Ingredients (and Why They Matter)
- 2 cups crushed Christmas cookies or Oreos
- 1/2 cup melted butter (or coconut oil)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 small boxes instant pudding mix (any flavor)
- 3 cups cold milk or dairy-free alternative
- 3 cups whipped topping, divided
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce or chocolate drizzle
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
- Festive sprinkles or crushed candy canes (optional)
Crushed cookies plus melted butter create a classic lush-style crust, similar to other Oreo and Christmas cookie lush recipes that press crumbs into a 9×13 pan. Cream cheese and powdered sugar form the cheesecake-like layer; powdered sugar is standard in these desserts because it sweetens without graininess. Instant pudding whisked with cold milk sets into a thick, spoonable layer just like the lush and layered “lasagna” desserts popular in holiday collections.
Whipped topping folded into layers keeps the texture light and easy to spread, mirroring almost every lush recipe that relies on whipped topping instead of homemade cream for stability. Caramel or chocolate drizzle, pecans, and festive sprinkles or candy canes give you that Christmas cookie vibe seen in other Christmas cookie lush and no-bake holiday desserts.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Start by crushing the cookies in a food processor until you have fine crumbs; this matches how most lush and Oreo desserts prepare their crust. Mix the crumbs with the melted butter (or coconut oil) until the mixture resembles wet sand and holds together when pressed. Press this firmly into a greased 9×13-inch pan, using the bottom of a measuring cup if you like for an even layer, then chill for about 15 minutes so the crust sets.
Next, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until very smooth and free of lumps, just like the cream cheese layer in other lush desserts. Fold in 1 cup of whipped topping until the mixture is light and spreadable, then spread it evenly over the chilled crust.
In a clean bowl, whisk the instant pudding mix with the cold milk or dairy-free alternative for about 2 minutes, until it thickens but is still pourable. Let it sit briefly if needed, then spread the pudding evenly over the cream cheese layer, echoing the standard third layer in lush and dessert “lasagna” recipes. Spread the remaining whipped topping evenly over the pudding layer, smoothing it all the way to the edges.
Finish by drizzling caramel sauce or chocolate over the top, then sprinkle with chopped pecans and festive toppings like sprinkles or crushed candy canes if you like, just as Christmas cookie lush recipes do for a holiday finish. Cover the pan and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or overnight for the cleanest slices and best texture.