Cookies & Cream Cheesecake
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This cookies and cream cheesecake has Oreos in every layer beginning with the Oreo crust, a velvety smooth filling with crushed Oreos baked right in, and a ribbon of Oreo chunks through every bite. Top with fresh whipped cream and more crushed Oreos, and you’ve got yourself one epic Oreo cheesecake! Use my no-foil method to make the easiest cheesecake water bath.
THIS CHEESECAKE HAS OREOS IN EVERY BITE
When I sought out creating a full year of cheesecake recipes, there was no question I needed an Oreo cookie cheesecake. Oreos are one of those cookies beloved by so many, and if the popularity of my Christmas Oreos, cookies and cream brownies, Oreo ice cream cake, and no bake Oreo pie were any indication of how much my readers would love this cheesecake, my taste-testers and I were also convinced after one bite of it.
When I say this easy cookies and cream cheesecake has that iconic creamy, slightly chocolatey taste and unmistakable Oreo flavor are in literally every bite, I am not even close to kidding.
This cheesecake has:
• a buttery Oreo crust
• a velvety smooth and creamy cheesecake filling
• crushed Oreos mixed throughout the cheesecake batter
• a layer of Oreo chunks baked right through the center
• a fresh whipped cream topping
• chunks of Oreos on top
This cheesecake takes the phrase “Oreo lovers’ cheesecake” to a whole new level.
INGREDIENTS FOR THE BEST OREO CHEESECAKE
I’ve work hard to make sure my cheesecake recipes are so simple. Let’s break it down so you are fully prepared to make this creamy cookie-filled cheesecake.
OREO CRUST
I swapped out the graham cracker crust from my classic cheesecake recipe for one made with Oreos because duh.
For the Oreo crust, you will need:
• Oreo cookie crumbs
• unsalted butter
I highly recommend using standard Oreos as the filling can sometimes weep as it melts in the oven (extra filling means extra oil). If you want to use anything bigger than standard stuffed, remove the filling from half of the Oreos before proceeding.
OREO CHEESECAKE FILLING
Aside from the addition of the Oreos, this is the exact recipe you’ll find in my classic cheesecake recipe. It’s creamy, it’s fluffy, and it’s the perfect base for any cheesecake. Be sure you’re using full fat blocked cream cheese and full fat sour cream in the cheesecake for the best results and creamiest texture.
For the cheesecake filling, you will need:
• full fat block cream cheese
• granulated sugar
• full fat sour cream
• vanilla extract
• large eggs
• Oreos
IMPORTANT INGREDIENT NOTE
ALL INGREDIENTS AT ROOM TEMPERATURE: it is vital that you have room temperature ingredients for any cheesecake recipe. This will allow your batter to blend together easily, staying nice and smooth, so there is no need to over-mix the batter. I typically let my ingredients sit out for at least 1 hour but closer to 2 hours to insure they at room temperature with no chill to them. Using cold ingredients WILL yield a lumpy cheesecake.
FRESH WHIPPED CREAM TOPPING
There’s truly nothing like fresh whipped cream and this is my go-to recipe whenever I need some.
For the whipped cream topping, you will need:
• heavy cream
• granulated sugar
• vanilla extract
HOW TO MAKE THIS COOKIES N CREAM CHEESECAKE RECIPE
MAKE THE CRUST
STEP #1
In a food processor, crush the Oreos until they become a fine crumb. Pour the Oreo crumbs into a large bowl, then drizzle the melted butter over the cookies and stir until everything is evenly saturated with butter.
STEP #2
Press the Oreo mixture into the bottom of the prepared springform pan, then bake the crust for 8 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool while you prepare the filling.
MAKE THE OREO CHEESECAKE FILLING
STEP #3
Start by beating the cream cheese on medium high speed until smooth, about 2 minutes. Add the granulated sugar then beat again until combined, about another 2 minutes.
STEP #4
Next, reduce the mixer speed to low, then add the sour cream and vanilla and mix until completely combined.
STEP #5
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on low after the addition of each egg and adding the next just after the previous egg starts to incorporate, and continue mixing until there are no more yellow yolk streaks.
STEP #6
Use a large spatula to carefully fold the batter together, scraping the bottom of the bowl and the sides to gather any extra batter that may not be fully incorporated. Sometimes I need to use the mixer again, but be sure to keep it on low. Your batter should be smooth and creamy without lumps.
STEP #7
Add the finely chopped Oreos to the batter, then stir gently with a spatula until fully incorporated.
STEP #8
Pour about ⅓ of the batter into the prepared pan, then layer the quartered Oreos evenly over the cheesecake batter. Pour the remaining ⅔ of the cheesecake batter over the cookie layer and smooth out the top of the cheesecake. Lastly, create a water bath, according to the notes below.
PREPARE THE NO-FOIL CHEESECAKE WATER BATH
I like to keep this process super simple by eliminating the use of foil. I have seen folks place a pan of water under the cheesecake in the oven, but I prefer immersing the cheesecake into the water (well, sort of).
