Jump to:
- Why This Black Forest Layered Dessert Recipe Works
- Recipe Ingredients
- How to Make Black Forest Layered Dessert
- Recipe Notes and Tips
- How to Serve Black Forest Layered Dessert
- How Long Does Black Forest Layered Dessert Last
- Can one Freeze Black Forest Layered Dessert?
- What if the Layers Blend Together?
- More Layered Dessert Recipes
- Black Forest Layered Dessert
Black forest layered dessert is an easy to put together dessert that will feed a crowd. Since it uses instant pudding it takes no time to put together. It is creamy, cool, and refreshing. Take it to a potluck or family gathering and it is sure to be a hit.
Why This Black Forest Layered Dessert Recipe Works
- The oreo cookie crust gives it a crunchy texture from the crush cookies.
- Adding the cream cheese layer is like a no-bake cheesecake, the is creamy, fluffy, and rich.
- The cherry pie filling layer is cool and refreshing which balances out the cheesecake layer.
Recipe Ingredients
Oreo Cookies - The base for the dessert. It provides a firm foundation to hold all the soft and creamy layers. It also gives a crunch which helps to balance the smooth and creaminess.
Butter - Binds the cookie pieces together and lends its flavor.
Cream Cheese - The base for the no-bake cheesecake layer. It is soft and smooth and pairs well the whipped topping.
Powdered Sugar - Sweetens up the cream cheese.
Vanilla Extract - Adds vanilla flavor the cheesecake layer.
Whipped Topping - lightens up the cream cheese layer making it a no-bake cheesecake.
Cherry Pie Filling - Provides a solid, smooth gelatin layer with delicious cherries that compliments the crunch crust and creamy cheesecake layer.
How to Make Black Forest Layered Dessert
Make the Crust
Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
In a food processor add one row of cookies at a time and pulse until they are fine crumbs. Transfer to a large bowl and set aside. Repeat process two more times.
Melt butter and add to cookie crumbs stirring so that all crumbs are coated in butter.
Grease a 9x13 baking dish. Pour buttered crumbs in pan and press slightly for an even layer to cover the bottom of the pan and partially up the sides of the pan.
Bake for about 12 minutes until brown and fragrant. Place aside to cool completely.
Make the Pudding Layer
Place the packet of pudding mix in a medium size bowl.
Add milk and whisk.
Set aside to thicken.
Make the Cheesecake Layer
Take one block of softened cream cheese and add to a large bowl.
Add vanilla and one cup of powdered sugar at a time and combine with cream cheese until completely incorporated.
Add the rest of the powdered sugar and repeat the process.
Once the cream cheese and powdered sugar are fully combined add the whipped topping and fold together.
Assemble the Dessert
Pour cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust, and spread into an even layer reaching to the corners of the pan.
Pour the pudding over the cheesecake layer.
Pour the pie filling over the pudding layer and spread to the edges of the pan.
Recipe Notes and Tips
- A food processor makes easy work to crush the oreo cookies, ensuring all the crumbs are the same size.
- If you do not have a food processor you can use a zip lock bag and a rolling pin or meat mallet to crush them.
- Make sure all the crumbs are coated with the butter to ensure the best texture and flavor.
- If you prefer to not bake the crust that is an option, just realize that it will not hold together like a baked crust will and it will be more loose.
- Let the cream cheese soften at room temperature for a couple hours. This will help it incorporate better with the powdered sugar and whipped topping ensuring a creamy layer.
How to Serve Black Forest Layered Dessert
After the dessert has setup in the refrigerator for a couple hours, cut into squares to serve. Enjoy!
How Long Does Black Forest Layered Dessert Last
Typically the dessert will last about 3-4 days in the refrigerator. But if your family is anything like mine it will get eaten before that.
Can one Freeze Black Forest Layered Dessert?
I would not recommend this. This will change the texture making it less than desirable.
What if the Layers Blend Together?
If you choose not to bake the crust there is the possibility that some crumbs may get into the cheesecake layer. That's ok, just smooth it out best you can.
If the cheesecake layer is not thick and setup enough your pie filling may run into your cheesecake layer when layering. Again though, that's ok, just smooth out the best you can.
More Layered Dessert Recipes
Black Forest Layered Dessert
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 1lb 2.12oz package of oreos, crushed
- ½ cup butter, melted
Pudding Layer
- 2 3.9oz boxes instant chocolate pudding
- 3 cups milk
Cream Cheese Layer
- 1 8oz package of cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups heavy cream
Cherry Layer
- 2 21oz cans of cherry pie filling
Instructions
Crust
- Preheat oven to 350° F.
- Crush the oreo cookies. You can do this by hand by placing them in a ziplock bag and using a rolling pin or you can place in a food processor. If you choose to do by hand you will have bigger crumbs then if doing by hand, but that is ok.
- Melt the butter.
- Mix the butter into the crumbs making sure to coat all of the crumbs.
- Grease a 9x13 baking dish.
- Pour oreos into the baking dish and press crumbs down to make an even layer.
- Bake for about 12 minutes.
- Set aside and let cool completely.
Pudding Layer
- In a medium bowl, place the packages of pudding mix.
- Add milk and stir until well combined. Set aside.
Cream Cheese Layer
- In a large bowl, place the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar. Mix until thoroughly combined.
- Add the vanilla and half of the heavy cream and mix with a mixer until well combines.
- Add the remaining cream, once incorporated whip on high until light and airy and stiff peaks form. Set aside.
Cherries
- Open cans of cherries and set aside.
Assemble
- Once the crust is completely cooled, top with the chocolate pudding, and spread into an even layer.
- Next, take the cream cheese layer and put over the chocolate pudding, and spread into an even layer.
- Top it off with the cherries, spread to evenly coat the top of the cream cheese layer.
- Place in the refrigerator for a couple hours before serving to allow set up.
Notes
Nutrition
Estimated reading time: 7 minutes
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