This Heavenly Oreo Dessert is a sweet treat that layers creamy goodness with crunchy Oreo cookies. It’s cold, satisfying, and absolutely perfect for cookie lovers!
Honestly, I can’t say no to a dessert that has Oreos in it. It’s so easy to whip up and always disappears at parties. I just love serving it chilled! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Oreo Cookies: These are the star of the dessert! If you’re looking for a change, try using other sandwich cookies like chocolate sandwich cookies or gluten-free versions to suit your needs.
Unsalted Butter: Unsalted butter gives a great base flavor without excess salt. If you’re in a pinch, feel free to substitute with margarine or coconut oil. Just make sure it’s melted for mixing!
Cream Cheese: For a richer cream layer, low-fat or whipped cream cheese is a good alternative, while non-dairy cream cheese works well for vegan options.
Powdered Sugar: This ingredient sweetens the cream cheese layer smoothly. If you’re looking to reduce sugar, you can use a sugar-free version or honey, just be cautious with the liquid amount.
Whipped Topping: While I love using store-bought whipped topping for its convenience, homemade whipped cream is a delightful alternative. Just remember to stabilize it to hold its shape.
How Can I Properly Prepare the Oreo Crust?
The crust is a key part of this dessert; it sets the stage for all those delicious layers. Start by crushing the Oreo cookies into fine crumbs—this helps the crust hold together. A food processor does this quickly, but a bag and a rolling pin work just fine too!
- Combine the Oreo crumbs with melted butter in a bowl. Mixing until all crumbs are coated helps the crust stick together.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of your baking dish, ensuring it’s even. A flat-bottomed cup can help smooth it out.
- Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes and let it cool fully before adding layers. This keeps it sturdy against the cream and pudding layers.
How to Make Heavenly Oreo Dessert
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust:
- 1 package (family size) Oreo cookies
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping, thawed
For the Pudding Layer:
- 1 package (3.9 oz) instant chocolate pudding mix
- 3 cups cold milk
For Topping:
- Additional crushed Oreo cookies for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dessert takes about 20 minutes of prep time, plus 10 minutes for baking, and then you’ll need to refrigerate it for at least 4 hours (or overnight) to let the layers set perfectly. It’s a little bit of waiting, but so worth it for the delicious results!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare and Bake the Crust:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take your Oreo cookies and crush them into fine crumbs using a food processor or by placing them in a zip-top bag and rolling over them with a rolling pin. In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed Oreos with the melted butter, stirring until everything is combined. Now, press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish to form a solid crust. Pop it into the oven and bake for 10 minutes. Once done, let it cool completely.
2. Make the Cream Cheese Layer:
While the crust cools, grab another bowl and beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until it’s nice and smooth. Make sure there are no lumps! Next, gently fold in half of the whipped topping until everything is well blended. Once mixed, spread this creamy concoction evenly over your cooled crust. Smooth it out with a spatula so it looks nice and neat.
3. Prepare the Pudding Layer:
In yet another bowl, whisk together the chocolate pudding mix and cold milk for about 2 minutes, or until the mixture thickens. Once it’s nice and creamy, pour the pudding over the cream cheese layer, spreading it evenly so it covers every bit of that layer.
4. Add the Final Touches:
Now, take the remaining whipped topping and spread it evenly over the pudding layer. Take some additional Oreo cookies, crush them up, and sprinkle the crumbs generously over the top as a tasty garnish. Finally, cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or even better, overnight. This will help all those flavors blend together beautifully!
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Once chilled, slice into squares and serve your Heavenly Oreo Dessert to impress your family and friends. Enjoy the delightful layers of flavors and textures! Your dessert is now ready to be loved!
Can I Use Light Cream Cheese Instead of Regular Cream Cheese?
Yes, you can definitely use light cream cheese as a substitute! Just keep in mind that it may alter the texture slightly, making it a bit less creamy. Make sure to beat it well to achieve a smooth consistency.
How Do I Store Leftover Heavenly Oreo Dessert?
Store any leftovers in the refrigerator, covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, but the crust may become a little softer over time.
Can I Use Homemade Whipped Cream Instead of Whipped Topping?
Absolutely! You can use homemade whipped cream instead of store-bought whipped topping. To make it, whip 1 cup of heavy cream with 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar until soft peaks form. This will give your dessert a fresh taste!
What Should I Do If My Pudding Doesn’t Thicken?
If your pudding isn’t thickening as expected, try whisking it a bit longer or letting it sit for a few additional minutes. Additionally, make sure you’re using cold milk, as warm milk won’t help it set properly. If it still doesn’t thicken, consider adding a touch more pudding mix to help it along!
