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No-Bake Fireworks Oreo Cheesecake Bars add a little spark to lusciously creamy Oreo Cheesecake Bars. Made with Oreos, it includes a surprise “popping good” center that will light up any patriotic party with lots of fun and delicious flavors.
These easy cheesecake bars are the perfect addition to any party! Want more red, white, and blue fun? Add an American Flag Layer Dip, a Tomato, Feta, and Cucumber Salad, or Berry Cheesecake Salad to your menu!
As the summer hits, it seems we bring out all the good ole red, white, and blue for all our festive celebrations. From Memorial Day, Fourth of July to Labor Day and in between – I don’t know about you, but we are in a picnic, potluck, cook-out, and lazy pool day mode. And each of these occasions calls for a fun, festive, and most importantly, delicious dessert.
Easy desserts are a must and since it is hot outside a no-bake dessert is always a win! These creamy Oreo Cheesecake bars are the perfect treat!
Why You’ll Love This No-Bake Oreo Cheesecake Recipe!
- Easy Dessert: A few no-bake layers and you have the perfect sweet treat!
- Make ahead: This is just the dessert to make the day ahead, and less work for the day of an event.
- Versatile: This can be a No-Bake Oreo Cheesecake Dessert for any occasion. Leave the colors off for a simple everyday dessert, or change up the sprinkles and toppings for the seasons or events.
Ingredients
No-Bake Oreo Crust
- Golden Oreos or Red Velvet Oreos: As of 2022, I have not been able to find red velvet Oreos. So I started coloring the golden oreo crust with coloring gel. You can also leave that layer uncolored or just use additional regular. All are delicious.
- No-Taste Red Food Coloring Gel: If you want a red crust, add in a no-taste food coloring gel so that it doesn’t change the flavor of the crust.
- Butter: Salted butter or unsalted butter works in this recipe. The butter holds the crust together and makes that buttery Oreo crust.
Cheesecake Filling
- Block Cream Cheese: This is the base of the cheesecake filling. I prefer to use full-fat cream cheese for the best flavor and creamy texture. Make sure to leave it out for 30-plus minutes to come to room temperature.
- Powdered Sugar: My original recipe calls for granulated sugar, and it will work in this recipe. However, I prefer to use powdered sugar because it gives a nice smooth texture and less of a crunch or bite to the filling.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances and adds a layer of flavor to the no-bake cheesecake.
- Fireworks Oreos: As of 2025, I haven’t seen these in stores, but when I first made this recipe, Fireworks Oreos had a fun little twist—tiny Pop Rocks in the filling! To recreate that festive touch, mix in a few red and blue Pop Rocks. They add a subtle pop and a fun, unexpected twist that makes this dessert extra festive. I recommend giving them a rough chop—if they’re crushed too finely, the filling can turn a bit grayish. No worries, though—it doesn’t change the flavor one bit!
- Cool Whip or Whipped Topping: This adds a little more dreamy and creamy to the filling! Can’t go wrong with that!
Oreo Topping
- Oreos: Use additionally chopped or crushed Oreos to garnish the top. I use Fireworks Oreos when I can find them.
- Red, White, and Blue: Sprinkles, jimmies, or candies add patriotic color to this dessert. Change up the colors for different occasions so you can enjoy this dessert year-round.
- Pop-Rocks: Want even more fireworks? Just before serving, top it with more Pop-rock. You can find them in red and blue – and even more colors!
How to Make Patriotic Fireworks No-Bake Oreo Cheesecake Bars
✱ Be sure to see the recipe card below for exact ingredients and full recipe instructions!
This dessert takes no time to pull together. You do need to chill the crust and then the Cheesecake, so allow extra time for that.
Step 1 | Make the Crunchy Oreo Crust
First, make your crust. Crush a package of Golden Oreo Cookies (or Red Velvet when you can find them- regular Oreos work too).
Place them in a food processor and pulse them into fine crumbs. Or if you don’t have one, give them a good beating with a rolling pin in a gallon plastic bag. You know, get a workout or any frustrations you might need out on these delicious cookies 😉
Melt butter and pour into a bowl with the crushed cookies. Then add a few drops of red food coloring (if using) until you get the desired color and stir until combined.
Take a 9 X 13 baking dish and press it into the bottom of the dish. Use fingers or a measuring cup to form the crust in the bottom of the dish.
