Fruity Pebbles Cookie Cheesecake Bars Recipe
If you’re seeking a dessert that boasts wow-worthy colors, big nostalgic flavor, and the fun of a mashup you never knew you needed, Fruity Pebbles Cookie Cheesecake Bars will absolutely make your day. Picture this: a thick, chewy cookie base studded with Fruity Pebbles, a luscious cheesecake center, then more cookie dough and a pop of rainbow cereal on top. Each bite is creamy, crispy, tangy, and bursting with fruity flavor. Whether you grew up with cereal for breakfast or you just crave a treat that makes everyone’s eyes light up, these bars are pure, playful joy wrapped in one colorful pan.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of my favorite things about Fruity Pebbles Cookie Cheesecake Bars is how straightforward the ingredients are. Every component works its magic—giving you a bar that’s soft, gooey, crisp at the edges, and full of vibrant color. Here’s what you’ll want on hand and why you’ll love each piece of the puzzle.
- All-purpose flour: Flour forms the structure for your cookie base, keeping the bars perfectly sturdy yet tender.
- Baking soda: This gives your cookie layer just the right amount of lift and chewiness.
- Salt: A half-teaspoon sharpens all the flavors and balances the sweetness beautifully.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Butter offers richness and flavor; make sure it’s nice and soft for easy mixing.
- Shortening: This might surprise you, but shortening actually gives the cookie layer its melt-in-your-mouth softness.
- Granulated sugar: Regular sugar brings that sweet crunch and helps the bars bake up golden.
- Light brown sugar (packed): Brown sugar adds moisture plus a touch of caramel flavor.
- Large eggs: Eggs bind everything together and add that signature chewiness.
- Vanilla extract: Don’t skip this—it’s the essence of home-baked bliss right in your bars.
- Fruity Pebbles cereal: The star of the show! These bring bursts of color and sweet, fruity, irresistible crunch.
- Cream cheese (softened): Makes the cheesecake filling ultra-creamy and tangy.
- Granulated sugar (for cheesecake layer): Sweetens the filling and helps it set just right.
- Large eggs (for cheesecake layer): Gives the cheesecake that rich, custard-like texture.
- Vanilla extract (for cheesecake layer): Again, it brings that cozy, delicious note you expect in cheesecake.
- Fruity Pebbles cereal (for topping): For showstopping color and an irresistible, extra-crunchy finish.
How to Make Fruity Pebbles Cookie Cheesecake Bars
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy lifting after baking. This little bit of prep work not only prevents sticking, but also makes cleanup and slicing a total breeze!
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Grab a medium bowl and whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures all your leavening and seasoning are evenly distributed in every bite, so don’t rush through it. Set aside and get ready for the fun part!
Step 3: Make the Cookie Dough
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, shortening, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until pale and fluffy—it takes about 2 to 3 minutes with an electric mixer. Add the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, beating well after each addition. Now, gently mix in your bowl of dry ingredients, just until everything is combined. Finally, fold in the Fruity Pebbles cereal. It’s okay if the dough looks a little colorful—embrace the rainbow!
Step 4: Assemble the Cookie Crust
Press about two-thirds of your cookie dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. You want a thick, even layer that goes all the way to the edges. Set aside the rest of the dough for later—you’ll need it for the irresistible topping.
Step 5: Whip Up the Cheesecake Layer
In a clean bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until it’s smooth and creamy, with no pesky lumps. Add in the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until the filling is silky and lush. Pour this cheesecake mixture over your cookie base and spread it out evenly with a spatula.
Step 6: Top and Decorate
Drop spoonfuls of the remaining cookie dough over the cheesecake layer—you won’t cover it completely, but those pockets of dough bake up into magical, golden bites. Sprinkle the final cup of Fruity Pebbles cereal across the top, letting it fall wherever it pleases for a beautiful, playful effect.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Slide the pan into your hot oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. Watch for golden edges and a just-set center—these are your cues that the bars are perfectly baked. Don’t worry if the middle jiggles ever-so-slightly; it’ll set up as it cools.
Step 8: Cool and Chill
Cool the pan completely at room temperature. Then, pop it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours (or overnight, if you like your bars extra firm and easy to slice). This helps the cheesecake layer set up beautifully, making every slice picture-perfect.
How to Serve Fruity Pebbles Cookie Cheesecake Bars
Garnishes
While Fruity Pebbles Cookie Cheesecake Bars are already eye-catching, you can take them over the top with a swirl of whipped cream, a scattering of extra cereal, or even a drizzle of white chocolate. Fresh strawberries or blueberries add a fun, fruity counterpoint if you want to go gourmet!
Side Dishes
Pair these bars with a tall glass of ice-cold milk for the ultimate throwback treat, or serve alongside fresh fruit to balance their creamy richness. For special occasions, a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes a perfect, dreamy companion.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing Fruity Pebbles Cookie Cheesecake Bars into triangles, squares, or even fun shapes using cookie cutters for birthdays and celebrations. Stack them on a cake stand for a striking dessert centerpiece, or wrap individual bars in parchment for adorable party favors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These bars keep exceptionally well thanks to the creamy cheesecake layer and sturdy cookie base. Store leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The cereal on top will lose a bit of its crunch but the bars stay fresh, flavorful, and totally delicious.
Freezing
Need to make Fruity Pebbles Cookie Cheesecake Bars ahead for a party? After chilling and slicing, wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving—just note the cereal may not be quite as crispy as day one.
Reheating
These bars are meant to be served chilled or at room temperature for the best texture. If you prefer them a touch softer, let them sit out for 15-20 minutes before serving, but there’s no need to heat them in the oven or microwave.
FAQs
Can I use another type Dessert, Bars
Absolutely! Cocoa Pebbles are a delicious chocolatey swap, and almost any crisp rice-style cereal works in a pinch. Just keep in mind that different cereals will change both the color and flavor of your cheesecake bars.
Can I make Fruity Pebbles Cookie Cheesecake Bars gluten free?
Yes, you can! Substitute a high-quality 1:1 gluten-free baking flour for the all-purpose flour, and make sure your Fruity Pebbles cereal is labeled gluten free (as manufacturer formulations can change). The rest of the ingredients work just as well for a gluten-free treat.
Why chill before slicing?
Chilling sets the cheesecake layer, making it firm enough to cut neatly. If you try to slice them while warm, you’ll have a gooey mess—delicious, but not exactly bar-shaped! An overnight chill gives the cleanest slices.
How do I prevent the bars from sticking to the pan?
Using parchment paper with a little overhang on all sides is the secret. It makes the bars effortless to lift out after baking and completely eliminates any sticking worries.
Can I double this recipe for a party?
You sure can! Just bake in two separate 9×13 pans, or use an extra-large baking sheet if your oven can accommodate it. Extend the baking time slightly and keep an eye on the color and set in the center for best results.
Final Thoughts
Even if you don’t think of yourself as a “cereal dessert person,” one bite of these Fruity Pebbles Cookie Cheesecake Bars is all it takes to convert you. They’re the ultimate treat for birthdays, bake sales, and whenever you want a dessert that’s bright, cheery, and absolutely irresistible. Give them a try and let the celebration begin!
Print
Fruity Pebbles Cookie Cheesecake Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour (plus chilling)
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful combination of crunchy Fruity Pebbles, creamy cheesecake, and chewy cookie dough with these Fruity Pebbles Cookie Cheesecake Bars. A colorful and flavorful treat that’s perfect for any dessert spread.
Ingredients
Cookies:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup shortening
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups Fruity Pebbles cereal
Cheesecake:
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup Fruity Pebbles cereal for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter, shortening, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy.
- Beat in eggs and vanilla. Gradually mix in dry ingredients, then fold in 2 cups Fruity Pebbles.
- Press two-thirds of the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- In another bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla and beat until creamy.
- Pour cheesecake mixture over cookie crust. Drop spoonfuls of remaining cookie dough over the cheesecake layer.
- Sprinkle with 1 cup Fruity Pebbles. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until edges are golden and center is just set.
- Cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing into bars.
Notes
- For cleaner slices, chill overnight before cutting.
- You can also substitute Cocoa Pebbles for a chocolate version.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Bars
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 27g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
