If you’re looking for a visually striking, crowd-pleasing dessert that requires zero baking, Mint Oreo Layered Dessert delivers bold chocolate-mint flavor with creamy, fluffy texture in every bite. This chilled dessert combines crushed chocolate sandwich cookies, a smooth cream cheese layer, mint pudding, and whipped topping for a structured yet spoon-soft finish.
It’s ideal for holidays, potlucks, St. Patrick’s Day gatherings, or anytime you want a make-ahead dessert that slices cleanly and tastes indulgent.
What Makes This Dessert So Popular?
This layered dessert succeeds because of:
- Textural contrast (crumb crust + creamy layers)
- Balanced sweetness
- Refreshing mint flavor
- Stable structure for slicing
- No oven required
The layering technique creates distinct visual bands while allowing flavors to meld during refrigeration.
Key Ingredient Spotlight
Oreo cookies form both the crust and the flavor base. For the mint variation, you can use standard Oreos plus mint flavoring—or mint-flavored Oreos for intensified flavor.
Ingredients (Serves 12–15)
Cookie Crust Layer
- 36 Oreo cookies (about one standard package)
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Cream Cheese Layer
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
Mint Pudding Layer
- 2 boxes (3.4 oz each) instant vanilla pudding
- 3 cups cold milk
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 3–4 drops green food coloring (optional)
Top Layer
- 1 ½ cups whipped topping
- Crushed Oreos or chocolate shavings for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Cookie Crust
Crush Oreos (including filling) into fine crumbs using a food processor or rolling pin.
Mix crumbs with melted butter until evenly coated.
Press firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch dish to form an even crust.
Refrigerate for 15–20 minutes to set.
2. Make the Cream Cheese Layer
Beat softened cream cheese until smooth.
Add powdered sugar and mix until fully incorporated.
Fold in whipped topping gently to maintain light texture.
Spread evenly over chilled crust.
3. Prepare Mint Pudding Layer
Whisk pudding mix with cold milk for 2 minutes until thickened.
Add peppermint extract and food coloring if desired.
Let pudding sit 3–5 minutes to fully set.
Spread evenly over cream cheese layer.
4. Add Final Topping
Spread remaining whipped topping over pudding layer.
Garnish with crushed Oreos or chocolate curls.
5. Chill
Refrigerate for at least 4 hours (overnight preferred) before slicing.
Proper chilling ensures clean layers and firm texture.
Texture & Flavor Profile
- Firm chocolate cookie base
- Light, slightly tangy cream cheese layer
- Smooth mint pudding
- Airy whipped topping
- Cool, refreshing finish
Pro Tips for Clean Layers
Use Fully Softened Cream Cheese
Lumps compromise structure.
Chill Between Layers (Optional)
For sharper definition, chill 10–15 minutes after each layer.
Don’t Overuse Peppermint Extract
It is highly concentrated; too much becomes overpowering.
Variations
Grasshopper Style
Add mini chocolate chips between layers.
Andes Mint Version
Fold crushed mint chocolate candies into pudding layer.
Chocolate Pudding Base
Substitute vanilla pudding with chocolate for deeper flavor.
Frozen Version
Freeze for 2–3 hours for an ice-cream-cake texture.
Storage
- Refrigerate up to 4 days (covered)
- Do not leave at room temperature longer than 2 hours
- Can be frozen up to 1 month
Nutritional Snapshot (Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 350–420
- Carbohydrates: 40–45g
- Fat: 18–22g
- Protein: 4–6g
Values vary by brand and portion size.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not crushing cookies finely enough
- Overmixing pudding before spreading
- Skipping chill time
- Using warm ingredients
Serving Suggestions
- Holiday dessert tables
- Potluck gatherings
- Birthday parties
- After-dinner dessert bars
Final Thoughts
Mint Oreo Layered Dessert is a structured, no-bake confection that balances chocolate richness with cool mint brightness. Its layered construction creates visual appeal while maintaining soft, sliceable consistency.
Print
Mint Oreo Layered Dessert
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 24 Mint Oreos (or regular Oreos + ½ tsp peppermint extract)
- ¼ cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted
For the cheesecake layer:
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional: ¼ tsp peppermint extract (for extra minty kick)
For the topping:
- 1 (8 oz) tub whipped topping (e.g., Cool Whip), thawed
- Optional garnish: crushed Mint Oreos, mini chocolate chips, or green sprinkles
Instructions
- Make crust: Crush Mint Oreos into fine crumbs (food processor or zip-top bag + rolling pin). Mix with melted butter. Press firmly into bottom of an 8×8″ dish or 9″ pie plate. Chill 10 minutes.
- Make cheesecake layer: Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and optional peppermint extract until smooth and fluffy (~2–3 min).
- Assemble: Spread cheesecake layer evenly over crust. Top with whipped topping; smooth with a spatula.
- Chill: Refrigerate at least 2 hours, or until set (best overnight).
- Garnish with crushed Oreos or sprinkles before serving.
💡 Pro Tips:
– For gluten-free: Use GF mint sandwich cookies.
– For dairy-free: Use dairy-free cream cheese, butter, and whipped topping.
– Make it festive: Add a few drops of green food coloring to the cheesecake layer for St. Patrick’s Day or Christmas!
Prep Time & Nutrition (per serving, serves 9):
Servings: 9 | Calories: 220 | Net Carbs: 22g | Fats: 16g | Protein: 3g