This is a seriously indulgent Oreo trifle, made with whipped cream, chocolate pudding and oodles of Oreos.
If you're scouring the internet for chocolate trifle recipes, look no further. This Oreo trifle is really easy to make and the result is incredibly eye catching and utterly delicious.
It's one of those fun desserts that is perfect for family gatherings as it will make the whole table gasp for joy when it appears. And I think showing off a great recipe is almost the best part - second only to eating it!
To make it, you’ll make up a big batch of chocolate pudding, whip cream to soft peaks (or use cool whip!), crush a whole stack of Oreos and you’re ready to assemble in beautiful, pillowy layers.
Note! This is a pretty huge trifle, designed to fill a 3.5 litre trifle bowl, giving a generous 16 servings, so if you’re not making it for a big party, just head down to the recipe card at the bottom of this page and use the servings toggle to make a smaller size.
Here’s the full recipe this fabulous no bake dessert trifle.
Make sure to use food safe sparklers if you’re looking to turn this into a celebration trifle to remember!
Ingredients
- 175 g (1½ cups) chocolate pudding mix (instant pudding)
- 900 ml (3¾ cups) whole milk
- 900 ml (3¾ cups) double cream (heavy cream)
- 800 g (28 oz) Oreo cookies 70 cookies
Equipment
- 20cm/3.5 litre (8"/6 pint) glass trifle bowl
Instructions
Put chocolate pudding mix in a large bowl, add the milk and whisk until light and creamy. Set the pudding mixture aside for 5 minutes - it should thicken to a pudding consistency. (Check the package directions in case your pudding mix requires boiling)
Pour the cream into a second bowl and whip to soft (not stiff) peaks. Take care not to over-whip as double cream has a high fat content and can easily turn buttery. You are now ready to assemble your trifle.
Crush 450g (16 oz) of the Oreos to a crumb (this is most easily done in a food processor) and leave 350g (12 oz) whole.
First, spoon in one third of the chocolate pudding into the bottom of the trifle dish.
Follow with half of the crushed Oreos. (I crush them with a food processor as it's quick, but you can pop them in a zip-lock bag and bash with a rolling pin if you prefer)
Next, pile in one third of the whipped cream.
Top with a layer of Oreos, laying flat in an even layer.
Now spoon in another third of the chocolate pudding (half of what’s remaining) to create another pudding layer.
Now add another Oreo layer, using all but a couple of large handfuls of the crushed Oreos (about 100g/3.5oz).
Now spoon in another third of the whipped cream (half of what’s remaining) and top with another layer of whole cookies, laying flat.
Fold all but a couple of spoonfuls of crushed Oreos into the remaining whipped cream, then pile onto the top of the trifle the should take you just above the rim of the bowl.
Push the remaining Oreos onto the top, standing up in a circle.
Finish by sprinkling on the last of the Oreo crumbs.
Isn't this just the perfect dessert? And so easy!
Once you've given my recipe a go, I'd love you to come back and leave a comment letting me know how yours turned out.
I'd love to see your videos and pics, too! Just tag me on social media. I'm @emilylearycooks on Twitter and TikTok or @amummytoo on Instagram.
Pointers, tricks and troubleshooting tips for the perfect Amazing Oreo trifle
Is this pudding dessert easy to make?
This trifle is a real crowd pleaser with stunning looks, but there are actually only 4 ingredients and no cooking involved whatsoever, so it’s super easy to make!
All you need to do is add the 4 ingredients in alternating layers to create a decidedly decadent and laid back masterpiece! That's why I love making it for special occasions!
I made this trifle to fit a 3.5-litre trifle bowl, but if that sounds like too much trifle then you can reduce the recipe size in the recipe card below. Making it in a smaller size will probably make it a little less intimidating to assemble (and eat!).
Will I need any special equipment to make this amazing Oreo trifle?
To make this recipe, you’ll need some fairly standard kitchen equipment (weighing scales, 2 large mixing bowls, electric whisk, food processor).
