Mint Cheesecake Bars Recipe – Experience the ultimate blend of creamy, refreshing mint, and rich chocolatey goodness with these easy-to-make cheesecake bars. Nestled atop a delectable Oreo crust, each bite promises a burst of vibrant flavor that will leave you wanting more. This recipe simplifies the classic cheesecake experience, delivering thick, satisfying bars perfect for any occasion.
Why Cheesecake is Always a Good Idea (Especially Mint!)
If there’s one dessert that consistently captures hearts and tables, it’s cheesecake. For me, it’s more than just a sweet treat; it’s a culinary passion, a comforting classic that signifies celebration and joy. My affection for cheesecake runs deep, and over the years, this blog has become a testament to that love, filled with numerous cheesecake variations. It brings me immense happiness to see your enthusiasm for cheesecake reflected in the questions and comments I receive – knowing you share this passion makes every recipe creation a delight.
Cheesecake holds a special place in my family’s traditions. It was the very first dessert I ever baked for my husband when we were dating, a sweet memory that still brings a smile to my face. To this day, no birthday celebration for him is complete without a cheesecake. He has a particular fondness for a good, creamy slice, especially when adorned with a generous drizzle of caramel and a sprinkle of chopped pecans. This recipe for Mint Cheesecake Bars, however, offers a refreshing twist that’s equally irresistible and perfect for lighter, warmer seasons.
Embracing Spring Flavors with a Zesty Twist
As spring blossoms into full bloom here in Kansas, my kitchen naturally gravitates towards fresh, vibrant flavors in both savory dishes and sweet desserts. Think bright, zesty lemon poppy seed muffins or a creamy lemon and asparagus pasta for a delightful meal. But when it comes to dessert, what could be more fitting than the invigorating coolness of mint paired with rich chocolate? These Mint Cheesecake Bars on an Oreo crust are an absolute dream come true. The creamy mint filling harmonizes perfectly with the deep chocolate notes of the crust, creating a flavor combination that’s truly spectacular.
Crafting the Perfect Mint Cheesecake Bars
These cheesecake bars are designed to be wonderfully thick and satisfying, baked in an 8-inch square pan. If you prefer a thinner bar, you can easily adapt this recipe to a 13×9 inch pan, similar to my popular Lemon Raspberry Cheesecake Bars. One of the best aspects of this recipe is its simplicity. You can effortlessly prepare these bars in the evening and allow them to chill overnight in the refrigerator, ensuring they set perfectly for slicing and serving the next day. This make-ahead convenience makes them an ideal choice for entertaining or a delightful weekend treat.
Achieving the Signature Green Hue
To give these Mint Cheesecake Bars their characteristic vibrant green color, I typically use a standard liquid food coloring. For a light, refreshing shade, around 10 drops generally suffice. Keep in mind that gel food coloring is much more concentrated, so you would likely need fewer drops – perhaps starting with two and adding more gradually until you achieve your desired intensity. It’s also worth noting that the color tends to intensify slightly during the baking process, so a lighter shade pre-bake will likely deepen to perfection. This visual appeal perfectly complements the refreshing mint flavor, making these bars as lovely to look at as they are to eat.
The Essence of Mint: Peppermint Extract
The star of the show, of course, is the mint flavor. For this, I rely on pure peppermint extract. Precision is key here; I found that ¾ teaspoon provides a beautifully balanced and refreshing mint taste without overwhelming the delicate cream cheese base. This amount ensures that each bite delivers a cool, invigorating sensation that pairs wonderfully with the chocolate crust, creating a harmonious symphony of flavors on your palate. Using pure extract ensures a clean, authentic mint profile that artificial flavors can’t quite replicate.
The Irresistible Oreo Crust Foundation
The foundation of these incredible cheesecake bars is a rich, chocolatey Oreo crust. For the perfect crust, I use 14 regular Oreo cookies. A common question I get is whether to scrape out the cream filling, but my secret is: don’t! The cream filling actually adds an extra layer of richness and helps bind the crust together beautifully. Simply toss the whole Oreos into a food processor and blend until they form fine crumbs. Then, add a touch of melted butter, and continue blending until the mixture comes together, resembling wet sand. This quick process takes mere minutes. After pressing the mixture firmly into your prepared pan, a quick 10-minute bake in the oven is all it takes to set the crust, making it perfectly ready for the creamy mint filling. The timing is impeccable, allowing you to prepare the filling while the crust bakes, streamlining your baking process.