TIP: If you have had trouble with things sticking to your pan or are concerned about it sticking just lightly spray the bottom of the dish with cooking spray
Chill in the freezer for 20 to 30 minutes. You can also place it in the refrigerator until the crust is firm and set. Usually at least an hour.
Step 2 – Oreo Cheesecake Layer
In a stand mixer or with an electric mixer, beat softened cream cheese until soft and creamy (usually about 4 to 5 minutes). Add in sugar and vanilla and mix until well combined.
Fold in the coarsely chopped Fireworks Oreo Cookies (If you cannot find them, you can use regular Oreos and a package of pop rocks) and whipped topping (Cool Whip) into the cream cheese mixture.
Spread the mixture on top of the cookie crust. Cover and refrigerate for 4 hours or until set.
Step 3 | Add Festive Oreo Topping
Remove from refrigerator and top with remaining Oreos that have been coarsely crushed (the firework ones if you can get them) and sprinkles or candies if desired.
Recipe Tips
- Be sure your cream cheese is at room temperature. This will ensure the filling will be smooth and creamy. If you try to mix it when cold, it will be clumpy and have chunks of cream cheese in the mixture.
- Adjust the powdered sugar to the sweetness preference. Start with ¾ cup up to a cup, and adjust to taste.
- Leave the Oreo in bite-sized chunks for the filling. If you chop too finely, the filling will take on a gray color.
- If you would like to remove the cheesecake from the pan, line all sides with parchment paper long enough to hang over each side so that you can pull the cheesecake out after it has set.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Cream cheese has a higher fat content, so it usually takes about 30 minutes to an hour to soften, depending on how warm your kitchen is. In most cases, you’ll want to give it closer to an hour for that perfectly soft texture. To speed things up, unwrap it and cut it into cubes—smaller pieces come to temp faster. You’ll know it’s ready when it feels very soft to the touch and blends easily into your recipe.
If you are indoors in a cool room, you can safely leave this dessert out for about 2 hours before it needs to head back into the fridge. If you’re serving it outside on a hot day, keep an eye on it—it’s best to limit the time even more. One of my favorite tricks is to freeze water in zip-top bags and place them underneath the dish in a larger container to help keep it cool. Pre-slicing the cheesecake also makes serving a breeze and helps it stay firmer while out.
Absolutely! For a baked version, leave out the whipped topping from the cheesecake filling. Instead, mix in 1 cup of sour cream and 4 eggs with the cream cheese and beat until smooth. Pour the mixture over the crust and bake at 325°F for about 45 minutes, or until the center is set. Let it cool completely, then refrigerate until you’re ready to serve. Add your toppings just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Variations and Substitutions
- Lemon Cookie Cheesecake: Make the crust with lemon Oreos or sandwich cookies and use lemon cookies in the filling for a lemon-flavored version.
- Use other Colors: Change out the sprinkles and coloring of the crust to match your theme, occasion, or holiday.
- Candy Bar Cheesecake: Use candy bars or those leftover holiday candy bars instead of Oreos for a candy bar cheesecake.
- Make a Chocolate Chip Cookie version with Chips Ahoy, and double this Chocolate Chip Cookie Crust to make it.
Make-Ahead:
This cheesecake dessert is perfect to make ahead the day before and store covered in the refrigerator.
Additionally, you can make the crust ahead and store it in the freezer for up to 2 to 3 months for later use.
Storage Instructions
Storage: Cover the cheesecake with plastic wrap or foil, or store it in an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezer: You can freeze this cheesecake whole or in individual slices. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and then with aluminum foil and freeze for up to 2 months. If wrapping individually I like to store wrapped slices in a freezer-safe zip bag. Always label it so you know when to use by.
Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Serving Suggestions:
These no-bake Oreo cheesecake bars are so fun! Oreo cookies, along with Pop Rocks, give this cheesecake center some extra sparkle for your 4th of July celebration or any festive celebration!
It’s fun to make these Oreo cheesecake bars for a kid’s party and then let them decorate with their own toppings. Put the crushed Oreos and fun sprinkles choices in small bowls for them to choose from.
You can also add whipped cream, cherries, blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries as topping choices.
If you want this dessert in a mini size or to stretch further, make small pieces, and you have Oreo Cheesecake Bites. And if you love cheesecake, I have a traditional No-Bake Oreo Cheesecake you’ll love too! Love an ice cream cake – deck out my Oreo Ice Cream Cake with festive toppings. Any way you serve it – it’s going to be one of your favorite desserts!
More Patriotic Desserts to Choose from
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No Bake Fireworks Oreo Cheesecake Bars
Ingredients
Crust
- 25 each Golden Oreos, crushed, (about 25 Cookies) You can also use regular Oreos or Red Velvet if you find them
- 6 tablespoon butter, melted
- no-taste red gel food coloring, Optional – add a few drops until the desired color is achieved
Cheesecake Filling
- 32 ounces cream cheese blocks, room temperature, 4 blocks
- ¾ cup powdered sugar, (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 ounce cool whip, (I use extra creamy if available)
- 16 cookies Oreo Cookies , roughly chopped (Fireworks Oreos if available)
- 1 package red or blue pop rocks or a mixture, optional
Topping
- additional chopped Cookies for topping
- Red, White, and Blue Sprinkles or Candies, change color for season or occasion
- additional pop rocks can be added as well for more pop
Instructions
Crust
- Crush the cookies in your processor until they are finely ground. If you don't have a food processor, you can smash the cookies in a plastic bag with a rolling pin.
- Melt butter in the microwave in 30-second intervals until melted.
- Stir together crushed cookie crumbs, butter, and food coloring (if using) together in a bowl.
- In a 9 X 13 baking dish, press Oreo cookie the mixture into the bottom of the dish to form a crust. Freeze for 15 to 30 minutes or until firm (While making cheesecake filling).
Cheesecake Filling
- In a stand mixer (with beater attachment) or with a hand mixer, add room temperature cream cheese and beat until smooth. Add in sugar and vanilla and beat the mixture until combined.
- Fold in chopped Fireworks Oreo cookies and whipped cream until combined.
- Spoon mixture over chilled crust and spread out evenly.
- Refrigerate for 4 hours, or until firm.
- Top with additional coarsely chopped Fireworks Oreo Cookies and sprinkles and/or candies if desired. ENJOY!
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Notes
- Be sure your cream cheese is at room temperature. This will ensure the filling will be smooth and creamy. If you try to mix it when cold it will be clumpy and have chunks of cream cheese in the mixture.
- Adjust the powdered sugar to sweetness preference. Start with ¾ cup up to a cup and then taste.
- Leave the Oreo cookies in bite-sized chunks for the filling. If you chop too finely the filling will take on a gray color (which is fine too)
Nutrition Information
Nutritional Disclaimer
Soulfully Made is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.
©️Soulfully Made
Made this dessert a few weeks ago for a small gathering. I couldn’t find pop rocks or Fireworks Oreos, but everyone still loved it. Thanks for sharing!!
I am glad you enjoyed it. I mostly see the Fireworks Oreos around July 4th. If you have a five below in your area I can usually always find pop rocks there (or even Micheals). But it really is good as an Oreo Cheesecake dessert all around and you can decorate with sprinkles for an occasion or leave them off completely. Thank you for stopping buy to let us know you made it!
I made this for our 4th of July party and it was a big hit. I used almond extract instead of vanilla but used more. Love the slight cherry taste it adds. Also I increased the amount of powdered sugar. Everyone LOVED it!!
Thank you, Jane! I am so glad to hear it was a hit! I love almond extract in everything so I know it was delish! Thank you for stopping by to let me know.
Love it bet it will taste awesome 5 stars definitely
Hello! I am wanting make these ahead is time. Could this be frozen for a few days before thawing out and eating? Or willt ruin it? Thank you!!!
I have not tried to freeze this. It should work well frozen. I would just add toppings after freezing. I would love to know how it works for you.
I made this die 4th of July and it was a big hit. Not super sweet, creamy deliciousness. Thank you!
You are welcome Cecilia! I appreciate hearing from you and so glad you enjoyed it!
These were awesome!
1. They were easy to make!
2. Everyone in my family loved them! I’ll be surprised if they last until tomorrow 🙂
Irene
Thank you so much Irene! I am glad everyone loved them! I hope you got a slice too 😉
So glad I found this recipe! I couldn’t find Firework Oreos anywhere, even on Amazon, so I used regular Oreos and pop rock candy 🙂
I am sorry you couldn’t find them. They do sell out quickly. Regular Oreos work great too! And the pop rocks add just the amount of fireworks you need lol! I hope you enjoyed them!
Oh my goodness! I love these. They looks so delicious and festive!!
Thank you so much Julie! I love all things Red, White, and Blue!
Now I wish I had made these for the 4th. Maybe I’ll make them for the weekend!
It is never too late! They are great anytime! You can use regular Oreos 🙂