The only thing you might not have for this recipe is the trifle bowl. I made this recipe in a huge 3.5-litre glass trifle bowl which, understandably, you might not have lying around in your cupboard! You can usually find trifle bowls in bigger kitchenware or homeware stores, or of course on Amazon.
There’s a full equipment list below that has links to all the equipment you might need, including the trifle bowl.
What are Oreos?
Oreos are cocoa flavoured sandwich biscuits/cookies with a creamy vanilla flavoured filling. Oreos have been one of the most popular biscuits/ cookies worldwide for decades, so I’d be surprised if you’ve never heard of them!
The cookie element is black and the filling is white, although sometimes Oreos release promotional versions in different colours. There are golden Oreos which have a vanilla cookie, and Oreos with extra filling. So if you want to use vanilla flavoured Oreos or Oreos with more filling, feel free to use them!
Oreos have been involved in various collaborations, from the McDonald’s Oreo McFlurry to Cadbury’s Oreo chocolate range.
Sometimes celebrities will even launch promotional versions of Oreos in different colours. For example, a collaboration with Lady Gaga meant the release of neon green and pink versions of Oreos.
Apparently, the limited-edition versions taste the same as golden Oreos, so if you can only find the ‘Chromatica Oreos’ (or you’re a big Lady Gaga fan) feel free to use them for a neon trifle!
How can I tell if milk has gone off?
When milk begins to spoil, it develops a sour smell and changes colour and texture. This happens because bacteria in the milk releases an enzyme to break down the milk proteins and fat. This process produces lactic acid, which is what gives spoiled milk that tangy, sour smell and causes very old milk to split.
Bacteria thrive in warmer temperatures, so you should always keep milk in the fridge. If your central heating is on or it’s summertime, your milk can spoil even if it’s only been out of the fridge for a few hours. While many sources state that cooking with spoiled milk isn’t dangerous, drinking uncooked spoiled milk will most likely make you sick.
This recipe uses milk for making the pudding, meaning the milk won’t be cooked. So it’s especially important to make sure your milk is safe to use, as you won’t be cooking off any harmful bacteria.
In the UK, milk sold in supermarkets is pasteurised, which means it is heated soon after being collected from cows, to kill off germs or bacteria. Some smaller dairy producers sell raw milk, which hasn’t been pasteurised. So if you live in a more rural area, check the label of your milk to ensure it has been pasteurised.
Many cooks believe raw milk or butter has a better flavour than pasteurised milk, but it also has a higher risk of containing dangerous bacteria like listeria or E Coli. So you should definitely make sure that the milk you use for this recipe is pasteurised, as listeria especially can be dangerous for pregnant people.
How can I tell if double cream has gone off?
Cream is just the milk with more fat content, which rises to the top of milk and is collected soon after milking. So when it spoils it behaves similarly to milk as outlined above. A cream which has gone bad will darken in colour or take on a yellow shade. It will also begin to smell tangy or sour, and separate or become ‘chunky’, as the enzymes break down the protein and fats.
Is Oreo trifle suitable for vegetarians?
Vegetarians can eat dairy and eggs, but they don’t eat meat, fish or poultry. This recipe contains no meat, fish or poultry, so it’s suitable for vegetarians.
According to the Oreos website, Oreos are ‘veggie-friendly’ and free from any animal-derived products, though it may contain trace amounts of milk so they aren’t vegan.
However, one ingredient to watch out for is the kind of pudding mix you use, as they can often contain gelatin and other animal-derived products which aren’t suitable for vegetarians. I used Angel Delight, which is suitable for vegetarians. Double-check all of your ingredients labels to make sure that they are suitable for vegetarians. Don't forget to check anything extra that you intend to serve the recipe with.
Is Oreo trifle suitable for vegans?
No. This recipe is 90% dairy, and vegans don’t eat dairy or anything else that comes from an animal. However, you could easily try this recipe with vegan alternatives.
There are many good quality vegan alternatives to cream and milk available in most supermarkets. Oatly is a popular brand available worldwide and they make their own whippable double cream and non-dairy milk. Another brand available in most countries is Alpro, who make soy-based alternatives to milk and cream.
