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If you’re dreaming of a dessert that perfectly captures the festive spirit with a twist of indulgence, the Christmas Oreo Cheesecake Bars Recipe is your new best friend. These bars combine the rich creaminess of classic cheesecake with the unmistakable crunch and chocolatey goodness of Oreos, making them an instant holiday favorite. Whether you’re adding them to a dessert tray or bringing them along to a cookie exchange, these bars are guaranteed to wow your guests and become a repeat request every holiday season.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Christmas Oreo Cheesecake Bars Recipe keeps things beautifully simple, relying on a handful of wholesome, everyday ingredients that come together to create something spectacular. Each ingredient plays an essential role—Oreos bring the chocolate crunch and color, cream cheese adds luscious creaminess, and butter helps bind that cookie crust into a buttery base that holds everything together.
- 24 Oreo cookies, crushed: The star cookie for both texture and that classic chocolate-and-cream flavor.
- ½ cup melted butter: Binds the crushed Oreos into a firm, buttery crust.
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened: Ensures a smooth, silky filling that’s rich but not heavy.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling perfectly without overpowering the Oreos.
- 2 large eggs: Help set the cheesecake filling with a delicate, tender structure.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds a warm, aromatic depth to the creamy mixture.
How to Make Christmas Oreo Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Crust
First things first, preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) so it’s ready to go when your bars are assembled. Then, mix your crushed Oreo cookies with the melted butter until every crumb is slightly moistened. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of a baking pan to create a solid, flavorful crust that will be delightfully crisp once baked.
Step 2: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Filling
Next, beat the softened cream cheese with the granulated sugar until you get a perfectly smooth and lump-free base. This step is crucial because a silky batter is the secret to that velvety cheesecake texture everyone loves.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Now, gently incorporate the eggs one at a time, along with the vanilla extract. This combination not only helps everything bind well but also enhances the delicate sweetness of the filling, balancing out the Oreo crust beautifully.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Pour your creamy filling evenly over the prepared Oreo crust. Give the pan a gentle shake to smooth the surface, then pop it in the oven for about 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle—that’s the hallmark of perfectly baked cheesecake bars. Let the whole pan cool completely before slicing to ensure those bars hold their shape beautifully when served.
How to Serve Christmas Oreo Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Garnishes
These cheesecake bars stand out on their own but feel free to add a festive touch with whipped cream, crushed candy canes, or a dusting of powdered sugar for that extra holiday sparkle. A drizzle of chocolate sauce can also elevate the chocolatey richness and make every bite even more irresistible.
Side Dishes
Pair your Oreo cheesecake bars with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a fresh berry compote to add a refreshing contrast. A hot cup of coffee or spiced holiday tea will complement the creamy sweetness perfectly, making your dessert moment absolutely cozy.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, consider arranging these bars on a festive tray lined with holiday-themed napkins or edible glitter for that eye-catching look. Cutting the bars into bite-sized squares and serving them on cocktail picks turns them into perfect party finger foods that everyone can enjoy with ease and delight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the bars tightly covered in the refrigerator. They keep well for up to 4 days while maintaining their moist texture and rich flavor, making them a perfect make-ahead treat for busy holiday weeks.
Freezing
You can freeze these cheesecake bars for up to 2 months. Wrap them securely in plastic wrap and then place in an airtight container or freezer bag to avoid freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them in the fridge overnight for the best texture.
Reheating
These bars are best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating is usually unnecessary. However, if you prefer them slightly warm, pop them into a microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds, just enough to soften without melting the creamy filling.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cookie for the crust?
Absolutely! While Oreos provide that iconic flavor and texture for the Christmas Oreo Cheesecake Bars Recipe, feel free to experiment with chocolate chip cookies, graham crackers, or ginger snaps for a unique holiday twist.
Do I need to grease the pan before pressing the crust?
It’s a good idea to lightly grease or line your pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal and clean slicing of your cheesecake bars once baked and cooled.
Can I make these bars vegan or dairy-free?
With some substitutions like vegan cream cheese and a dairy-free butter alternative, you can adapt this recipe to fit vegan or dairy-free diets, though the texture and taste will be slightly different from the classic version.
Why does the cheesecake sometimes crack on top?
Cracking often happens if the oven temperature is too high or the cheesecake is baked too long. Baking at 325°F and looking for that slight jiggle in the center helps prevent cracks, giving you smooth, beautiful bars every time.
Can I add mix-ins to the cheesecake filling?
Definitely! Mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even festive sprinkles can be folded into the batter before baking to add texture and a fun holiday flair to your Christmas Oreo Cheesecake Bars Recipe.
Final Thoughts
Love at first bite is what you’ll experience with the Christmas Oreo Cheesecake Bars Recipe—it’s the perfect blend of creamy, crunchy, and chocolatey that feels like a holiday hug. I can’t wait for you to try making these bars and watch how quickly they disappear at your festive gatherings. Here’s to delicious memories and sweet celebrations!
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Christmas Oreo Cheesecake Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour (including cooling time)
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Christmas Oreo cheesecake bars combine a rich, creamy cheesecake filling with a crunchy Oreo cookie crust, making them a perfect festive dessert for holiday trays and cookie exchanges. The chocolatey Oreo base complements the smooth, sweet cream cheese layer, creating a delightful treat that’s both easy to make and sure to impress.
Ingredients
Crust
- 24 Oreo cookies, crushed
- ½ cup melted butter
Filling
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the cheesecake bars evenly.
- Prepare Crust: Combine the crushed Oreo cookies with the melted butter in a bowl until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a baking pan to form the crust base.
- Mix Filling: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until the mixture is smooth and creamy, without any lumps.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time into the cream cheese mixture, followed by the vanilla extract, mixing until everything is well combined and smooth.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the cream cheese filling over the Oreo crust, spreading it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the cheesecake bars to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate until chilled before slicing into bars to serve.
Notes
- For best results, make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature to avoid lumps in the filling.
- Press the crust firmly into the pan to prevent crumbling when sliced.
- Do not overbake; the center should still have a slight jiggle to keep the texture creamy.
- Chilling the bars before slicing improves firmness and flavor.
- You can garnish with additional crushed Oreos or festive sprinkles for a decorative touch.
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