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This amazing Oreo cheesecake parfait strikes the perfect balance between creamy and crunchy, making it a great way to wow your guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
I stumbled upon this treat during an impromptu dinner with friends. When I couldn't figure out what to whip up quickly, I threw together these ingredients I had lying around. Since then, it's become the highlight of all my dinner parties.
Ingredients
- For the Oreo Layer
- 12 crushed Oreo cookies: these popular cookies add crunch and a perfect chocolate base
- 2 tablespoons melted butter: it binds the crumbs and gives that classic cheesecake feel
- For the Cheesecake Filling
- 1 cup softened cream cheese: go for Philadelphia for extra creaminess and take it out 30 minutes before starting
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar: it blends easier than regular sugar for a completely smooth texture
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: pick real vanilla for deeper flavor notes
- 1 cup whipped heavy cream: use cream with at least 30% fat for better stability
- For the Chocolate Layer
- 1 cup chocolate ganache: dark chocolate (70%) works best to balance the sweetness of the cheesecake
- Optional Toppings
- Crushed Oreo cookies: to add some crunch on top
- Chocolate shavings: grate quality chocolate for a fancy touch
- Whipped cream: a light finishing touch to crown your dessert
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Making the Oreo Base:
- Put your Oreo cookies in a food bag and crush them finely with a rolling pin. Keep some bigger chunks for texture. Pour into a bowl and add the melted butter while it's still warm but not hot. Gently mix until all pieces get coated and the mixture looks like damp sand that sticks slightly when pressed.
- Whipping Up the Cheesecake Filling:
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese for about 2 minutes until it's light and smooth with no lumps. Gradually add the powdered sugar while continuing to beat. Mix in the vanilla until everything's well combined. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form but don't overdo it. Carefully fold the whipped cream into the cheese mixture using a silicone spatula with up-and-down motions to keep the air inside.
- Putting the Parfaits Together:
- Start by adding about 2 tablespoons of the Oreo mix to the bottom of each clear glass. Press down gently with the back of a spoon to make a solid base. Next, add a generous layer of cheesecake filling, about 3 tablespoons, smoothing it out gently. Slowly pour 2 tablespoons of chocolate ganache to create the next layer. Let it flow naturally for a nice visual effect. Repeat the layers, finishing with a bit of cheesecake filling. Chill for at least 2 hours so the flavors fully develop.
I found out by chance that adding a tiny pinch of salt to the chocolate ganache makes all flavors pop. Once, when making this dessert for my daughter's birthday, I let my parfaits sit overnight in the fridge. The next day, the flavors had mixed so wonderfully that guests were asking for the recipe before dinner was even over!
Storage and Make-Ahead
These parfaits stay good in the fridge for up to 3 days. Cover them with plastic wrap to keep them from absorbing fridge smells. Don't freeze them as the cheesecake texture turns grainy when thawed. For planning ahead, you can prepare each component separately up to 48 hours early and just put them together right before serving.
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Swaps and Substitutions
If you're out of Oreos, speculoos cookies work amazingly well, adding caramelized notes. For a dairy-free version, try plant-based cream cheese and coconut cream. The chocolate ganache can be swapped with salted caramel or fruit compote for seasonal twists. For a party version, add a teaspoon of coffee liqueur to the cheesecake filling.
Serving Ideas
Dish these parfaits up in martini glasses for a classy dinner presentation. For brunch, go with small Mason jars with a spoon tied on with ribbon. Pair with strong coffee or a sweet wine like Muscat to balance the richness. For kids, sprinkle some edible glitter on top for a fun touch.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use a different type of cookie?
Sure! Swap Oreos with graham crackers, speculoos, or your favorite cookie for a new twist.
- → How long can I store Oreo parfaits in the fridge?
Keep them in sealed containers or glasses in the fridge for no more than 1-2 days to stay fresh.
- → Can I prepare this dessert ahead of time?
Definitely. Assemble a few hours in advance and finish with toppings at the last minute to keep them fresh.
- → Can I swap out chocolate ganache for something else?
Yes, try chocolate pudding, mousse, or even a fruit jam for a fresh spin on flavors.
- → Is there a way to make it lactose-free?
Absolutely. Use lactose-free cream, dairy-free cream cheese, and suitable chocolate options.