Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Grinch-Inspired No-Bake Oreo Cheesecake Bars are festive, fun, and irresistibly creamy. With a rich Oreo crust, a fluffy cheesecake filling, and that signature bright green color topped with red hearts, this dessert captures the holiday spirit perfectly. It’s a no-bake recipe, making it stress-free for busy holiday schedules, and it’s guaranteed to stand out on any Christmas dessert table. Kids love the playful colors, while adults appreciate the smooth texture and classic cookies-and-cream flavor.
Preparation and Cooking Time
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (no-bake)
Chilling Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 24 bars
Calories: Approximately 450 kcal per bar
Ingredients Overview
This recipe uses simple, familiar ingredients to create a bold and festive dessert. Oreo cookies form a sturdy, chocolatey base, while cream cheese, powdered sugar, and whipped topping combine into a light, mousse-like filling. Neon green food coloring delivers the iconic Grinch look, and red heart sprinkles add the perfect finishing touch.
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 72 Oreo cookies, finely crushed
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling
- 4 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 32 oz Cool Whip or homemade whipped cream
- Neon green food coloring, to taste
- ½ teaspoon mint extract (optional)
For Decoration
- Red heart sprinkles or red candies
Tools You’ll Need
- Food processor or zip-top bag with rolling pin
- Large mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Rubber spatula
- 9×13-inch baking pan
Additions and Variations
Flavor Variations
- Skip the mint for a classic cookies-and-cream flavor
- Add a few drops of vanilla extract for extra warmth
Texture Boosts
- Mix mini chocolate chips into the filling
- Sprinkle crushed Oreos on top before chilling
Holiday Twists
- Use pink or red food coloring for Valentine’s Day
- Shape into a springform pan for a no-bake cheesecake
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Oreo Crust
Finely crush the Oreo cookies using a food processor or rolling pin. In a bowl, combine the crumbs with melted butter and mix until evenly moistened. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch pan, packing it tightly with the bottom of a glass. Refrigerate while preparing the filling.
Make the Cheesecake Filling
Beat the softened cream cheese in a large mixing bowl until smooth and lump-free. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until fluffy and fully combined. Gently fold in the whipped topping until light and airy.
Color and Flavor
Add neon green food coloring a little at a time, folding gently between additions until the desired Grinch-green shade is achieved. Stir in the mint extract if using.
Assemble the Bars
Spread the cheesecake filling evenly over the chilled Oreo crust. Smooth the top with a spatula, then cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until fully set.
Decorate and Serve
Just before serving, sprinkle generously with red heart sprinkles or gently press red candies into the surface. Slice into bars and serve chilled.
Serving Suggestions
Serve straight from the fridge for the cleanest slices and creamiest texture. These bars pair perfectly with hot cocoa, peppermint mocha, or festive holiday punch.
Helpful Tips
For extra-neat slices, freeze the pan for 20–30 minutes before cutting, and wipe the knife clean between cuts. If you prefer a less sweet dessert, slightly reduce the powdered sugar. Use gel food coloring for the most vibrant green color without thinning the filling.
Storage Notes
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. These bars can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Print
No-Bake Grinch Christmas Cheesecake
Ingredients
- For the Crust:
- 72 Oreo cookies, finely crushed
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Finely crush the Oreo cookies in a food processor or in a zip-top bag with a rolling pin until you have even crumbs.
- In a bowl, mix the Oreo crumbs with the melted butter until the crumbs are evenly moistened and resemble wet sand.
- Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch pan to form a crust. Use the bottom of a glass to compact it well. Chill the crust in the refrigerator while you make the filling.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and lump-free.
- 5. Add the powdered sugar gradually, beating until the mixture is smooth, fluffy, and fully combined.
- Gently fold in the Cool Whip or whipped cream until the filling is light and airy, being careful not to deflate it too much.
- Add neon green food coloring a little at a time, folding between additions until you reach your desired bright Grinchy green shade. Stir in the mint extract if using.
- Spread the cheesecake filling evenly over the chilled Oreo crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Cover the pan and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or until the cheesecake layer is firm enough to cut into clean bars.
- Just before serving, sprinkle the top generously with red heart sprinkles or press red candies gently into the surface.
- Slice into bars and serve chilled straight from the pan.
