no bake cheesecake bars

No bake cheesecake bars are a delightful treat that combines a sweet marshmallow cereal base with a rich, fluffy cheesecake topping. These bars are perfect for holidays, parties, or any time you crave a delicious dessert without the hassle of baking. The colorful Lucky Charms cereal adds a fun twist that makes them appealing to both kids and adults alike. Plus, they are simple to prepare, making them an excellent choice for any occasion!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: No baking is required, so you can whip these up quickly.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of marshmallows and cream cheese creates a delightful taste.
• Fun Presentation: The colorful toppings make these bars visually appealing for any gathering.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: These no bake cheesecake bars are great for parties, holidays, or just a sweet treat at home.
• Kid-Friendly: With Lucky Charms as an ingredient, kids will love every bite!

Tools and Preparation

To create your no bake cheesecake bars, you’ll need some essential tools to make the process smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 9×9-inch square pan
• Parchment paper
• Large saucepan
• Mixing bowl
• Electric mixer
• Spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• 9×9-inch square pan: This size is ideal for even cooling and cutting into perfect squares.
• Electric mixer: It helps achieve that fluffy texture in your cheesecake filling with ease.

Ingredients

No Bake Lucky Charms Cheesecake Bars have a marshmallow cereal base and fluffy cheesecake top. Perfect for holidays or parties.

For the Base

• ¼ cup butter
• 4 cups mini marshmallows
• 4 cups Lucky Charms cereal

For the Cheesecake Filling

• 16 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice
• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• Green food colouring, to taste

For Topping

• Lucky Charms cereal marshmallows
• Sprinkles

How to Make no bake cheesecake bars

Step 1: Prepare the Base

1. Line a 9×9-inch square pan with parchment paper.
2. Melt the butter in a large saucepan over low heat.
3. Add the mini marshmallows and stir until completely melted and well-blended.
4. Cook for two minutes while stirring constantly; then remove from heat.
5. Stir in the Lucky Charms cereal until fully coated.
6. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly and packing it firmly with a spatula or your hands.
7. Allow the base to cool completely before adding the cheesecake layer.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

1. In a mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese and lemon juice until smooth.
2. Using an electric mixer, gradually beat in the heavy whipping cream until thickened.
3. Add granulated sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form.
4. Mix in green food coloring until you achieve your desired shade.

Step 3: Assemble and Freeze

1. Evenly pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled cereal base.
2. Cover and freeze for at least 4 hours or ideally overnight.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

1. Before serving, separate marshmallows from any remaining Lucky Charms cereal.
2. Sprinkle marshmallows and additional sprinkles on top of the cheesecake layer.
3. Cut into squares and serve immediately.

Enjoy your delicious no bake cheesecake bars!

How to Serve no bake cheesecake bars

These no bake cheesecake bars are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a party or just treating yourself, here are some serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

Individual Portions

• Serve each bar on a small plate for an elegant touch. Consider adding a dollop of whipped cream on top for extra flavor.

Parfait Style

• Layer pieces of the cheesecake bars with fresh fruits like strawberries or blueberries in a glass. This adds color and freshness to each bite.

With Coffee or Tea

• Pair these cheesecake bars with a cup of coffee or tea. The rich flavors complement warm beverages beautifully.

Festive Garnishes

• Top each bar with additional sprinkles or edible glitter. This makes them perfect for celebrations and adds a fun visual element.

Chocolate Drizzle

• Drizzle melted chocolate over the bars right before serving. This adds a decadent touch and enhances the overall flavor.

How to Perfect no bake cheesecake bars

Creating the perfect no bake cheesecake bars is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to help you achieve cheesecake perfection.

• Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Ensuring your cream cheese is at room temperature will help it blend smoothly without lumps.

• Beat Until Stiff Peaks Form: When whipping the heavy cream, continue until you see stiff peaks. This gives your cheesecake bars the right texture.

• Chill Before Serving: Allowing the bars to chill for several hours (or overnight) helps them set properly, making them easier to cut and serve.

• Customize Your Flavors: Feel free to experiment with flavors by adding vanilla extract or other extracts that complement your taste preferences.

• Cut Cleanly: Use a sharp knife dipped in warm water to cut the bars neatly. Wipe the knife after each cut for clean edges.

Best Side Dishes for no bake cheesecake bars

To elevate your dessert experience, consider pairing these delicious no bake cheesecake bars with complementary side dishes. Here are some great options:

1. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cheesecake.
2. Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: These sweet treats add an indulgent touch that pairs perfectly with creamy desserts.
3. Mini Cupcakes: Offer small cupcakes as an alternative dessert option, allowing guests to choose their favorite treat.
4. Coffee Ice Cream: A scoop of coffee ice cream balances out the sweetness and complements the flavors beautifully.
5. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses brings savory notes that contrast well with sweet desserts.
6. Mixed Nuts: Provide a crunchy element with lightly salted mixed nuts for those who enjoy a bit of texture alongside their dessert.
7. Meringue Cookies: Light and airy, these cookies make for an excellent crunchy companion.
8. Gelato: Serve gelato in flavors like pistachio or vanilla as a cool complement to the cheesecake’s richness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making no bake cheesecake bars, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the final product. Here are some things to watch out for:

• Using cold ingredients: If your cream cheese is cold, it will be difficult to mix smoothly. Always let it come to room temperature for a creamy texture.
• Not cooling the base fully: Adding the cheesecake layer while the cereal base is still warm can cause it to melt. Ensure it is completely cool before pouring on the cheesecake mixture.
• Overmixing the cream: Be careful not to overbeat your whipped cream. Stop once stiff peaks form, or you could end up with butter instead of a fluffy cheesecake.
• Skipping the chilling time: Rushing the chilling process may result in a soft and unstable dessert. Allow adequate time for freezing to achieve the perfect texture.
• Neglecting presentation: The toppings can make your no bake cheesecake bars visually appealing. Don’t skip sprinkles or extra marshmallows for that festive touch.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store no bake cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the fridge.
• They can last up to 5 days when properly stored.

Freezing no bake cheesecake bars

• Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months; just thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating no bake cheesecake bars

• Oven: Not recommended for this recipe as reheating can alter texture.
• Microwave: Use low power and heat in short bursts to avoid melting too much.
• Stovetop: Again, this method isn’t ideal but if necessary, use very low heat with constant stirring.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different cereals for these no bake cheesecake bars?

Yes! While Lucky Charms add a fun flavor and color, you can substitute with any similar cereal or even graham crackers for a different taste.

How long do no bake cheesecake bars need to set?

For best results, freeze them for at least 4 hours or overnight. This ensures they hold their shape when cut.

Can I customize my no bake cheesecake bars?

Absolutely! You can add fruits, chocolate chips, or flavored extracts to create variations that suit your taste.

What’s the best way to cut no bake cheesecake bars?

To get clean cuts, use a sharp knife dipped in warm water and wipe it clean between each cut.

Why did my cheesecake layer not set properly?

Improper mixing or not enough chilling time can lead to a loose layer. Make sure your ingredients are well incorporated and give it ample time in the freezer.

Final Thoughts

No bake cheesecake bars are a delightful treat that combines ease with deliciousness. Their versatility allows you to customize flavors and toppings based on your preferences, making them perfect for holidays or any gathering. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the creamy goodness topped with colorful sprinkles!