These non-dairy products are designed to behave in the same way as milk or cream, so you should be able to follow the recipe as it is when using these substitutions.
Chocolate pudding mix will also contain dairy as pudding is mainly made with powdered milk. So you can use a vegan alternative if you can find it, but they seem to be rare outside of Europe.
If you aren’t able to find a vegan chocolate pudding powder, you can use any of the various pre-made vegan puddings that non-dairy brands like Alpro or The Coconut Collective make.
Finally, Oreos don’t contain any animal products in the ingredients, but they aren’t vegan as they can contain trace elements of milk. However, there are some certified vegan alternatives to Oreos which taste very similar. So it should be easy enough to substitute the Oreo element.
When you’re cooking for someone with dietary restrictions it’s important to always double-check the labels of your ingredients, and any sauces or sides, to make sure that they’re suitable. Checking labels is especially crucial in a recipe like this, as there are several pre-made ingredients used.
Is Oreo trifle gluten-free?
No, this recipe contains gluten because Oreos are made with wheat flour. Luckily Oreos have a gluten-free version, so you can easily substitute the original Oreos for the gluten-free variety. If you can’t find them in your local supermarket, it seems that they’re available to buy from Amazon in most countries.
Equally, chocolate pudding can often contain gluten or trace elements of gluten. So make sure that you use a gluten-free version. If you struggle to find a gluten-free pudding mix, you could even use pre-made chocolate pudding or mousse-like this gluten-free chocolate mousse from Sainsbury's. The vegan chocolate pudding by Alpro is also gluten-free, in addition to being vegan.
Remember to double-check all of your ingredients labels to make sure that they are gluten-free. Don't forget to check anything extra, like sauces or cakes, that you intend to serve with your Amazing Oreo trifle.
Is Oreo trifle keto-friendly?
A keto diet limits you to less than 20g carbs a day so your body runs on only fat and protein. So this recipe isn’t suitable for a ketogenic diet as it contains a fair amount of sugar and carbohydrates from the Oreos.
However, as this recipe is mostly dairy, you could try substituting the Oreos for a keto version and use a keto-friendly sugar-free pudding mix.
It’s fine to eat and drink milk and cream on a keto diet as they don’t stop your body from reaching a state of ketosis.
Is Oreo cookie trifle healthy?
This Amazing Oreo trifle is best enjoyed as an occasional treat as it is high in fat and sugar.
In my opinion there's nothing wrong dessert and it can be integrated into a healthy, balanced diet.
Is Oreo trifle safe to eat while pregnant?
There’s nothing in this recipe that would be of concern for a pregnant person.
However, many doctors advise pregnant people to watch the amount of sugar they consume. This is because changes in your blood sugar levels can impact you more during pregnancy and impact the health of your child. So while it’s fine to enjoy this Oreo trifle as a treat, as with everything it’s better in moderation.
This recipe contains uncooked milk, so if you’re preparing this for someone who is pregnant you should make sure you only use fresh, pasteurised milk. You should always make sure that all of your ingredients are handled and prepared in a safe and hygienic manner.
A Mummy Too does not offer medical advice. Please seek help from a medical professional if you need further information or have any concerns.
What goes well with this Oreo trifle?
This Oreo trifle is full of chocolate and cream, so it’s probably best on it’s own although a drizzle of hot fudge couldn't hurt!
If you want something to help cut through the richness, then some chopped strawberries, raspberries or chopped nuts might work well with your trifle.
Where did you get chocolate pudding mix?
I used Angel Delight for the chocolate pudding layers in my Amazing Oreo trifle, but feel free to replace it with any other pudding or even some custard. You just need something that will replicate the texture of pudding to make sure the trifle holds its layers.
Angel Delight is very popular in the UK, so it’s available in most supermarkets and even in many corner shops. If you live somewhere outside of the UK you might not find it in stores, but as I said, any pudding mix will work fine in place of Angel Delight.
