The Day I Discovered Oreo Lasagna (And Never Looked Back)
It was one of those sweltering summer afternoons where even the thought of turning on the oven made me wilt like lettuce. My niece had begged me to make something “fun and chocolatey” for her sleepover, and as I stood staring into my pantry, the Oreo package winked at me like an old friend. What began as a desperate no-bake experiment became my most requested dessert – this glorious Oreo Lasagna that’s like if tiramisu and chocolate pudding had a baby.
Ingredients You’ll Need (And Why They Matter)
- 36 Oreo cookies – The classic kind, though mint or peanut butter would be daring twists!
- 6 tbsp melted butter – Salted butter adds that perfect sweet-salty contrast
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened – Leave it on the counter while you prep other ingredients
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar – Just enough to sweeten without overpowering the Oreos
- 2 tbsp milk – Whole milk makes the filling extra luscious
- 12 oz Cool Whip, divided – Keep half thawed in fridge, half frozen for layering
- 2 (3.4 oz) packages instant chocolate pudding – The secret to that irresistible mousse texture
- 3 cups cold milk – I use 2% but any works except skim (too watery)
- Mini chocolate chips – For that final sprinkle of joy
Let’s Build Some Sweet Layers (The Messy, Happy Way)
Step 1: Make Your Oreo “Pasta”
Pulse the Oreos (cream filling and all!) in a food processor until they resemble coarse sand. Drizzle in melted butter while pulsing – it should clump slightly when pressed. Tip: No processor? Seal cookies in a ziplock and roll with a wine bottle!
Step 2: Press the “Noodles”
Firmly press 2/3 of the crumbs into a 9×13″ dish. I use the bottom of a measuring cup to get an even layer. Pop this in the freezer while you prep the next layer – the cold helps set the crust.
Step 3: The Creamy “Ricotta” Layer
Beat softened cream cheese until fluffy (about 1 minute). Add sugar and milk, then gently fold in half the Cool Whip. Pro tip: If your cream cheese was still chilly, microwave the bowl for 10 seconds to prevent lumps.
Step 4: Spread With Love
Pull your crust from the freezer and spread the cream cheese mixture evenly. I like making little swoops with the back of a spoon – they’ll peek through the layers beautifully.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Oreo Lasagna
Want to take your Oreo lasagna to the next level? Here are some insider secrets:
- Freeze the Oreos first – Crushing frozen cookies gives you perfect crumbs without turning to dust
- Use room temperature cream cheese – This prevents lumps in your creamy layers
- Chill between layers – 15 minutes in the freezer helps maintain those beautiful defined layers
- Try flavored Oreos – Mint, peanut butter, or golden Oreos create fun flavor twists
Delicious Variations to Try
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable! Some of our favorite variations include:
- Chocolate overload – Add chocolate pudding and chocolate chips between layers
- Peanut butter paradise – Mix peanut butter into the cream cheese layer
- Berry delicious – Layer fresh strawberries or raspberries with the whipped cream
- Mint chocolate chip – Use mint Oreos and add a drop of peppermint extract
What to Serve With Your Oreo Lasagna
While this dessert stands beautifully on its own, here are some perfect pairings:
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream (the contrast of temperatures is divine!)
- Fresh berries to cut through the richness
- A drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce for extra decadence
- A glass of cold milk – because Oreos and milk are soulmates
Storage and Reheating Tips
This dessert keeps wonderfully when stored properly:
- Refrigerator – Cover tightly with plastic wrap and enjoy within 3-4 days
- Freezer – Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months (thaw in fridge overnight)
- Serving tip – Let chilled lasagna sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving for perfect texture
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, it’s better when made at least 4 hours ahead so the layers can set properly. Overnight is ideal.
Can I use store-bought whipped cream?
You can, but homemade whipped cream makes a noticeable difference in texture and flavor. If using store-bought, choose the extra creamy variety.
How do I prevent soggy layers?
Make sure your pudding is fully set before assembling, and don’t skip the chilling time between layers. Also, serve within the recommended time frame.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use gluten-free Oreos (available in most stores now) and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
A Sweet Ending
There’s something magical about how simple ingredients can come together to create such an unforgettable dessert. Whether you’re making this for a special occasion or just because it’s Tuesday, this Oreo lasagna is guaranteed to bring smiles. The best part? Watching your loved ones’ eyes light up when they take that first creamy, crunchy, chocolatey bite. Don’t be surprised if this becomes your most requested recipe – it’s that good!
PrintOreo Lasagna
Description
A decadent no-bake dessert lasagna made with layers of Oreo cookies, cream cheese, and whipped topping.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 36 Oreo cookies
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups cold milk
- 1 (3.4 oz) package instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 (8 oz) tub whipped topping, thawed
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
1. Prepare the Crust:
- Crush 24 Oreo cookies into fine crumbs and mix with melted butter. Press into the bottom of a 9×9 inch dish to form the crust.
- In a bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Fold in 1 cup of whipped topping. Spread over the Oreo crust.
- Whisk milk and pudding mix for 2 minutes until thickened. Let stand for 5 minutes, then spread over the cream cheese layer.
- Spread remaining whipped topping over the pudding layer.
- Crush remaining 12 Oreos and sprinkle over the top along with mini chocolate chips.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.
Notes
You can customize the seasonings to taste.