I actually have an entire post dedicated to how to make a cheesecake water bath (without foil), if you’d like to read about why it’s so important and what it does for cheesecake baking.
Create a water bath by placing the 9″ springform pan in a slightly larger round pan (I like to use a 10″ cake pan) and then place that pan into an even larger round pan (I like to use a 12″ cake pan) or roasting pan.
Fill the outer pan with hot water halfway up the sides of the middle pan, then carefully transfer the whole thing to the oven. You can also assemble the pans in the oven, but work quickly so as not to let too much hot air out of the oven.
STEP #9
Bake the cheesecake in this manner for 1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes. The middle of the cheesecake (a center approximately 2″ wide) should jiggle just a little bit. See notes in the recipe for details about how to check for proper doneness.
STEP #10
Turn the oven off and allow the cheesecake to cool in the oven for 1 hour. After 1 hour, remove the springform pan from all of the other pans and allow to cool on a cooling rack for another 2 hours. When the cheesecake is completely cool, cover or wrap tightly and allow to chill in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours, ideally overnight.
TOP WITH FRESH WHIPPED CREAM TOPPING
STEP #11
Remove the cheesecake from the fridge and use a spatula or butter knife to gently loosen the crust from the side of the pan, then release the outer ring of the springform pan.
STEP #12
Pour the heavy whipping cream, sugar, and vanilla extract into a large bowl (if using a handheld mixer) or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment.
STEP #13
Turn the mixer to medium speed. The mixture will start to get frothy and bubbly. After about 2 to 3 minutes, the mixture will start to thicken.
STEP #14
Once mixture is visibly thick (you will be able to see the trail of the whisk), increase the speed to medium-high and beat for an additional 30 seconds to 1 minute. At this point, your whipped cream should start to look “billowy” and the trails from your whisk will be quite distinct.
STEP #15
Pull the whisk out of the bowl and check that the whipped cream in the bowl has formed stiff peaks.
STEP #16
Use a spatula to spread the whipped cream evenly over the top of the cheesecake, then garnish with more chopped Oreos, if desired.
SUCCESS TIPS FOR A PERFECT CHEESECAKE
Be sure you’ve read through my instructions thoroughly before beginning your cheesecake recipe. To summarize the key points, try to remember these 5 success tips for the perfect cheesecake while you’re working through the recipe.
DO NOT OVERMIX THE BATTER: after adding the sour cream and vanilla extract, stick to the “low” setting on your mixer. There is no need to rush this process.
BAKE IN A WATER BATH: at the very minimum, place a large roasting pan with hot water in it on the rack below the one that has your cheesecake on it. For best results, create a no-foil water bath like I outlined in this recipe.
DO NOT OPEN THE OVEN DOOR: I know. It’s so tempting to check in on your cheesecake. Try to resist temptation and use your oven light to see how it’s progressing. Allowing the hot air to escape can drastically change the temperature inside your oven, resulting in uneven baking of your cheesecake.
COOL IN THE OVEN INITIALLY: allowing the cheesecake to cool with the oven door open will insure a slow and even settling of the cheesecake filling.
COOL AT ROOM TEMPERATURE BEFORE CHILLING: do not go from the possibly-still-slightly-warm oven to the refrigerator. Remember, we want gradual temperature changes for our baked cheesecake.
CAN I MAKE THIS COOKIES & CREAM CHEESECAKE GLUTEN FREE?
Yes! Using gluten free Oreos will make this cheesecake competely gluten free.
CAN I USE ANOTHER OREO FLAVOR TO MAKE THIS CHEESECAKE?
You absolutely can! This cookies and cream cheesecake recipe will work with any flavor of Oreo. Keep in mind, though, that flavored Oreos are DoubleStuf, which contain more filling than standard Oreos, so they will have excess oil in them which can be problematic for the crust and lead to leaking.
If you want to use flavored Oreos, remove the filling from about half of the Oreos for the crust. The ones you use for the filling and the topping should be fine.
Cookies & Cream Oreo Cheesecake Recipe
Ingredients
OREO CRUST
- 20 Oreos1,2
- ¼ cup (57g) unsalted butter melted
CHEESECAKE
- 32 ounces (900g) full fat block cream cheese completely softened to room temperature3
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 8 ounces (226g) full fat sour cream about 1 scant cup; at room temperature3
- 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs at room temperature3
- 10 Oreos finely chopped
TOPPING
- ½ cup (120mL) heavy cream
- ½ Tablespoon (8g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 12 Oreos quartered
Instructions
OREO CRUST
- Preheat the oven to 325ºF (162ºC). Spray a 9" springform pan or my very favorite Fat Daddio's cheesecake pan with nonstick spray. Set aside.
- In a food processor, crush the Oreos until they become a fine crumb. Pour the Oreo crumbs into a large bowl, drizzle the melted butter over the mixture, and stir until everything is evenly saturated with butter.20 Oreos1,2, ¼ cup (57g) unsalted butter
- Press the Oreo mixture into the bottom of the prepared springform pan, then bake the crust for 8 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool while you prepare the rest of the cheesecake.
