When we set out to create this dessert, we had just one word in mind: dreamy. We think we pulled that off remarkably well in this no-bake, five-ingredient Cookies-And-Cream Dream.
Inspired by a handful of favorite Southern desserts—namely, Chocolate Dream from Dreamland BBQ in Tuscaloosa, Alabama; Jersey Dirt from the University of Richmond; and Cookies-n-Creme Pudding from Baddies in Athens, Georgia—this layered delight combines crushed chocolate sandwich cookies with a silky cheesecake-like pudding filling and fluffy whipped topping.
This eats like a parfait—everything is all together in one perfect bite. Served cold, it’s refreshing, indulgent, and sure to vanish at any potluck.
Recipe Tips From The Test Kitchen
Crushing cookies in two different textures (larger chunks for base, finer crumbs for topping) creates contrast in layers.Folding whipped topping gently into the pudding mixture keeps the filling fluffy and mousse-like.Letting the dessert chill allows the bottom cookie layer to soften slightly into a cake-like texture.Cover the dessert tightly, and refrigerate up to three days; cookie layers will continue to soften.This can be made the day before serving; in fact, chilling overnight improves the texture.Try Golden Oreos or peppermint Oreos for seasonal twists.Swap cheesecake pudding for chocolate, white chocolate, vanilla, or cookies-and-cream pudding for a richer flavor.Fold in chopped candy bars (Snickers or Reese’s would be excellent) for a “loaded” version.
Editor’s Note: This recipe was developed by Julia Levy; the headnote was written by Kimberly Holland.
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