Cookies and Cream Lush
If there’s one dessert that never makes it home with leftovers, this Cookies and Cream Lush is it. Rich, creamy, chocolatey, and packed with Oreo flavor in every single layer, this no-bake dessert is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s the kind of recipe people “just take a small piece” of… and then quietly go back for seconds.
I’ve been making this lush dessert for a few years now, and it’s one of those tried-and-true recipes that works for any occasion — holidays, potlucks, BBQs, birthdays, or just when you want something sweet and indulgent waiting in the fridge. And if this is your kind of dessert, check out my grandma’s famous Butterscotch Lush!
Table of contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No baking required
- Rich, creamy, and layered with chocolate and Oreo flavor
- Feeds a crowd (and a little goes a long way)
- Easy to make ahead
- Fun to customize with different toppings
Ingredients
Oreo Crust
- 30 Oreo cookies – Creates a rich, chocolatey base
- 6 tablespoons butter, melted – Helps bind the crust together
Cream Cheese Layer
- 12 ounces cream cheese, softened – The creamy foundation of the dessert
- 1 cup powdered sugar – Sweetens and smooths the mixture
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor and adds depth
- 8 ounces Cool Whip, thawed – Lightens the layer and keeps it fluffy
Pudding Layers
- 1 (4.2-ounce) box Oreo Cookies & Cream instant pudding mix – Brings classic cookies and cream flavor
- 1½ cups cold whole milk – Creates a thick, creamy pudding (2% works, but don’t go lower)
- 1 (3.9-ounce) box chocolate instant pudding mix – Adds a rich chocolate layer
- 1½ cups cold whole milk – For the chocolate pudding layer
Topping
- 8 ounces extra creamy Cool Whip, thawed – The final fluffy layer
- ½–¾ cup miniature chocolate chips – Adds texture and extra chocolate
- Optional toppings: crushed Oreos, shaved chocolate ribbons, chocolate syrup drizzle
How to Make Cookies and Cream Lush
Start by preparing the Oreo crust. Add the Oreo cookies to a food processor and pulse until finely crushed. If you don’t have a food processor, place the cookies in a sturdy plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin. Transfer the crumbs to a bowl, stir in the melted butter, and mix until fully combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
Next, make the cream cheese layer. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract with a hand mixer until smooth and creamy. Fold in the Cool Whip until fully combined. Spread this layer evenly over the Oreo crust.
For the cookies and cream pudding layer, whisk the Oreo Cookies & Cream pudding mix with 1½ cups of cold milk until thick and creamy. Gently spread it over the cream cheese layer.
Prepare the chocolate pudding by whisking the chocolate pudding mix with the remaining 1½ cups of cold milk until thick. Carefully spread this layer on top of the cookies and cream pudding.
Finish by spreading the extra creamy Cool Whip evenly over the top. Sprinkle with mini chocolate chips, crushed Oreos, shaved chocolate, a drizzle of chocolate syrup, or any combination you love.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving so the layers can set.
Tips for Success
- Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened for a smooth, lump-free layer
- Always use cold milk for instant pudding so it sets properly
- Spread each layer gently to keep the layers clean and defined
- This dessert tastes even better after chilling longer, especially overnight
If you do make this recipe, please leave a comment and a rating! I love hearing from you and it helps so much! Thank you!
Cookies and Cream Lush
Ingredients
- 30 Oreo Cookies any brand of chocolate cream cookies
- 6 tbsp Melted Salted Butter
- 12 oz Cream Cheese, softened
- 1 Cup Powdered Sugar
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 16 oz Cool Whip divided
- 4.2 oz Box of Cookies and Cream Instant Pudding Mix
- 3.9 oz Box of Chocolate Instant Pudding Mix Do not use the cooking kind of pudding mixes for this!
- 3 Cups Cold Milk divided
- 1/2-3/4 Cup Mini Chocolate Chips
Instructions
- Crush Oreos and mix with melted butter. Press into a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Fold in 8 ounces Cool Whip and spread over crust.
- Whisk cookies and cream pudding with 1½ cups milk and spread evenly over cream cheese layer.
- Whisk chocolate pudding with remaining 1½ cups milk and spread on top.
- Finish with remaining Cool Whip and desired toppings.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Notes
Notes
- Use whole milk or 2% for best pudding texture
- Optional toppings include crushed Oreos, shaved chocolate, or chocolate syrup
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Cookies and Cream Lush ahead of time?
Yes! This dessert is perfect for making ahead and is even better after chilling overnight.
Can I freeze this dessert?
Yes, it freezes well for up to one month when wrapped tightly.
Is this dessert very sweet?
It is rich and sweet, which is why smaller portions work great.
Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?
You can, but Cool Whip holds its structure better for layered desserts. Do not freeze it if you make homemade whipped cream!
