Oreo Lasagna is a fun and delicious dessert that layers creamy fillings with crushed Oreos. It’s like a cake and a cookie combined on your plate!
This treat is so easy to make, even kids can help! I love serving it chilled, especially on a warm day. I mean, who wouldn’t want a scoop of this sweet goodness? 🥳
Ingredients & Substitutions
Oreo Cookies: The key star in this recipe! You’ll need them for the crust and garnishing. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try gluten-free chocolate sandwich cookies instead.
Unsalted Butter: Melted butter helps bind the crust together. You can use coconut oil or margarine if you prefer a dairy-free option.
Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese creates a smooth layer. If you’re looking for a lower-fat option, Neufchâtel cheese works well, or you could use dairy-free cream cheese.
Powdered Sugar: This sweetens the cream cheese layer. If you want to reduce sugar, consider using a sugar substitute designed for baking.
Whipped Topping: I used Cool Whip for convenience, but you can whip your own heavy cream instead. This makes the dessert a bit richer, but it’s delicious!
Instant Chocolate Pudding: Stick with chocolate pudding for a classic flavor, but vanilla pudding can be a fun twist if you want to mix things up!
What’s the Best Method to Prepare the Oreo Crust?
The Oreo crust is crucial for your lasagna’s base. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a food processor, crush the Oreo cookies until they’re very fine. It should resemble sand.
- Mix the crushed cookies with melted butter until it’s well combined and holds together when pressed.
- Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your 9×13 inch baking dish. Make sure it’s even to support the layers above.
- Bake for about 10 minutes, then let it cool completely before adding the cream cheese layer.
This simple yet essential step keeps your lasagna from falling apart and adds a delightful crunch!
How to Make Oreo Lasagna?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust:
- 1 package (15.35 oz) Oreo cookies
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
For the Pudding Layer:
- 2 packages (3.9 oz each) instant chocolate pudding mix
- 3 cups milk
For Garnishing:
- Additional whipped topping
- Crushed Oreo cookies
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Oreo Lasagna takes about 20 minutes to prepare, and then you’ll need to chill it in the fridge for at least 4 hours (or overnight for the best taste). So, give yourself some time to relax while it sets up nicely!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oreo Crust:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Next, place the Oreo cookies in a food processor and crush them until they’re nice and fine. In a bowl, combine the crushed cookies with the melted butter until it’s all mixed together really well. Now, press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish to create your crust. Bake for 10 minutes and then let it cool completely while you make the other layers.
2. Make the Cream Cheese Layer:
In a mixing bowl, combine your softened cream cheese and powdered sugar. Mix it together until it’s smooth and creamy. Take your thawed whipped topping and gently fold in half of it into the cream cheese mixture. Once it’s combined, spread this layer evenly on top of your cooled Oreo crust. Yum!
3. Prepare the Pudding Layer:
In another bowl, whisk together the instant chocolate pudding mixes and milk. Keep whisking for about 2 minutes until the mixture thickens nicely. Now, pour this chocolate pudding over the cream cheese layer and spread it out evenly for a perfect finish!
4. Add the Final Layer:
Take the remaining whipped topping and spread it over the chocolate pudding layer. Make sure to smooth it out so it looks nice and even. This is going to be the fluffy, delicious topping!
5. Chill:
Cover your dish with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 4 hours, but if you can wait overnight, that’s even better! The layers need this time to set so they hold together when you cut into it.
6. Garnish and Serve:
When you’re ready to serve, top the Oreo Lasagna with some extra whipped topping and sprinkle crushed Oreo cookies on top. Cut it into squares and enjoy this delicious dessert chilled. You’re going to love it!
Can I Use Reduced-Fat or Sugar-Free Ingredients in This Recipe?
Yes, you can substitute reduced-fat cream cheese and sugar-free pudding mixes if you prefer lighter options! Keep in mind that the texture and flavor may differ slightly, but it will still taste delicious. Just ensure that the whipped topping is also compatible with your choices for the best results.
What Can I Use Instead of Whipped Topping?
If you’d like to avoid whipped topping, you can use homemade whipped cream. Just whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form, and sweeten it to taste with powdered sugar or vanilla extract. This adds a lovely fresh flavor to your lasagna!
Can I Make This Dessert Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Oreo lasagna is actually best made the day before you plan to serve it, as it allows the layers to set and the flavors to meld together. Just be sure to store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to enjoy it!
How to Store Leftovers
Any leftovers should be covered tightly and stored in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. Just keep in mind that the layering may not look as pretty after a couple of days, but the taste will still be fantastic!
