Introduction:
Satisfy your sweet tooth cravings with a delightful treat that combines the creamy richness of cheesecake with the irresistible flavor of cookie dough. No-Bake Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars are a heavenly dessert that requires no oven time, making them perfect for warm weather or when you’re short on time but still want to impress. Let’s dive into this indulgent yet guilt-free recipe that will leave your taste buds begging for more.
Ingredients:
Crust:
– 13 graham crackers (or 2 1/4 cups crumbs)
– 1/2 cup butter, melted
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
Cookie Dough:
– 3/4 cup cake mix (Funfetti recommended)
– 1/2 cup + 2 tbsp heat-treated all-purpose flour
– 1 tbsp cornstarch
– 1/2 tsp kosher salt
– 6 tbsp butter, room temperature
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup light brown sugar
– 2 tbsp pasteurized egg whites
– 1/4 cup sprinkles
Cheesecake:
– 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, room temperature
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tsp vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup powdered sugar
– 1/2 container (4 ounces) thawed whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
– 1/3 cup sprinkles
Directions:
- Crust: Blend graham crackers, melted butter, and brown sugar. Press into an 8×8-inch pan and freeze.
- Cookie Dough: Mix cake mix, flour, cornstarch, and salt. Cream butter and sugars, then add egg whites. Combine with dry ingredients and fold in sprinkles. Chill 3/4 of the dough; keep the rest at room temperature.
- Cheesecake: Beat cream cheese with sugar and vanilla, then fold in powdered sugar and whipped topping. Incorporate chilled cookie dough pieces and sprinkles. Spread over crust and top with remaining dough and sprinkles.
- Freeze for at least an hour, then thaw in the fridge for 30 minutes before slicing with a hot knife. Alternatively, chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours.
- Tips: For a thinner crust, consider using a 9×9 pan. Ensure your flour is heat-treated to make the cookie dough safe to eat. Store airtight in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to a month. Enjoy the irresistible combination of cookie dough and cheesecake goodness!
Serving Tips:
- Chill Before Serving: For the best texture and flavor, chill the No-Bake Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours before serving. This allows the cheesecake layer to set properly and enhances the overall creaminess of the bars.
- Slice into Bars: Use a sharp knife to slice the chilled cheesecake into bars of your desired size. Wipe the knife clean between each cut to ensure clean, uniform slices.
- Garnish as Desired: Before serving, garnish the bars with additional chocolate chips, a dusting of cocoa powder, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an extra touch of indulgence and visual appeal.
- Serve Chilled: Present the No-Bake Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars on a decorative platter or dessert plate. Serve them chilled for a refreshing and satisfying dessert experience.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover No-Bake Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. Place a sheet of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain the bars’ shape.
- Freezing: These cheesecake bars can also be frozen for longer-term storage. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place them in a freezer-safe container with layers separated by parchment paper. Freeze for up to 1-2 months.
- Thawing: When ready to enjoy frozen cheesecake bars, transfer them to the refrigerator and allow them to thaw overnight. Thawing gradually in the refrigerator helps preserve the texture and prevents them from becoming too soft.
- Serve Cold: Whether storing in the refrigerator or freezer, always serve the No-Bake Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars chilled for the best taste and texture. Enjoy them straight from the refrigerator for a refreshing and indulgent dessert experience.
FAQs:
- Can I Use Store-Bought Cookie Dough for the Crust? Yes, you can use store-bought cookie dough for the crust of the cheesecake bars if you prefer. Simply press the cookie dough into the bottom of the baking pan as you would with homemade cookie dough, then proceed with the recipe as directed.
- Can I Substitute Cream Cheese with Another Ingredient? Cream cheese is a key ingredient in cheesecake, providing richness and creaminess to the dessert. While it’s not recommended to substitute cream cheese, you can experiment with alternatives such as mascarpone cheese or Greek yogurt, keeping in mind that the flavor and texture may vary.
- Can I Make These Cheesecake Bars Vegan or Dairy-Free? Yes, you can make vegan or dairy-free versions of No-Bake Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars by using dairy-free cream cheese and whipped topping alternatives. Additionally, use dairy-free chocolate chips and ensure that all other ingredients are vegan-friendly.
- Do I Need to Line the Baking Pan with Parchment Paper? While lining the baking pan with parchment paper is not essential, it makes it easier to lift the chilled cheesecake bars out of the pan and ensures clean and neat slices. If you prefer, you can grease the pan with butter or cooking spray instead.
- How Far in Advance Can I Prepare These Cheesecake Bars? No-Bake Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days before serving. They are an excellent make-ahead dessert for parties, gatherings, or special occasions, allowing you to save time and stress on the day of the event.
Conclusion:
No-Bake Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars are the ultimate dessert indulgence that requires no oven time. With a decadent cookie dough crust and a creamy cheesecake layer, these bars are sure to satisfy your sweet cravings with every bite. Whether you’re serving them at a party, potluck, or simply as a special treat for yourself, these bars are guaranteed to be a hit. Try making them today and treat yourself to a little slice of dessert heaven.