Description
These Cookies and Cream Red Velvet Bars are a dreamy dessert mash-up that combines rich red velvet cake, crunchy chocolate sandwich cookies, and a creamy cheesecake topping. Baked to perfection in under an hour, these bars are simple to make and a showstopper at any event.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 box red velvet cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups crushed chocolate sandwich cookies (like Oreos)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg (for cheesecake topping)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for topping)
- 1/2 cup crushed cookies for topping
Substitutions & Variations:
- Use gluten-free cake mix and cookies for a GF version
- Swap full-fat cream cheese with reduced-fat or Greek yogurt cream cheese
- Add white chocolate chips or swirl in jam for creative twists
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Mix Red Velvet Base: In a bowl, mix cake mix, melted butter, egg, and vanilla until a dough forms. Fold in 1 1/2 cups crushed cookies.
- Spread the Base: Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan using a spatula or your hands.
- Make Cheesecake Topping: In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add egg and vanilla; mix until creamy.
- Top the Bars: Pour cheesecake mixture over the red velvet base. Spread evenly. Sprinkle with remaining crushed cookies.
- Bake: Bake for 30–35 minutes until the edges are golden and the center is set.
- Cool & Chill: Let cool for 30 minutes, then chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour before slicing.
Notes
Use a warm knife to get clean slices. For best flavor and texture, serve slightly chilled. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 2 months wrapped tightly. These bars are great make-ahead desserts for parties and holidays.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg