When you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to turn on the oven, these No-Bake Cookie Bars are the perfect solution! They’re buttery, creamy, and packed with flavor, featuring a crumbly graham cracker crust topped with a rich and velvety no-bake filling.
Whether you’re making these for a quick snack, a party dessert, or a sweet treat for the holidays, these cookie bars are sure to be a hit! Plus, they’re super easy to prepare with minimal ingredients, making them a fantastic go-to recipe when you’re short on time.
Why You’ll Love These No-Bake Cookie Bars
No oven required – Perfect for hot summer days!
Quick and easy – Only a few simple steps!
Rich and creamy – A smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Perfect for any occasion – Great for parties, potlucks, or holiday treats.
Customizable – Easily add nuts, chocolate, or fruit to suit your taste.
Ingredients
For the Graham Cracker Crust:
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2 cups graham cracker crumbs
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½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Creamy No-Bake Filling:
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1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
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½ cup powdered sugar
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 cup whipped topping or heavy cream, whipped
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½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for a warm spice flavor)
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½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional, for crunch)
Step-By-Step Instructions
1: Make the Crust
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Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
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In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter.
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Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand, then press it firmly and evenly into the bottom of the baking pan.
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Refrigerate for 10-15 minutes while preparing the filling.
2: Prepare the Filling
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In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
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Gently fold in the whipped topping (or whipped heavy cream) until well combined.
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If using, stir in ground cinnamon and chopped nuts for extra flavor and texture.
3: Assemble & Chill
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Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the chilled graham cracker crust.
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Smooth the top with a spatula and sprinkle additional chopped nuts for garnish if desired.
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Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until firm.
4: Serve & Enjoy!
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Once set, cut into squares or bars and serve chilled.
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Enjoy these creamy, dreamy no-bake cookie bars!
Storage & Freezing Instructions
Storing:
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Keep the bars covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezing:
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To freeze, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container.
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Freeze for up to 3 months.
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When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge for 30 minutes to 1 hour before serving.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
These No-Bake Cookie Bars are delicious on their own, but here are some ways to enhance them:
With Fresh Fruit – Serve with fresh strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries for a refreshing contrast.
Coffee or Tea – Enjoy alongside a warm cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.
Chocolate Drizzle – Drizzle melted dark or white chocolate over the top for extra indulgence.
With a Nutty Crunch – Sprinkle toasted coconut or extra chopped nuts for added texture.
Pro Tips for Perfect No-Bake Cookie Bars
Press the crust firmly – This helps the bars hold their shape when cutting.
Chill long enough – Letting the bars fully set ensures clean slices.
Use full-fat cream cheese – It gives the filling a rich and creamy texture.
Fold gently – If using whipped cream, fold it in carefully to keep the filling light and fluffy.
Conclusion
These No-Bake Cookie Bars are an easy, fuss-free dessert that’s creamy, sweet, and perfectly satisfying. With a buttery graham cracker crust and a smooth cheesecake-like filling, they’re the ideal treat for any occasion.
Whether you’re making them for a holiday gathering, a potluck, or just a simple dessert, these bars will always be a crowd-pleaser. Plus, they store and freeze well, so you can make them ahead of time and enjoy them later!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different type of crust?
Yes! Instead of graham crackers, try using crushed Oreos, vanilla wafers, or digestive biscuits.
2. Can I make these bars dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free butter, plant-based cream cheese, and coconut whipped cream for a dairy-free version.
3. Can I add chocolate to this recipe?
Absolutely! You can mix in chocolate chips, a cocoa powder swirl, or a chocolate ganache topping.
4. How do I keep my bars from getting too soft?
Make sure to chill them for at least 2 hours, and keep them refrigerated until serving.
5. Can I double this recipe?
Yes! Simply double the ingredients and use a 9×13-inch pan instead of a 9×9-inch pan.