Oreo cookies are one of those items that taste just as good as an adult (grown-up?) as they did when we were kids. And this mash up of cheesecake and ice cream featuring our childhood favorite cookie in one of my favorite ways to enjoy Oreos.
To make these Cookies and Cream Cheesecake Ice Cream Bars, we use cookies twice — once for the crust and to add some to the cheesecake filling. While you can eat the cheesecake bars refrigerated, we love freezing it and treating it more like ice cream slices.
Benefits of Making Single-Serve Desserts
- We’re a small family and don’t want to end up with a whole cheesecake that we won’t be able to get through before it spoils.
- Can easily serve an individual serving whenever the craving strikes or you want to serve company a quick dessert.
One of the key steps to making this cheesecake freezer-friendly is to use full-fat cream cheese and heavy cream. Full-fat dairy freezes much better than reduced fat, plus it tastes a lot better!
Can I use other cookies to make cheesecake bars?
Yes! You can use any cookie for this recipe. We like Oreos but you could also use crushed graham crackers for a more classic cheesecake bar, or try using gingersnaps around the holidays.
You could even add mini chocolate chips, diced fruit, or peanut butter chips to the filling for an extra-special treat.
How do I make this cheesecake gluten-free?
Gluten-free Oreos are fairly easy to find but you can also use Glutton Chocolate Vanilla Creme cookies or Trader Joe's Gluten-Free Joe Joe's.
Freezing Cheesecake in Souper Cubes®
For individual ice cream cake slices, we recommend using our half-cup tray. And for ice cream bites, use our 2 tablespoon tray. Here are the steps for making Cookies and Cream Cheesecake Ice Cream Bars:
- Make the cookie crust.
- Crush cookies for the filling.
- Make the cheesecake filling.
- Assemble the cheesecake bars and bites.
- Place lid on tray and freeze.
- Leave in tray, vacuum seal, or place in freezer-safe bag.
How To Make Cheesecake Bars
Gather Ingredients
This recipe only requires a few ingredients - cream cheese, heavy cream, cookies, butter, sugar, vanilla, and lemon juice. You can also swap the Oreo cookies for other chocolate cookies, or use gingersnaps at the holidays.
Make Cookie Crust
To make the cookie crust, you'll pulse the Oreos until they have the texture of sand. Then you'll add melted butter to keep the crust stuck together.
Make Cheesecake Filling
First, you'll combine the cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, lemon juice, and salt. Then, you'll add in the heavy cream and whip until it's a soft fluffy texture. Lastly, you'll stir in the Oreo cookie crumbs.
Assemble Cheesecake Bars and Bites
This recipe makes 5 cups. I made two sizes of ice cream bars, one in the half-cup tray and another in the 2 tablespoon tray, then had enough for a small dish for us to enjoy now.
Freeze Cheesecake Bars and Bites
Now they're all ready to go!
More Freezer-Friendly Recipes
If you like having a single portion of something sweet available in minutes, check out these other freezer-friendly recipes.
We would love to hear your ideas or better yet, post a photo of your cubes organized in our Freezer Meals & Recipes Facebook Group!