This Heavenly Oreo Dessert is a chocolate lover’s dream come true! Made with layers of creamy filling, crushed Oreos, and whipped topping, it’s as rich as it gets.
I can’t resist a dessert that’s so easy to whip up. Plus, it’s perfect for sharing at parties or just enjoying on a cozy night in. Grab a spoon and dig in! 🍴
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Oreo Cookies: These delightful cookies are the backbone of this dessert. If you’re looking for a twist, try using chocolate wafer cookies or even gluten-free Oreo alternatives if needed.
Unsalted Butter: The melted butter helps bind the crust together. If you’re vegan or dairy-free, use coconut oil or dairy-free margarine instead.
Cream Cheese: Cream cheese adds a rich tangy flavor. For a lighter option, you can use Neufchâtel cheese, which has less fat. Vegan cream cheese also works well as a substitute.
Whipped Topping: I love using Cool Whip for its light texture. However, you can also use homemade whipped cream or whipped coconut cream for a delightful alternative.
Instant Chocolate Pudding Mix: If you’re short on pudding mix or want a healthier version, make a homemade chocolate custard using cocoa powder, sugar, and cornstarch instead.
How Do You Ensure a Smooth Cream Cheese Mixture?
Getting your cream cheese mixture silky smooth is key for this dessert. Here’s a simple way to do it:
- Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature to mix easier; leave it out for about 30 minutes before starting.
- Beat the cream cheese thoroughly before adding powdered sugar. This helps break it down and avoid lumps.
- For best results, gradually add the powdered sugar while beating to create a smooth blend.
- Finally, gently fold in the whipped topping with a spatula rather than stirring, maintaining that light texture.
How to Make Heavenly Oreo Dessert?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Crust:
- 1 package (15.25 oz) Oreo cookies
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For The Cream Cheese Layer:
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup whipped topping (e.g., Cool Whip)
For The Chocolate Pudding Layer:
- 1 package (3.9 oz) instant chocolate pudding mix
- 3 cups milk
For Topping:
- Additional whipped topping for garnish
- Crushed Oreo cookies for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dessert takes about 20 minutes to prepare and needs at least 4 hours to chill in the fridge. If you can wait overnight, it’ll taste even better! You’ll be layering delicious flavors and textures, making it a fun treat to share!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Crust:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab your food processor and crush the Oreo cookies until you have fine crumbs. Save a small handful of the crumbs for later. In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed cookies with the melted butter and mix well. Then, press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish to create a yummy crust.
2. Cream Cheese Layer:
In a new mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar using a hand mixer until the mixture is smooth. Next, gently fold in the whipped topping until everything is combined nicely. Spread this creamy mixture evenly over the Oreo crust in the baking dish. Yummy!
3. Chocolate Pudding Layer:
In another bowl, whisk together the chocolate pudding mix and milk until the mixture is thick, which should take about 2 minutes. Once it’s nice and thick, spread the pudding layer evenly over the cream cheese layer. Then, add another layer of whipped topping on top of the pudding, spreading it out evenly.
4. Garnish and Chill:
Sprinkle the reserved crushed Oreo cookies over the whipped topping for a delightful garnish. Now, cover the dessert and pop it into the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 4 hours, or overnight if you can wait. This will let all the layers set and come together beautifully!
5. Serve and Enjoy:
When you’re ready to serve, just slice the dessert into squares and enjoy the heavenly layers of flavor and texture. Each bite is a delicious treat you won’t forget!
Can I Use a Different Type of Cookie for the Crust?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of Oreos, you can substitute with any chocolate cookie, like chocolate graham crackers or even homemade chocolate cookies. Just make sure to adjust the amount of butter based on how dry or moist the cookies are!
How Can I Make This Dessert Gluten-Free?
To make a gluten-free version, you can use gluten-free chocolate sandwich cookies instead of traditional Oreos. For the pudding mix, check that it’s labeled gluten-free, as some brands may contain gluten ingredients.
Can I Make This Dessert Ahead of Time?
Yes, this dessert is perfect for making ahead! You can prepare it up to 24 hours in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator covered tightly with plastic wrap to ensure freshness.
What Is the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you need to, you can cover the top with extra whipped topping to keep it moist and delicious!
