These No Bake Fireworks Oreo Cheesecake Bars are a fun and tasty treat! With a creamy filling made from cream cheese and crumbled Oreos, they’re sure to please anyone.
The best part? There’s no baking involved! I love how quick and easy they are to whip up. Just mix, layer, and chill! Perfect for hot days when you want something sweet without the oven. 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Oreo Cookies: These are essential for both the crust and the filling! If you’re looking for a different flavor, you can use any other sandwich cookies, like chocolate or even peanut butter varieties for a twist.
Cream Cheese: Full-fat cream cheese gives that classic cheesecake flavor and texture. If you want a lighter option, use reduced-fat cream cheese, but it’s less creamy.
Heavy Whipping Cream: Essential for that airy texture! If you need a lactose-free option, try coconut cream instead. Just chill a can of coconut milk, scoop out the solid part, and whip it!
Powdered Sugar: This sweetens the filling smoothly. Brown sugar or granulated sugar could be used, but it may alter the texture a bit. I usually prefer powdered for creaminess!
How Do You Get Smooth Cream Cheese Mixture?
Mixing the cream cheese properly is crucial to avoid lumps in your filling. Let the cream cheese sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before you start mixing. This helps it soften and makes it easier to blend.
- Start at a lower speed on your mixer to break up the cream cheese, then increase to medium.
- Scrape down the bowl regularly to ensure everything is mixed evenly, especially around the sides.
By following these steps, you’ll have a perfectly smooth cheesecake mixture, which is the key to delicious bars!
No Bake Fireworks Oreo Cheesecake Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust:
- 24 Oreo cookies, finely crushed
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling:
- 16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 12 Oreo cookies, coarsely chopped
For Decoration:
- Red, white, and blue sprinkles
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus at least 4 hours to chill in the refrigerator. In total, you’ll have a delightfully creamy dessert ready in about 4 hours and 15 minutes—perfect for parties or summer barbecues!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Crust:
Start by crushing the 24 Oreo cookies into fine crumbs. You can use a food processor, or put them in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin. In a medium bowl, mix the crushed Oreos with the melted butter until it looks like wet sand. Now, press this mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish to form a solid crust. Place it in the refrigerator while you make the filling.
2. Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until it’s smooth and creamy. Then, add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract to the bowl. Keep mixing until everything is well blended and creamy—no lumps allowed!
3. Whip the Cream:
In another bowl, whip the heavy cream with a hand mixer until stiff peaks form. This will give your cheesecake that light and fluffy texture. Be careful not to overwhip it—stop when the cream can hold its shape.
4. Combine Mixtures:
Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture with a spatula until everything is nicely combined. Then, add the coarsely chopped Oreos and fold them in for extra crunch and fun!
5. Assemble the Bars:
Spread the creamy cheesecake mixture evenly over the chilled Oreo crust in your baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula. To finish, sprinkle your red, white, and blue sprinkles over the top to create a festive look.
6. Chill and Serve:
Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until the bars are firm. Once set, take them out, cut into squares, and serve chilled. Enjoy your delicious and festive No Bake Fireworks Oreo Cheesecake Bars!
FAQ for No Bake Fireworks Oreo Cheesecake Bars
Can I Use Regular Cream Instead of Heavy Whipping Cream?
While you can use regular cream, heavy whipping cream is ideal because it whips to stiff peaks, giving the cheesecake a light and fluffy texture. If you use regular cream, your texture might be denser.
How Do I Store Leftover Cheesecake Bars?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the bars—just make sure to wrap them well in plastic wrap and then in foil!
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Substitute regular Oreos with gluten-free Oreo cookies. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making it easy to enjoy this dessert without worry!
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness?
If you prefer a less sweet cheesecake, you can reduce the powdered sugar by half and taste the mixture as you go. Remember that the sweetness also balances well with the chocolate in the Oreos!