CHEESECAKE
- In a large bowl with a handheld mixer or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese on medium high speed until smooth, about 2 minutes. Add the granulated sugar then beat again until combined, about another 2 minutes.32 ounces (900g) full fat block cream cheese, 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- Reduce the mixer speed to low4, then add the sour cream and vanilla extract and mix until completely combined.8 ounces (226g) full fat sour cream, 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on low after the addition of each egg and adding the next just after the previous egg starts to incorporate, and continue mixing until there are no more yellow yolk streaks.4 large eggs
- Use a large spatula to carefully fold the batter together, scraping the bottom of the bowl and the sides to gather any extra batter that may not be fully incorporated. Sometimes I need to use the mixer again, but be sure to keep it on low. Your batter should be smooth and creamy without lumps.
- Add the finely chopped Oreos to the batter, then stir gently with a spatula until fully incorporated.10 Oreos
- Pour about ⅓ of the batter into the prepared pan, then layer the quartered Oreos evenly over the cheesecake batter (it does not have to be perfect, but try to prevent all of the cookies from winding up in one spot). Pour the remaining ⅔ of the cheesecake batter over the cookie layer and smooth out the top of the cheesecake.12 Oreos
- Create a water bath5 by placing the 9" springform pan in a slightly larger round pan (I like to use a 10" cake pan) and then place that pan into an even larger round pan (I like to use a 12" cake pan) or roasting pan.
- Fill the outer pan with hot water halfway up the sides of the middle pan, then carefully transfer the whole thing to the oven. You can also assemble the pans in the oven, but work quickly so as not to let too much hot air out of the oven.
- Bake the cheesecake for 1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes. The middle of the cheesecake (a center approximately 2" wide) should jiggle just a little bit. I use my digital instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature has reached 145ºF (63ºC). Turn the oven off6 and allow the cheesecake to cool in the oven for 1 hour. After 1 hour, remove the springform pan from all of the other pans and allow to cool on a cooling rack for another 2 hours. When the cheesecake is completely cool, cover or wrap tightly and allow to chill in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours, ideally overnight.
TOPPING
- Remove the cheesecake from the fridge and use a spatula or butter knife to gently loosen the crust from the side of the pan, then release the outer ring of the springform pan.
- Pour the heavy whipping cream, sugar, and vanilla extract into a large bowl (if using a handheld mixer) or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment.½ cup (120mL) heavy cream, ½ Tablespoon (8g) granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Turn the mixer to medium speed. The mixture will start to get frothy and bubbly. After about 2 to 3 minutes, the mixture will start to thicken.
- Once mixture is visibly thick (you will be able to see the trail of the whisk), increase the speed to medium-high and beat for an additional 30 seconds to 1 minute. At this point, your whipped cream should start to look "billowy" and the trails from your whisk will be quite distinct.
- Pull the whisk out of the bowl and check that the whipped cream in the bowl has formed stiff peaks.
- Use a spatula to spread the whipped cream evenly over the top of the cheesecake. Garnish with more chopped Oreos, if desired. Store leftovers in the refrigerator up to 5 days. Cheesecake freezes well, without whipped cream on top, up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, add the whipped cream, and serve.
Video
Notes
- Oreos: I highly recommend using standard Oreos as the filling can sometimes weep as it melts in the oven (extra filling means extra oil). If you want to use anything bigger than standard stuffed, remove the filling from half of the Oreos before proceeding.
- Oreos continued: you will need a total of 42 Oreos for this recipe. A family pack of standard Oreos has about 45, so you will have approximately 3 Oreos leftover for garnish on top of the whipped cream layer if you use that size pack. We opted for two regular packs of standard Oreos which each have about 33 Oreos in them, meaning we had plenty for garnish and a lot leftover.
- Room temperature: I cannot stress enough how important it is to have completely room temperature ingredients. This will insure you have the smoothest batter possible. I like to let my ingredients sit out at least 1 hour and sometimes closer to 2 hours before starting my recipe.
- Mixer speed: it’s important not to go above low (or low-medium) speed after you’ve beaten the cream cheese. Incorporating too much air will create bubbles and potential cracks in your finished cheesecake.
- Water bath pans: here is a bundle that includes all the pans I use. Using this method eliminates the need to wrap anything in foil.
- Cool the cheesecake: I like to prop the oven door open with a wooden spoon or spatula.
- Make a smaller cheesecake: you can make this exact cheesecake recipe in a 6″ springform pan or 7.5″ springform pan. Simply halve the recipe (for the crust and the filling). Bake time will be about 60-70 minutes. You can reduce the sizes of the water bath pans to 8″ round and 10″ round sizes or use the same ones I have linked here.
- Make in the Instant Pot: you can make this exact cheesecake in a smaller size by halving the recipe (for all components) and following the instructions outlined in my Instant Pot cheesecake recipe.
Nutrition Disclosure
All nutritional values are approximate and provided to the reader as a courtesy. Changing ingredients and/or quantities will alter the estimated nutritional calculations.