Pudding is a pretty common dessert around the world, so there are many global brands that make it, like Dr Oetker.
In the US there’s even an Oreo flavoured Jello pudding! So if you want extra Oreo flavour you could try using it.
Can I add extra chocolate to this recipe?
If you want an extra chocolate hit in your trifle then go right ahead!
You could grate chocolate in between layers or on the top of the trifle like a classic fruit trifle. Or you could even drizzle chocolate sauce over the trifle as decoration.
Now that really would be the ultimate chocolate dessert!
How should I store my Oreo trifle?
This trifle will need to be kept in the fridge as it contains dairy. The best way to do this would be to cover your trifle bowl with cling film (Saran wrap) so it’s safe from any contaminants. Or feel free to refrigerate individual portions in covered bowls.
How long will my Oreo trifle keep?
If you store your extra special dessert correctly, in an airtight container in the fridge, it should keep for a day or so but the whipped cream will start to collapse so it's best enjoyed on the day of making.
Can I leave my Oreo trifle out on the counter?
No, if you leave your trifle on the counter then the milk and cream will spoil within a day. So you should definitely store it in the fridge in a sealed container.
Can I make my Oreo trifle ahead?
As soon as you make this trifle the Oreos will begin to absorb the liquid from the cream and pudding. So it’s best to make this no more than an hour before serving. Luckily it’s a super quick recipe to put together.
If you're really pushed for time, you could make the pudding and whip the cream the day before serving - just make sure to keep them both in the fridge. Then you can assemble the trifle with your prepared cream and pudding.
Can I keep my Oreo trifle in the refrigerator?
Yes, the best place to keep this to keep your trifle is in the refrigerator. However, as I said, it isn’t ideal to keep this trifle as the Oreos will get soggy quite quickly.
Can I freeze my Oreo trifle?
While you could freeze your trifle in theory, I wouldn’t advise it for a few reasons.
First, if you assemble the trifle in a glass trifle bowl you can’t freeze the glass bowl - so you would have to remove the trifle into messy portions to freeze it.
Secondly, the cream would probably split as it defrosts so it would look even more messy on defrosting.
Finally, the Oreos would be very soggy after defrosting it!
So it’s best to enjoy this trifle fresh, so you get the nice contrast of crunchy biscuits and creamy pudding and whipped cream.
Can I make an Oreo trifle in a different size?
Yes, if you want to make more or less of this easy recipe then go right ahead. As there’s no cooking involved this is a perfect recipe to make in different quantities. You could even make little individual trifles in mason jars!
To change the amount the recipe makes, just scroll down to the recipe card below and you'll see the serving number near the top.
To change this to the number you want to make just click on it and a little slider will pop up. You can move the slider up or down to get the amount you want to make.
All the ingredient quantities will update automatically for you so that everything is in the right ratios.
However, if you want to make a smaller trifle, you’ll want to use a smaller bowl.
The current recipe makes 12 servings which just fits into the 3.5-litre trifle bowl. 3.5-litres is the equivalent of 6 pints, which means that each serving is roughly ½ pint.
So if you’re looking for a smaller trifle bowl you can work out whether it’s the right size by ½ pints. For example, if you want to make 6 portions you’d need a bowl that can hold 3 pints (1.7-litres).
Can I make this Oreo trifle in a stand mixer such as a KitchenAid or Kenwood Mixer?
Personally, I prefer to whip cream by hand so that I can carefully control it and avoid over-whipping.
However, an electric mixer or stand mixer would be really useful in this recipe to whip your cream if you wish.
When you mix your cream, make sure not to over-whip it. You only want soft peaks, not stiff buttery cream. Cream has a high fat content, so it can quickly become buttery when it's whisked.
So it's best to watch the mixer as it whisks the cream rather than leaving it unattended.
Can I make this Oreo trifle with a food processor?
A food processor wouldn’t be suitable for this recipe as it would be too powerful for mixing your cream. If you used a food processor the cream would become buttery and thick within a few seconds.
So it’s best to use a stand mixer or whisk by hand if you don’t have a stand mixer.
