Tell Me About This Cookies & Cream Pie
Texture: This is an extra creamy pie. The Oreo cookies inside the filling soften over time, so you have even more contrast to the crunchy crust beneath it. Flavor: If you like Oreo cookies, you will LOVE this pie. Though the filling is made with cream cheese, it doesn’t particularly taste like cheesecake. The cream cheese adds a little tang; the flavor would be pretty flat without it. (And the pie wouldn’t set up.) If you’re in the mood for cake, here’s my cookies and cream cake recipe. Ease: This is one of the most effortless dessert recipes I’ve ever made in a pie dish—a beginner can definitely handle it. This could also be a very fun and approachable baking project for little bakers! With supervision, of course. Baking: The Oreo crust sets up in the oven, the filling sets up in the refrigerator. Bake the crust for about 10 minutes, let it cool as you make the filling, then spread in the filling. Time: From mixing bowls to refrigerator in about 30 minutes. However, just like our peanut butter banana cream pie, the filling takes at least 6 hours to set up, so plan ahead. If you’re in a rush, you could also freeze this pie—it’ll still take at least 4 hours to firm up, though.
This is a wonderful make-ahead dessert option and you could even make it a few days in advance. (The ultimate test to your self control.) It’s also a fun, non-traditional option to include on your menu of Thanksgiving pie recipes. Even classic apple pie, pumpkin pie, and pecan pie enthusiasts won’t be able to resist a slice!
Oreo Cookie Crust
You need Oreos for the filling, so why not use the rest of the package for a homemade Oreo cookie crust? Just 2 ingredients: Oreo cookies and melted butter. Using a food processor or blender, pulse/blend 22 whole Oreo cookies (the cream filling and cookie) into crumbs. You should get about 2 packed cups, or 250g. Mix with melted butter, then press mixture tightly into a pie dish. Bake for 10 minutes, then let it cool. That’s it! That’s how easy a homemade Oreo cookie crust is. It’s the same exact crust you use for mocha chocolate pudding pie and caramel turtle brownie pie. Be sure to use the packaged Oreos here and not homemade Oreo cookies.
Find more Oreo crust tips and techniques on my Oreo cookie crust page. If you don’t have a food processor/blender, place the Oreo cookies in a large zipped-top bag and crush with a rolling pin. Keep in mind that the finer the crumb, the better the crust will hold its shape.
Overview & Photos: How to Make the Cookies & Cream Pie Filling
Have you ever made no bake cheesecake, peanut butter pie, or my no bake pumpkin cheesecake? We’re doing something similar here. Whip heavy cream into peaks, then set aside. This homemade unsweetened whipped cream adds a stable, yet unbelievably creamy foundation. There’s no need for gelatin, cornstarch, or any other thickening ingredients. After that, beat cream cheese, confectioners’ sugar, and vanilla extract together. Then fold in the whipped heavy cream and some chopped Oreo cookies. One 14.3-ounce package of Oreo cookies usually contains 36 cookies; use 20 in the crust and chop up 12 for the filling. Success Tip: Be sure to use 8 ounces (226g) of brick-style cream cheese, not the spreadable kind from a tub. Let it soften to room temperature, like we do when we make Oreo balls, so it will mix easily with the other ingredients.
By the way, if you want a peanut butter variation, use the filling from my peanut butter pie instead. You can fold in chopped Oreos (or peanut butter Oreos!) and skip the chocolate topping.
Spread into the baked and cooled Oreo cookie crust. I like using a large or small offset spatula to make the job easier.
Refrigerator or Freezer?
The pie sets up in the refrigerator, but you could certainly freeze it instead like an ice cream cake. The filling itself won’t freeze, but the Oreo cookie crust becomes a little hard. We prefer it out of the refrigerator because the filling is creamier and the crust is easier to cut & eat. Homemade whipped cream adds a beautiful finishing touch. It uses some of the same ingredients we need for the filling. Pick up a pint of heavy cream and use half for the filling and half for the whipped cream topping. You could even add some hot fudge sauce on top, too. EASY & CONVENIENT. 🙂 This recipe is part of Sally’s Pie Week, an annual tradition where I share a handful of new recipes that fit into the pie/crisp/tart category. Join the community below!
