Get ready to fall head over heels for your new favorite dessert bar! Fruity Pebbles Cookie Cheesecake Bars are the perfect fusion of nostalgia, creamy goodness, and vibrant fun. Imagine the buttery sweetness of sugar cookie dough, the tangy smoothness of cheesecake, and the joyful crunch of Fruity Pebbles—these bars deliver all that in every bite. When I first whipped up a batch for my family, it disappeared faster than you can say “cheesecake!” These bars are so simple and quick to make, requiring minimal prep time and delivering maximum smiles, making them ideal for busy families or last-minute gatherings. If you love my Oreo Cheesecake Brownies, wait till you try these—each bite is a celebration. Dive in and let the rainbow colors and delicious flavors win you over. You’ll want to make these again and again!
What is Fruity Pebbles Cookie Cheesecake Bars?
What a mouthful, right? Fruity Pebbles Cookie Cheesecake Bars—say that three times fast! It’s a whimsical name that pretty much sums up this treat: think classic sugar cookie bars, a rich cheesecake layer, and a sprinkle of fruity cereal magic. Why the name? Because the way to a man’s (or anyone’s) heart is absolutely through a gooey, colorful dessert bar. These bars are packed with personality, guaranteed to spark smiles and curiosity at your next get-together. The name alone is enough to make everyone ask, “What’s in these?!” Go ahead and give this recipe a try—you’ll see exactly why it deserves its fun title.
Why You’ll Love This
There’s a lot to adore about Fruity Pebbles Cookie Cheesecake Bars, but let’s start with the big highlight: the combination of three beloved desserts in one bite. You get soft cookie dough, creamy cheesecake, and a crunchy, fruity topping all layered together for a unique treat that’s sure to make any dessert lover swoon. Next, making these at home means you save a bundle compared to splurging on fancy bakery bars—plus, you control the ingredients and freshness. Finally, the vibrant Fruity Pebbles not only add a playful pop of color but also an unexpected burst of flavor. If you’ve tried my Birthday Cake Blondies before, you know how much I love easy, eye-catching dessert bars that stand out on any table. Give these a whirl and see for yourself—they’re guaranteed to be a family favorite!
How to Make
Quick Overview
Craving something sweet, simple, and spectacularly colorful? These Fruity Pebbles Cookie Cheesecake Bars hit every mark. You just need about 15 minutes of prep, then a quick half-hour in the oven. The standout feature here is the creamy cheesecake nestled between a soft sugar cookie crust and a crunchy, fruity topping. It’s easy, delicious, and a real showstopper, perfect for bakers of any skill level.
Ingredients
1 (16 oz) package sugar cookie dough
1 cup Fruity Pebbles cereal, divided
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the sugar cookie dough with 1/2 cup of Fruity Pebbles cereal. Mix until the cereal is evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Take about two-thirds of the cookie dough mixture and press it firmly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan to create an even cookie crust.
- In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Pour the cheesecake mixture evenly over the pressed cookie dough, smoothing the surface with a spatula.
- Crumble the remaining sugar cookie dough over the cheesecake layer in small, scattered dollops.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of Fruity Pebbles cereal evenly across the top for a bright, crunchy finish.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.
- Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature. Once cool, refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let them set.
- Slice into bars and enjoy. (Pro tip: Use a hot, sharp knife for neat slices!)
What to Serve With
These bars are the star of any dessert spread! For a festive touch, serve them alongside a bowl of fresh berries or fruit salad to balance out their sweetness. They pair perfectly with a tall glass of cold milk (classic!) or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat. For parties, add other bite-sized desserts like chocolate truffles or mini cupcakes to create a fun, colorful dessert buffet.
Top Tips for Perfecting
- For ultra-smooth cheesecake, be sure your cream cheese is fully softened before mixing.
- Don’t skip chilling the bars; this makes them much easier to cut and enhances the texture.
- If Fruity Pebbles aren’t available, substitute with any colorful, fruity cereal for a similar effect.
- For thicker bars, use a smaller pan (like 7×7 inch) and extend the baking time by 5 minutes.
- Be careful not to overbake—the bars should be set in the center but just barely golden at the edges.
- Let little helpers press in the cookie dough and sprinkle the cereal; it’s a fun, family-friendly activity!
- Store leftovers tightly covered to keep the cereal topping crisp.
Storing and Reheating Tips
To keep your Fruity Pebbles Cookie Cheesecake Bars tasting their very best, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Place a piece of parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking. These bars also freeze beautifully—wrap each bar individually with plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge overnight. To serve, enjoy cold (they’re delicious straight from the fridge!), or let them come to room temperature before eating for a softer bite. No reheating is necessary, but if you prefer a softer crust, just leave them out at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
FAQs
Can I use homemade sugar cookie dough instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! Just use about 16 ounces of your favorite homemade cookie dough recipe.
What if I don’t have Fruity Pebbles cereal?
No worries! Any brightly colored fruity cereal makes a fun substitute and adds that same playful crunch.
Do I need to use a stand mixer for the cheesecake layer?
A hand mixer works great. Just be sure to beat the mixture until it’s perfectly smooth to avoid lumps.
Why do I need to chill the bars before slicing?
Chilling allows the cheesecake layer to firm up, making the bars easier to slice and giving them the best texture.
How can I make these gluten-free?
Look for gluten-free sugar cookie dough and double-check that your cereal is gluten-free—a simple swap for a gluten-friendly treat.
Conclusion
Fruity Pebbles Cookie Cheesecake Bars are everything you want in a dessert—playful, easy, and absolutely delicious. With every bite, you’ll taste the nostalgia of childhood breakfasts and the luxurious creaminess of classic cheesecake, all wrapped up in a colorful, crowd-pleasing bar. Whether you’re baking for a family treat, a party, or just to satisfy a rainbow craving, these bars are a guaranteed hit. Don’t forget to check out more easy dessert bar recipes on the blog and share your creations—I can’t wait to hear how much your family loves them! Get baking and enjoy every vibrant, creamy, crunchy bite.
Fruity Pebbles Cookie Cheesecake Bars
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Baking Pan
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 package sugar cookie dough 16 oz package
- 1 cup Fruity Pebbles cereal divided
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the sugar cookie dough with 1/2 cup of Fruity Pebbles cereal. Mix until the cereal is evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Take about two-thirds of the cookie dough mixture and press it firmly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan to create an even cookie crust.
- In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Pour the cheesecake mixture evenly over the pressed cookie dough, smoothing the surface with a spatula.
- Crumble the remaining sugar cookie dough over the cheesecake layer in small, scattered dollops.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of Fruity Pebbles cereal evenly across the top for a bright, crunchy finish.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.
- Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature. Once cool, refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let them set.
- Slice into bars and enjoy. (Pro tip: Use a hot, sharp knife for neat slices!)