These Mint Cheesecake Bars are more than just a dessert; they’re an experience. They combine the timeless comfort of cheesecake with a burst of fresh flavor, all resting on a beloved chocolate cookie crust. Whether you’re making them for a special gathering, a holiday, or simply to treat yourself, you’re guaranteed to fall in love with every creamy, minty bite. Enjoy the process of creating this delightful treat, and savor the delicious results!
Mint Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Anna
Pin Recipe
15 minutes
33 minutes
48 minutes
Dessert
American
9
squares
406
kcal
Ingredients
-
14
Oreos
regular -
2
Tablespoons
unsalted butter
melted -
16
oz
cream cheese
softened -
1
cup
granulated sugar -
4
Tablespoons
sour cream -
4
Tablespoons
all-purpose flour -
½
teaspoon
pure vanilla extract -
¾
teaspoon
peppermint extract -
2
large eggs -
green food coloring
optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175°C).
- Line an 8-inch square baking pan (greased) with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal. Set aside.
- To make the crust:
- Place whole Oreos (no need to scrape the filling) in a food processor and blend until fine crumbs form. Add melted butter and pulse until the mixture comes together and resembles wet sand.
- Press the Oreo crust mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Bake the crust for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and set aside to cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese with an electric mixer for about 30 seconds, until smooth and creamy. Ensure there are no lumps.
- Gradually add granulated sugar to the cream cheese mixture and mix on low speed until well combined and smooth, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Stir in the sour cream, all-purpose flour, pure vanilla extract, and peppermint extract. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
- Add the large eggs, one at a time, mixing on low speed until just incorporated after each addition. Overmixing eggs can introduce too much air, which can lead to cracks.
- If desired, add green food coloring at this stage. Start with a few drops and mix until you reach your preferred shade, remembering the color will slightly deepen during baking.
- Carefully pour the cheesecake filling over the partially baked Oreo crust. Gently tap the pan against the counter a few times to release any trapped air bubbles and ensure an even surface.
- Bake the cheesecake bars for 33 to 35 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center still has a slight jiggle when gently shaken.
- Remove the pan from the oven and allow the cheesecake bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack at room temperature. This gradual cooling prevents cracking.
- Once completely cool, remove the bars from the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Chill them in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to ensure they are firm and easy to slice.
- Slice into squares and serve. Garnish with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or fresh mint leaves if desired.
Nutrition
Calories:
406
kcal
|
Carbohydrates:
40
g
|
Protein:
5
g
|
Fat:
25
g
|
Saturated Fat:
13
g
|
Cholesterol:
101
mg
|
Sodium:
266
mg
|
Potassium:
130
mg
|
Sugar:
31
g
|
Vitamin A:
840
IU
|
Calcium:
65
mg
|
Iron:
2.1
mg
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If you enjoy this delightful recipe and decide to make it, I would absolutely love to see your creations! Snap a photo and share it on INSTAGRAM! Don’t forget to tag me @crunchycreamysweet so I can admire your beautiful Mint Cheesecake Bars and share the joy!
More Irresistible Cheesecake Bar Recipes:
For those who adore cheesecake in bar form, I have a few other favorites that I know you’ll love. These recipes are perfect for any time you’re craving a slice of creamy heaven, offering a variety of flavors to suit every palate.
Lemon Raspberry Cheesecake Bars
Bright, tangy, and bursting with berry flavor, these bars are a sensational combination of sweet and tart. The vibrant lemon cheesecake is perfectly complemented by juicy raspberries, making them a refreshing choice for spring and summer gatherings. They’re a delightful alternative when you’re looking for something fruity and light.
Caramel Swirl Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars
When autumn arrives and the air turns crisp, these pumpkin cheesecake bars are the epitome of fall comfort. Rich, spiced pumpkin cheesecake swirled with decadent caramel creates a truly indulgent experience. They are a staple for Thanksgiving desserts or any cozy evening when you crave a taste of the season.
Peanut Butter Chocolate Cheesecake Bars
For the ultimate treat for chocolate and peanut butter lovers, these bars deliver. A creamy peanut butter cheesecake layer rests on a rich chocolate crust, often topped with chocolate ganache or more peanut butter drizzle. It’s a classic flavor pairing in a convenient bar form that’s impossible to resist.
