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Oreo Lasagna is one of those desserts that instantly brings a smile to everyone’s face. Whether for a family gathering or just a Friday night indulgence, this layered treat combines the best parts of cookies and cream in one irresistibly creamy bite. Every layer offers a different texture, creating a dessert that is as rich as it is playful.
The very first time I served this Oreo Lasagna, my niece declared it her new birthday dessert and ever since then it has become a non negotiable request for every holiday.
Ingredients
- Oreo cookies: Use classic chocolate variety for the cookie and cream flavor. Blend to a fine crumb for best crust and smoothest texture.
- Salted butter: The salt in the butter really boosts the Oreo flavor. Melted until completely liquid makes it easier to blend with crumbs.
- Cream cheese: Room temperature cream cheese ensures a smooth filling for creamy layers. Always grab brick style for firmness.
- Powdered sugar: Dissolves instantly into the cream cheese. Avoid granulated sugar to keep the mixture velvety.
- Cool Whip: Thawed completely before using for lightness in both filling and topping. Stick to name brand if you can for texture.
- Vanilla extract: Pure vanilla brings subtle background flavor. Choose a good quality bottle for the best aroma.
- Half and half or whole milk: Choose whichever you have on hand. Both make the pudding set creamy but never rubbery.
- Instant chocolate pudding mix: Pick instant not cooked pudding for the fluffiest middle layer.
- Crushed Oreos: For extra crunch and cookie flavor in every layer. I like to pulse a few cookies just until chunky to vary the texture.
Instructions
- Prepare the Oreo crust:
- Crush the Oreos as finely as possible using a food processor or by sealing them in a bag and rolling with a pin. Stir the crumbs with melted salted butter until every bit is moistened. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a 23 by 33 centimeter glass dish using your hands or a measuring cup. Place into the fridge so the crust can set up and become firm.
- Mix the cream cheese layer:
- With a hand mixer or stand mixer beat the cream cheese until it is smooth and creamy. Add powdered sugar and mix until there are no lumps. Pour in the thawed Cool Whip and vanilla extract then give it a gentle mix. Fold in the extra crushed Oreos for pop of cookie pieces in every bite. Gently spread this layer evenly over the cold crust using an offset spatula. Return the dish to the fridge.
- Prepare the pudding:
- In a large bowl whisk together cold half and half with the instant chocolate pudding mix. Keep whisking for two to three minutes until the mixture becomes thick and pudding like. Fold in more crushed Oreos for crunch and flavor. Spread the pudding over the cream cheese layer covering it to the edges. Place in the fridge for at least five minutes so the layer starts to set.
- Add the final topping:
- Take the last tub of Cool Whip and spread a generous thick layer over the chocolate pudding. Finish with a heavy shower of more crushed Oreos right before serving for dramatic effect. Refrigerate the whole dish for four hours minimum so the layers become sliceable and the flavors meld perfectly.
I keep going back for just one more spoonful of the cream cheese layer. It is always gone first at my house and once my cousin actually hid a slice behind the lettuce in our fridge to save it for herself.
Storage Tips
Oreo Lasagna holds up really well in the fridge. Use plastic wrap pressed right onto the surface to keep it from absorbing other fridge smells. The texture stays nice for up to three days after assembling so it is an ideal make ahead dessert.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can easily swap in a gluten free chocolate cookie instead of Oreos for allergies. If you do not have Cool Whip on hand try using homemade whipped cream stabilized with a bit of powdered sugar. Any instant pudding will work for the middle layer if you want to experiment with flavors.
Serving Suggestions
This dessert is sweetest when served super cold straight from the fridge. For a fancier look garnish each piece with a mini Oreo or chocolate shavings. Sometimes I plate it with a drizzle of chocolate sauce during birthday parties just to make it extra memorable.
Cultural and Historical Context
Oreo Lasagna is a fun twist on classic American icebox cakes from the mid twentieth century. It borrows the layer upon layer style from traditional Italian lasagna but adds a playful twist with cookies and cream. Recipes like this became popular as quick desserts for busy families especially when boxed mixes and ready made toppings appeared in groceries.
Seasonal Adaptations
Crush peppermint candies and add to the Cool Whip for a festive holiday touch. Top with summer berries to lighten it for warmer months. Try pumpkin spice pudding for a fall inspired flavor.
Success Stories
I once made a double batch for a neighborhood potluck and the whole tray disappeared in minutes. My neighbor asked for the recipe on the spot and now it is her go to for every Fourth of July. The layers might look fancy but they are truly foolproof even if you are a beginner baker.
Freezer Meal Conversion
Oreo Lasagna is surprisingly freezer friendly. Just wrap the whole uncut dessert tightly with plastic wrap then foil. Thaw in the fridge overnight before slicing and serving. The only difference is a slightly firmer texture perfect for hot days when you want it extra chilled.
This dessert comes together quickly and never fails to impress with its creamy rich layers. Make it ahead to simplify party prep and watch it disappear first from the dessert table.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I get a firm, sliceable dessert?
Chill the dessert for at least four hours so each layer sets and the slices hold together well.
- → Can I use regular milk instead of half and half?
Yes, whole milk works well and keeps the pudding layer creamy and rich in texture.
- → Should the cream cheese be softened before mixing?
Start with room-temperature cream cheese for a smooth, lump-free filling layer.
- → Is it necessary to use instant pudding mix?
Instant pudding mix guarantees a thick, stable layer that comes together quickly without cooking.
- → How can I crush the Oreos evenly?
Use a food processor or a zip bag and rolling pin for fine, consistent Oreo crumbs.