies. Just crush them into fine crumbs and follow the same steps for creating the crust.
How Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
You can make this dessert dairy-free by using a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and coconut cream instead of heavy whipping cream. Simply chill a can of coconut milk overnight and scoop out the solid part to whip into stiff peaks.
Can I Prepare These Bars in Advance?
Yes! These cheesecake bars are great for making ahead of time. You can prepare them a day or two in advance; just make sure to store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. They might become even more delicious as the flavors meld together!
