Serves: 8 | Total Time: 25 minutes (plus chill time)
Hey, You’re Gonna Love This One
Okay, if you’re into cookies, chocolate, and creamy layers that taste like dessert heaven in a glass—this trifle is your jam. It’s rich, super easy, no oven required, and looks like you spent hours on it. I’ve made this for birthdays, BBQs, and last-minute potlucks, and people always ask for the recipe. No shame in how fast it disappears.
🛒 What You’ll Need
- 1 (14.3 oz) package of Oreo cookies, crushed
- 2 (3.9 oz) boxes of instant chocolate pudding mix
- 3 cups cold milk
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 (8 oz) tub whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
- ½ cup hot fudge sauce (room temp)
- Extra whipped topping and mini Oreos for garnish (optional)
💡 Why I Love This Recipe
I started making this trifle years ago when I needed something easy but still impressive for a party. It’s now one of my go-to’s. Here’s why:
- No baking. Seriously. No oven, no stress.
- Make-ahead friendly. It actually gets better as it sits!
- Perfect layers. Every bite has cookies, cream, and chocolate.
- Crowd pleaser. I never have leftovers.
🧠 Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
- Instant pudding thickens fast because of modified starches that react with cold milk—no cooking required.
- Crushed Oreos soften just enough in the cream layers to mimic cake.
- Sweetened condensed milk + cream cheese = super rich, smooth base that holds its shape.
🍽 Meal Plan Ideas
Serve this as a sweet ending to:
- Grilled burgers and corn on the cob
- Baked ziti or lasagna night
- Fried chicken and mashed potatoes
- Taco Tuesday (yes, dessert still counts)
😬 Common Mistakes
- Using warm pudding. It must be cold to layer properly.
- Not softening cream cheese. You’ll end up with lumps.
- Overmixing whipped topping. Fold gently to keep it fluffy.
🍴 Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
- Spatula
- Measuring cups
- Glass trifle bowl (or clear cups for minis)
- Spoon for layering
🔄 Substitutions & Variations
- Use vanilla pudding for a twist.
- Swap Oreos for chocolate chip cookies.
- Add chopped peanut butter cups between layers.
- Sub homemade whipped cream if you want it extra fresh.
⏳ Make Ahead Tips
Make the whole trifle up to 24 hours ahead. Just cover with plastic wrap and chill until serving. Don’t garnish until just before you serve.
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Make the pudding
In a large bowl, whisk together the pudding mix and cold milk for 2 minutes until thickened. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
Step 2: Beat cream cheese and condensed milk
In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth, then add the sweetened condensed milk and mix until combined and creamy.
Step 3: Fold in whipped topping
Gently fold the thawed whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture using a spatula until fully combined and fluffy.
Step 4: Crush the cookies
Place Oreos in a zip-top bag and crush them using a rolling pin until chunky crumbs form. Don’t overdo it—we want texture.
Step 5: Layer it up
Start layering in a glass trifle dish:
- Crushed Oreos
- Pudding
- Creamy filling
- Drizzle fudge sauce
Repeat until you’re out of ingredients. End with a layer of cream and a sprinkle of crushed Oreos. Garnish with mini Oreos if you want.
🧊 Leftovers & Storage
- Store in the fridge, covered, for up to 3 days.
- It’ll get softer over time, but still delicious.
- Don’t freeze—it messes with the texture.
🍽 What to Serve With
- Fresh strawberries or raspberries on the side
- Coffee or hot chocolate
- A tall glass of cold milk (classic)
❓FAQ
Can I make this in individual cups?
Totally! Just layer in clear plastic cups or mason jars.
Do I need to chill it?
Yep. At least 1 hour before serving so it sets and layers firm up.
Can I use homemade whipped cream?
For sure! Use about 3 cups whipped to stiff peaks.
Let’s Wrap This Up
This cookies and cream fudge trifle is a guaranteed hit. It’s sweet, creamy, crunchy, and way easier than it looks. Make it once, and you’ll be hooked. If you give it a try, come back and let me know how it turned out—or ask any questions. I’m here to help!