If you adore the irresistible combo of cookie dough and cheesecake but want something without the fuss of an oven, you are going to fall head over heels for this No-Bake Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars Recipe. It combines creamy cheesecake with rich cookie dough and mini chocolate chips for a dessert that tastes just like a dream but comes together in no time. Whether it’s for a party, a family treat, or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth after dinner, these bars bring comfort, indulgence, and fun all in one bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this No-Bake Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars Recipe lies in its straightforward and pantry-friendly ingredients. Each one plays a special role in building the layers of texture and flavor that make these bars so memorable.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): The foundation of the cookie dough, adding richness and helping bind everything together.
- Brown sugar (1/2 cup): Gives that deep caramel sweetness that’s essential in cookie dough.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup plus 1/2 cup): Adds brightness and sweetness to both the cookie dough and cheesecake layers.
- Milk (2 tablespoons): Keeps the cookie dough tender and soft.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons total): Brings warmth and enhances all the other flavors.
- All-purpose flour (1 cup): The key to authentic cookie dough texture without baking it.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and intensifies the flavors.
- Mini chocolate chips (1/2 cup plus 1/2 cup): Scattered throughout for little pockets of melty chocolate delight.
- Cream cheese (16 ounces, softened): The creamy star that makes this cheesecake layer so luscious.
- Whipped cream or whipped topping (1 cup): Lightens up the cheesecake for a smooth, airy finish.
How to Make No-Bake Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough Layer
Start by creaming together the softened butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is nice and fluffy. This ensures a buttery, sweet base loaded with flavor from the get-go.
Step 2: Add Dry Ingredients
Next, gradually mix in the all-purpose flour and a pinch of salt. This step is crucial to achieving that classic cookie dough texture that’s smooth yet sturdy enough to hold together.
Step 3: Fold in Mini Chocolate Chips and Press Into Dish
Fold in half a cup of mini chocolate chips for those delightful chocolate bursts. Then press this cookie dough layer firmly into the bottom of your baking dish, creating the perfect base for your cheesecake.
Step 4: Make the Cheesecake Layer
Beat the softened cream cheese with additional granulated sugar and vanilla extract until the mixture is gloriously smooth. This creamy filling will balance the sweet, doughy base perfectly.
Step 5: Fold in Whipped Cream
Gently fold in the whipped cream or whipped topping to lighten the cheesecake layer, giving it a fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s simply irresistible.
Step 6: Spread Cheesecake Over Cookie Dough
Spread this luscious cheesecake mixture evenly over the cookie dough layer, smoothing the top for a clean finish. This layer adds a silky contrast to the cookie dough below.
Step 7: Add Topping and Chill
Sprinkle the remaining mini chocolate chips over the cheesecake layer for a delightful finish. Then pop your dessert in the fridge for at least 4 hours, allowing it to set perfectly before slicing.
How to Serve No-Bake Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Garnishes
To take these bars to the next level, try topping them with a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, or even a few extra mini chocolate chips. Fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream adds a refreshing twist too.
Side Dishes
These cheesecake bars are rich, so pairing them with a simple fruit salad, a cup of hot coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream can balance the indulgence while complementing the flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve individual bars in pretty dessert plates with a dusting of cocoa powder or edible glitter. You can also cut them into bite-sized squares and arrange them on a dessert platter for easy sharing, making a great centerpiece for celebrations.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers covered tightly in the fridge for up to 4 days. The bars maintain their texture and flavor wonderfully, making them a perfect make-ahead treat.
Freezing
If you want to prepare in advance, these bars freeze well. Wrap them securely in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Reheating
Since this is a no-bake dessert, reheating is not necessary or recommended. Serving chilled preserves the creamy, dreamy texture that makes this No-Bake Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars Recipe so fantastic.
FAQs
Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of mini?
Absolutely! Regular chocolate chips will work just fine, though mini chips distribute more evenly and melt nicely without overwhelming the texture.
Is it safe to eat raw flour in the cookie dough layer?
Great question! To be on the safe side, you can use heat-treated flour or briefly microwave the flour before mixing it into your dough to kill any harmful bacteria.
Can I substitute whipped cream with Greek yogurt?
Greek yogurt won’t provide the same light and airy texture, so it’s best to stick with whipped cream or a whipped topping for that classic cheesecake feel.
How long does it take for the bars to set?
For best results, the bars need at least 4 hours of chilling in the refrigerator to firm up properly. Overnight chilling is ideal if you have the time.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free all-purpose flour in place of regular flour, and double-check that your chocolate chips are gluten-free to enjoy this dessert safely.
Final Thoughts
This No-Bake Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars Recipe is the perfect way to enjoy two classic desserts in one without any oven time. Rich, creamy, sweet, and studded with chocolate chips, it’s a recipe bound to become one of your favorites. Trust me, once you try these bars, you’ll want to make them again and again for every occasion. So go ahead, treat yourself and your loved ones—you won’t regret it!
Print
No-Bake Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (no baking required)
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious no-bake cookie dough cheesecake bars combining a rich, buttery cookie dough base with a creamy cheesecake topping studded with mini chocolate chips. Perfect for a sweet treat without turning on the oven, these bars set in the refrigerator to create a firm, indulgent dessert that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough Layer
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
Cheesecake Layer
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whipped cream or whipped topping
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cookie Dough Layer: In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually blend in the all-purpose flour and salt, mixing until the dough is smooth and homogeneous without any flour streaks.
- Incorporate Chocolate Chips and Form Base: Fold in the mini chocolate chips evenly, then press the cookie dough firmly into the bottom of a prepared baking dish to form an even layer.
- Make the Cheesecake Layer: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract together until smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps.
- Combine with Whipped Cream: Gently fold the whipped cream or whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture until fully incorporated and light, then spread this cheesecake layer evenly over the pressed cookie dough base.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the remaining mini chocolate chips over the cheesecake layer to add texture and visual appeal.
- Chill Until Firm: Refrigerate the assembled bars for at least 4 hours, or until the cheesecake layer is fully set and firm, making them easy to cut and serve.
Notes
- Use softened butter and cream cheese to ensure smooth mixing and texture.
- Make sure the cookie dough layer is pressed firmly to prevent crumbling.
- Whipped cream can be homemade or store-bought whipped topping.
- Chill time is essential for the bars to firm up properly.
- Store leftover bars in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend safe for no-bake cookie dough.
