If you have a sweet tooth and love the creamy richness of cheesecake paired with the irresistible fun of cookie dough, you are going to fall head over heels for this No-Bake Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars Recipe. It’s the kind of dessert that feels like a warm hug—soft, silky cheesecake layered with luscious, safe-to-eat cookie dough, all coming together without ever turning on your oven. Whether you’re making a special treat for friends or a weekend indulgence just for yourself, these bars deliver on flavor, texture, and crowd-pleasing wow factor every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this No-Bake Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars Recipe lies in how straightforward yet crucial the ingredients are. Each element plays an essential role—from creating the perfect cookie dough base to the fluffy cheesecake topping that melts in your mouth.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds a creamy backbone to the cookie dough layer for that rich texture.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: Gives the cookie dough layer a deep, caramel-like sweetness and moistness.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Balances the sweetness and helps tenderize the dough.
- 2 tablespoons milk: Keeps the cookie dough soft and easy to spread.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings warmth and aromatic depth to the dough and the cheesecake.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: The key to giving the cookie dough structure and that iconic bite.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors by balancing out the sweetness.
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips: Adds chocolatey bursts in every bite and a fun texture contrast.
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened: The star ingredient of the cheesecake layer, creating a luscious, smooth texture.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake filling just right.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses the cheesecake with subtle but essential flavor.
- 1 cup whipped cream or whipped topping: Lightens the cheesecake layer for a fluffy, airy finish.
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips: A finishing sprinkle for extra chocolate goodness on top.
How to Make No-Bake Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough Layer
Start by creaming the softened butter with the brown sugar, granulated sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step sets the base for that perfectly chewy and sweet cookie dough. Slowly add the all-purpose flour and salt, mixing just until everything is smooth and combined. Finally, gently fold in the mini chocolate chips for that classic chocolate chunk experience, then press the dough evenly into your baking dish. This layer will form the delicious, sturdy foundation of your bars.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Layer
Next up, beat the softened cream cheese with the granulated sugar and vanilla extract until you get a creamy, silky batter. This creamy filling is the heart and soul of the cheesecake bars. Gently fold in the whipped cream or whipped topping, which makes the cheesecake layer perfectly light and airy—not too dense, but just right for that melt-in-your-mouth experience. Spread this luscious mixture evenly over the prepared cookie dough layer for a stunning two-texture effect.
Step 3: Add Topping and Chill
Sprinkle the remaining mini chocolate chips generously on top of the cheesecake layer to add a little crunchy surprise that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling. Once the layers are all set, pop the dish into the refrigerator and let it chill for at least four hours. This is the magic wait time that allows the bars to firm up so they hold their shape when sliced and deliver the perfect bite every time.
How to Serve No-Bake Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Garnishes
A little garnish goes a long way. Try adding a drizzle of warm chocolate or caramel sauce over the bars for an extra decadent touch. Fresh berries or a sprinkle of sea salt also make fantastic additions, balancing out the sweet intensity of the layers with a burst of freshness or saltiness.
Side Dishes
These cheesecake bars are rich enough to stand on their own, but pairing them with a simple cup of regularly brewed or flavored coffee can enhance the experience. A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side adds a creamy, cold companion that melds perfectly with the bars’ textures.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the No-Bake Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars Recipe into small, bite-sized squares for a party platter or package them up individually for grab-and-go snacking. You can also serve them layered in a clear glass trifle bowl to really show off the gorgeous cookie dough and cheesecake layers—the impressive visual will wow any guest!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once prepared, these bars keep beautifully in the refrigerator, covered tightly with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for up to five days, making them perfect for planning ahead or enjoying throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to keep these treats longer, consider freezing them. Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They will maintain their flavor and texture for up to two months. When ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Since this No-Bake Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars Recipe is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, reheating is not necessary and may ruin the texture. Just bring them out of the fridge a few minutes before serving to soften slightly for the best eating experience.
FAQs
Can I use regular flour or should I use heat-treated flour?
It is safest to use heat-treated or edible cookie dough flour in this recipe, especially because this cookie dough is not baked. If you use regular flour, be sure it has been properly heat-treated to eliminate any risk of harmful bacteria.
Can I substitute the mini chocolate chips with something else?
Absolutely! You can swap mini chocolate chips for white chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, or even chopped nuts to customize the bars to your taste preferences.
How long can I store the No-Bake Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars Recipe in the fridge?
Stored properly in an airtight container, these bars will stay fresh for up to five days in the refrigerator without losing their flavor or texture.
Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
To make a vegan or dairy-free version, substitute butter and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives and choose a dairy-free whipped topping. Keep in mind the texture and flavor might vary slightly but it’ll still be delicious!
Do I have to chill the bars for 4 hours or can I serve sooner?
Chilling for at least 4 hours is crucial for the cheesecake layer to set properly and for the flavors to meld beautifully. Serving sooner might result in a runny texture that doesn’t hold together well.
Final Thoughts
This No-Bake Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars Recipe is a total game-changer when you want a luscious, decadent dessert without turning on the oven. It’s perfect for effortless entertaining, last-minute celebrations, or just treating yourself because you deserve it. Once you make these bars, they will quickly become a beloved favorite in your recipe collection—so go ahead, dive in, and enjoy every delicious bite!
Print
No-Bake Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
These No-Bake Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars combine the rich, creamy texture of cheesecake with the nostalgic flavor of edible cookie dough and mini chocolate chips. Perfectly layered and chilled to set, they offer an indulgent dessert without the need for baking, making them a quick and easy treat for any occasion.
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: Cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This forms the base of your cookie dough layer.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually incorporate the all-purpose flour and salt into the butter mixture until a smooth dough forms without any dry patches.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips into the dough to evenly distribute the chocolate flavor.
- Press into Baking Dish: Evenly press the cookie dough mixture into the base of a prepared baking dish, creating a firm, flat layer that will serve as the foundation for the cheesecake topping.
- Make the Cheesecake Layer: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy, creating a luscious cheesecake filling.
- Fold in Whipped Cream: Gently fold the whipped cream or whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture to lighten the texture and provide a fluffy cheesecake layer.
- Spread Cheesecake Over Cookie Dough: Carefully spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the pressed cookie dough layer in the baking dish.
- Add Topping and Chill: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips over the cheesecake layer as a finishing touch. Refrigerate the entire dessert for at least 4 hours or until firm and set.
Notes
- Ensure the flour used is heat-treated or safe for raw consumption since this recipe uses raw flour in the cookie dough layer.
- For best results, chill the dessert overnight to allow flavors to meld and the layers to firm up properly.
- You can substitute mini chocolate chips with other mix-ins like chopped nuts or different types of chocolate chips as desired.
- Use a non-stick spray or parchment paper to line the baking dish for easy removal of bars.
- Keep the bars refrigerated until serving as they are dairy-based and no baking is involved.
