Equipment Needed
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Food processor or large zip-top bag and rolling pin
- Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
- Two large mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
Step-by-Step Instructions
First, make the irresistible crust. Place all the Golden Oreos (the whole cookies, cream filling and all) into a food processor and pulse until you have fine crumbs. If you don’t have a processor, put them in a sturdy zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin until finely ground. Pour the crumbs into a bowl and stir in the melted butter until all the crumbs are evenly moistened and resemble wet sand. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of your 9×13 inch dish. I use the bottom of a measuring cup to really compact it—this prevents a crumbly crust later. Place the dish in the refrigerator to set while you make the next layer.
Now, for the luscious cheesecake layer. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until completely smooth and creamy, about 1-2 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add the powdered sugar and beat again until fully combined and smooth. Here’s the key: by hand, gently fold in one-third of the thawed whipped topping (about 1 ½ cups) until no white streaks remain. This lightens the cream cheese mixture, making it fluffy and spreadable. Resist using the mixer here, as it can deflate the whipped topping. Pull the chilled crust from the fridge and spread this creamy cheesecake mixture evenly over the top. Return the dish to the refrigerator.
Time for the pudding layer. In another large bowl, whisk the two packets of instant cheesecake pudding mix with the 3 cups of cold milk. Whisk vigorously for a full 2 minutes. It will start to thicken almost immediately. Let it stand for 3-5 minutes to set further; it will become quite thick. Once set, carefully spread the pudding layer over the cream cheese layer in the dish. I use an offset spatula to gently smooth it without disturbing the layer beneath. This creates a beautiful, distinct strata of flavor.(See the next page below to continue…)