Hey there, friend! If you haven’t tried making Oreo Cheesecake at home yet, buckle up! This delightful dessert holds a special place in my heart because of one unforgettable dinner party—a little get-together I hosted for my friends a few summers ago. I wanted to impress them, and after quite a few trials with a classic cheesecake recipe, I decided to jazz things up with Oreos. Let’s just say the moment I presented that velvety slice topped with crushed Oreos, I became the unofficial dessert queen of the group!
What makes this Oreo Cheesecake truly unique is the delightful contrast between the creamy filling and the crunchy crust. Not to mention, it’s super simple to make—so you’ll actually have time to enjoy socializing instead of sweating over the stove all day. Trust me, this cheesecake is a chocolate lover’s dream come true!
What’s in Oreo Cheesecake?
Oreos: The star of the show! Crushed Oreos provide both the crust and the top layer of this dessert, giving it that distinct chocolatey flavor and delightful crunch. I usually grab a family-sized pack, just in case I need a few extra for sampling.
Butter: Unsalted butter is the glue that holds the Oreo crust together. I also make sure it’s melted before mixing, for easier incorporation.
Cream Cheese: The base of the cheesecake! Regular cream cheese works best for that rich and creamy texture. I’d recommend letting it soften at room temperature before mixing for a smoother consistency.
Sour Cream: This adds a lovely tanginess to the cheesecake’s filling. I use full-fat sour cream for the best results, but low-fat can work too, if you’re watching calories.
Granulated Sugar: Just a bit of sweetness to balance out the flavors.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla brings in a lovely depth of flavor that really elevates the cheesecake.
Is Oreo Cheesecake Good for You?
Now, let’s be real here, Oreo Cheesecake isn’t exactly a health food; it’s a treat. But there are a few redeeming qualities! Here’s the lowdown:
Cream Cheese: While it’s high in fat, it also provides calcium and protein. So, there’s that! Just don’t go eating an entire cheesecake in one sitting—trust me on this one!
Sour Cream: Again, while a bit high in fat, it contains some probiotics that can benefit gut health. A little bit of balance goes a long way!
That said, moderation is key. Enjoy a slice (or two!) without the guilt, just keep in mind it’s more of a delicious splurge than a health food!
Ingredients
– 24 Oreo cookies (for crust)
– 6 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
– 24 oz cream cheese (softened)
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup sour cream (full-fat)
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 6 Oreos (for topping, crushed)
This recipe makes about 10 servings, but let’s be honest, you might find the slices getting a little smaller as it gets devoured!
How to Make Oreo Cheesecake?
1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. In a food processor, crush the 24 Oreo cookies until they turn into fine crumbs. If you don’t have a food processor, you can place them in a ziplock bag and crush them with a rolling pin—perfectly therapeutic!
3. Mix the Oreo crumbs with the melted butter until evenly combined. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a springform pan to create the crust and bake for about 10 minutes. Take it out and let it cool while you prepare the filling.
4. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add in the sugar and continue mixing until well combined.
5. Mix in the sour cream and vanilla extract until creamy. You need it to be smooth for that perfect cheesecake consistency!
6. Pour this delicious mixture into your cooled crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
7. Bake the cheesecake for 50-60 minutes until the edges look set, but the center is still a little wobbly. It will firm up as it cools!
8. Once baked, turn off the oven and crack the oven door. Let the cheesecake cool in there for about an hour—this helps prevent cracking.
9. Refrigerate your cheesecake for at least 4 hours (or preferably overnight) before serving. Just before serving, sprinkle the crushed Oreos on top for that finishing touch!
Sweet Tips for a Perfect Treat!
– Allowing your cream cheese to come to room temperature is key. It helps prevent lumps and gives you that silky texture.
– Feel free to get creative! Try mixing in some chocolate chips into the filling or drizzling chocolate sauce on top for an extra indulgent twist.
– If you’re in a hurry and don’t want to bake, you can make a no-bake version by simply folding whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture and chilling it.
I can’t wait for you to whip up this Oreo Cheesecake and share it with friends (and maybe save a slice or two for yourself)! It’s a true crowd-pleaser, and I really hope it becomes a favorite at your gatherings too. Be sure to let me know how it turns out, because who doesn’t love a good cheesecake story? Happy baking!