This Heavenly Oreo Dessert is a chocolate lover’s dream! It has layers of creamy filling, crunchy Oreo cookies, and a touch of whipped topping that make every bite extra special.
Honestly, who can resist that combination? I love making it for parties, and it’s a hit every time! It’s quick to prepare and usually vanishes in minutes—no leftovers here!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Oreo Cookies: Of course, Oreos are the star here! But if you’re looking for alternatives, try other sandwich cookies like Hydrox or any chocolate cookie that crumbles well.
Butter: I recommend unsalted butter for better control over flavor. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, coconut oil or margarine work nicely as substitutes.
Cream Cheese: This gives the dessert its creamy texture. For a lighter option, try whipped cream cheese or even Greek yogurt, but the flavor will change a bit.
Whipped Topping: If you prefer homemade, whipping heavy cream with a little sugar makes a fantastic swap. Skip the additives if you can find pure whipped topping.
Chocolate Instant Pudding: If you’re out of chocolate pudding mix, vanilla can work in a pinch, but add some cocoa powder to enhance the chocolate flavor.
How Do I Get the Perfect Crust?
The crust is crucial for the overall texture. Crushing the Oreos finely is key to a firm base. Using a food processor is quickest, but a zip-top bag and rolling pin does the trick too. Make sure to pack it down firmly in the pan after mixing with melted butter. This helps keep it intact after baking.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix crushed Oreos with melted butter until fully combined.
- Press firmly into the pan and bake for 10 minutes, then cool completely.
How Can I Ensure the Pudding Layer Sets Smoothly?
When making the pudding layer, whisking it for the full two minutes is essential for it to thicken properly. Use cold milk as this helps in achieving the best texture. Pour the pudding on the cream cheese layer gently, so you don’t disturb the layers underneath.
How to Make Heavenly Oreo Dessert
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Crust:
- 1 package (15.25 oz) Oreo cookies (divided)
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
For The Cream Cheese Layer:
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 (12 oz) container whipped topping (divided)
For The Pudding Layer:
- 1 (3.9 oz) package chocolate instant pudding mix
- 2 cups milk
For The Topping:
- 1 (12 oz) container chocolate fudge topping
- Additional crushed Oreos for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dessert takes about 15 minutes to prepare and requires additional chilling time of at least 4 hours or overnight. So, overall, you’ll need to set aside around 4 hours and 15 minutes, but most of that is just waiting for it to chill!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare The Crust:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, crush 24 Oreo cookies until they are fine crumbs. You can do this in a food processor or place them in a zip-top bag and use a rolling pin. Mix these crumbs with the melted butter until well combined. Now, take this mixture and press it firmly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch pan to create the crust. Bake the crust in the oven for 10 minutes. Once done, let it cool completely before adding the next layer.
2. Make The Cream Cheese Layer:
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Once that’s done, gently fold in 1 cup of your whipped topping until everything is combined nicely. Spread this luscious cream cheese mixture evenly over your cooled Oreo crust.
3. Add The Pudding and Toppings:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the chocolate pudding mix and the 2 cups of milk. Keep whisking for about 2 minutes or until the pudding thickens up nicely. Pour this chocolate pudding mixture over the cream cheese layer, making sure to spread it out evenly. Then, drizzle the chocolate fudge topping over this layer, smoothing it out gently with a spatula. Lastly, spread the remaining whipped topping over the fudge layer and top it all off with additional crushed Oreos for some extra crunch.
4. Chill And Serve:
Your dessert is looking great! Now, cover the pan with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 4 hours or overnight so that everything sets properly. Once it’s ready, slice it up, serve, and enjoy every heavenly bite!
Can I Use Reduced-Fat Cream Cheese in This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Reduced-fat cream cheese will work, but it may not be as rich and creamy as the full-fat version. Just make sure it’s softened before mixing for easier incorporation.
What If I Don’t Have Instant Chocolate Pudding Mix?
No problem! You can substitute with vanilla pudding mix for a different flavor profile. If you’d like to keep a chocolate theme, use a chocolate-flavored milk or add cocoa powder to the vanilla pudding for a chocolate twist. Just ensure to adjust the liquid if needed.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. It’s best enjoyed chilled, so just serve right from the fridge!
Can I Make This Dessert Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free Oreo cookies available at many grocery stores. The rest of the ingredients are typically gluten-free, but double-check the labels to be sure!
