This No-Bake Cookies & Cream Lush is a decadent, layered dessert that combines the nostalgic flavor of chocolate sandwich cookies with silky pudding and a velvety cheesecake layer. It is an effortless treat that requires zero oven time, making it the perfect solution for potlucks, family gatherings, or a simple weekend indulgence.
Every slice features a buttery Oreo crust, a sweet cream cheese layer, and dual layers of cookies and cream and chocolate pudding, all finished with a light whipped topping and mini chocolate chips.
Recipe Details
- Flavor Profile: Intensely chocolatey and creamy, with the perfect balance of tangy cream cheese and sweet vanilla.
- Textures: A wonderful contrast between the crunchy, buttery cookie base and the silky-smooth, cloud-like pudding and cream layers.
- Total Time: Approximately 20 minutes of active prep, plus at least 2 hours of chilling time.
- Difficulty Level: Easy; this recipe relies on simple mixing and layering techniques with no baking required.
What You’ll Need
To create this lush, you will need chocolate cream cookies for the crust, cream cheese and powdered sugar for the cheesecake layer, and two types of instant pudding for the middle layers. The entire dish is brought together with milk and whipped topping to ensure a light, airy consistency throughout.
Ingredient Notes
- Oreo Cookies – Any brand of chocolate cream cookies will work. These are crushed to form the foundation of the dessert.
- Cream Cheese – Ensure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature before beating to avoid any lumps in your cheesecake layer.
- Instant Pudding Mixes – It is vital to use the instant variety and not the “cook and serve” kind, as the latter will not set properly in this no-bake format.
- Cool Whip – This provides the fluffiness for the cheesecake layer and the final topping. Be sure to thaw it in the refrigerator before use.
- Cold Milk – Using very cold milk helps the instant pudding set quickly and firmly.
Add-ins and Substitutions
- Cookie Varieties – While chocolate cream cookies are classic, you could experiment with golden sandwich cookies for a different flavor profile.
- Toppings – Beyond mini chocolate chips, you can add crushed cookie pieces, a drizzle of chocolate syrup, or even white chocolate shavings.
- Milk – You can use whole milk for a richer flavor, though 2% or skim milk will also work well to set the pudding.
How to Make No-Bake Cookies & Cream Lush
1. Prepare the Crust Begin by crushing 30 Oreo cookies into fine crumbs using a food processor or a sealed bag and a rolling pin. Mix the crumbs with 6 tbsp of melted salted butter until well combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to create an even layer.
2. The Cheesecake Layer In a large bowl, beat the 12 oz of softened cream cheese, 1 cup of powdered sugar, and 1 tsp of vanilla extract until the mixture is completely smooth. Gently fold in 8 ounces of the Cool Whip. Spread this mixture evenly over the cookie crust.
3. The Cookies and Cream Layer In a separate bowl, whisk the cookies and cream instant pudding mix with 1 1/2 cups of cold milk. Continue whisking until the pudding begins to thicken, then spread it evenly over the cream cheese layer.
4. The Chocolate Layer Whisk the chocolate instant pudding mix with the remaining 1 1/2 cups of cold milk. Once thickened, spread this chocolate layer carefully over the cookies and cream layer.
5. Final Assembly and Chill Top the dessert with the remaining 8 ounces of Cool Whip, spreading it to the edges of the dish. Finish by sprinkling 1/2-3/4 cup of mini chocolate chips over the top.
6. Refrigerate Place the dish in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving. This allows the layers to set firmly so you can cut clean slices.
Pro Tip: For the cleanest slices, ensure your cream cheese is fully softened before you begin. This allows the Cool Whip to fold in easily, creating a perfectly smooth layer that won’t pull up the cookie crust when you spread it.
Recipe Tips
- Crush Quality – Ensure your cookies are crushed into fine, even crumbs. Large chunks of cookie can make the crust difficult to cut and serve.
- Avoid “Cook and Serve” – Double-check your pudding boxes! The “cook and serve” variety requires heat to thicken and will stay liquid in this recipe.
- Layering Technique – Use a large spoon to dollop the pudding over the previous layers before spreading. This prevents the layers from mixing too much and keeps the presentation beautiful.
FAQs
Can I use a different size pan? This recipe is optimized for a 9×13-inch dish. Using a smaller pan will result in very thick layers that may be difficult to set, while a larger pan will make the layers too thin.
How long can I store this in the fridge? This dessert will stay fresh and delicious in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days if kept covered.
Can I freeze this dessert? Yes, this lush freezes well! You can serve it as a frozen treat or thaw it in the fridge for a few hours before serving for a softer texture.
Serving Suggestions
- Extra Toppings – Serve each slice with a whole Oreo cookie tucked into the side for a professional look.
- Beverage Pairing – This rich dessert pairs perfectly with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee.
- Occasions – This is an ideal make-ahead dessert for summer BBQs since it stays cool and refreshing.
Make This Recipe in Advance
Because this dessert requires at least 2 hours to set, it is the perfect candidate for making a day in advance. Preparing it 24 hours ahead of time actually allows the flavors to meld and the crust to soften slightly into a fudgy consistency, making it even easier to slice and serve.
Print
No-Bake Cookies & Cream Lush
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 12–15 Servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This No-Bake Cookies & Cream Lush is a decadent, layered dessert featuring a buttery Oreo crust, velvety cheesecake, and dual layers of cookies and cream and chocolate pudding. Finished with whipped topping and chocolate chips, it’s an effortless treat for any crowd.
Ingredients
The Cookie Crust
- 30 Oreo cookies, crushed
- 6 tablespoons salted butter, melted
The Cheesecake Layer
- 12 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 oz Cool Whip, thawed
The Pudding Layers
- 4.2 oz box Cookies and Cream instant pudding
- 3.9 oz box Chocolate instant pudding
- 3 cups cold milk (divided)
The Topping
- 8 oz Cool Whip
- 1/2–3/4 cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
Prepare Crust: Mix cookie crumbs with melted butter. Press firmly into a 9×13-inch dish.
Cheesecake Layer: Beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Fold in 8 oz Cool Whip. Spread over crust.
Cookies & Cream Layer: Whisk cookies and cream pudding with 1.5 cups cold milk until thick. Spread over cheesecake.
Chocolate Layer: Whisk chocolate pudding with remaining 1.5 cups milk. Spread over previous layer.
Finish: Top with remaining Cool Whip and chocolate chips. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Notes
Instant Only: Cook & Serve pudding will not set in this recipe; ensure you use Instant to avoid a liquid dessert.
Softened Cream Cheese: Room temperature cream cheese is essential for a smooth, lump-free layer.
The Dollop Method: Spoon pudding in small amounts across the surface before spreading to keep the layers distinct.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake / Layering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: cookies and cream lush, oreo dessert, no bake chocolate lasagna, layered pudding dessert, easy potluck recipes, chocolate cheesecake lush