How can I make sure my Oreo trifle turns out perfectly?
You don’t need to do much to make sure your Amazing Oreo trifle lives up to its name!
The cream is the only area that could go wrong, so you’ll need to watch your cream whipping. Make sure you only whip your cream into soft peaks, if you over whip it will become too buttery and hard to spread into the layers required for the trifle.
When it comes to assembling your trifle, all you have to do is make sure you use the right quantities of ingredients and pay attention to how you layer them. I always find it best to measure out everything at the start so I know I have the right quantities to work with as I cook.
While it doesn’t matter too much if you get your layers wrong, it’s best to try and layer each element as neatly as possible. This will give you the beautiful layers in the pictures above, and give each portion an evenly distributed amount of ingredients.
Who invented Oreos?
Oreos were created in New York by the National Biscuit Company (Nabisco), in the early 20th century.
Surprisingly, Oreos were actually launched to copy another biscuit called the Hydrox cookie. Hydrox cookies were sweeter and more crunchy than Oreos, but somehow Oreos surpassed them in popularity.
Hydrox cookies were discontinued in 1999 after decades of being mistaken for an ‘off-brand Oreo’.
Print this Oreo trifle recipe
Oreo Trifle Recipe
Ingredients
- 175 g (1½ cups) chocolate pudding mix (instant pudding)
- 900 ml (3¾ cups) whole milk
- 900 ml (3¾ cups) double cream (heavy cream)
- 800 g (28 oz) Oreo cookies 70 cookies
Equipment
- 20cm/3.5 litre (8"/6 pint) glass trifle bowl
Instructions
- Put chocolate pudding mix in a large bowl, add the milk and whisk until light and creamy. Set aside for 5 minutes - it should thicken to a pudding consistency. (Check the package directions in case your pudding mix requires boiling)
- Pour the cream into a second bowl and whip to soft (not stiff) peaks. Take care not to over-whip as double cream has a high fat content and can easily turn buttery. You are now ready to assemble your trifle.
- Crush 450g (16 oz / 40 cookies) of the Oreos to a crumb (this is most easily done in a food processor) and leave 350g (12 oz / 30 cookies) whole.
- First, spoon in one third of the chocolate pudding.
- Follow with half of the crushed Oreos. (I crush them with a food processor as it's quick, but you can pop them in a ziplock bag and bash with a rolling pin if you prefer)
- Next, pile in one third of the whipped cream.
- Top with a layer of Oreos, laying flat.
- Now spoon in another third of the chocolate pudding (half of what’s remaining).
- Now add another layer of crushed Oreos, using all but a couple of large handfuls (about 100g/3.5oz/9 cookies).
- Now spoon in another third of the whipped cream (half of what’s remaining).
- Top with another layer of Oreos, laying flat.
- Fold all but a couple of spoonfuls of crushed Oreos into the remaining whipped cream, then pile onto the top of the trifle the should take you just above the rim of the bowl.
- Push the remaining Oreos onto the top, standing up in a circle.
- Finish by sprinkling on the last of the Oreo crumbs.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
If you enjoyed this recipe why not try my delicious candy cane brownies.
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Pennie P says
4⭐stars for the recipe....
But,
using all but a couple of large *handfuls
It's HANDSfull, like two handS full of cookies
Fold all but a couple of *spoonfuls
Again, SPOONSfull
Two spoonS full of crumbs
Remember:
Nursery rhyme
BaaBaa Black Sheep
Two BAGSfull
Not BagfullS
Emily Leary says
Thanks for the four stars. Did it lose a star for the spelling/grammar?
Both the Cambridge and Oxford dictionaries state that the noun is 'a handful' with plural 'handfuls'.
And 'spoonful' is also correct with plural 'spoonfuls' according to both the Oxford and Cambridge dictionaries. The latter also suggests 'spoonsful' as an acceptable alternative but with one 'l'.
There are quite a few typos on my blog, I confess. It is hard to run a small business and some do slip through, but I do my best and always focus, above all, on making the recipes accurate.