Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dessert is a hit for so many reasons! It’s simple to prepare, requires no baking, and is perfect for serving a crowd. The golden Oreo crust adds a satisfying crunch, while the creamy vanilla pudding layer balances perfectly with the freshness of the berries on top. It’s an indulgent treat that’s both visually appealing and delicious. Whether you’re hosting a 4th of July BBQ or just want a sweet dessert for a family meal, this layered pudding dessert will be the star of the show.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 (19 ounce) package Golden Oreos, divided
4 tablespoons butter, melted (optional)
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
6.8 ounces instant French vanilla pudding mix (2 3.4-ounce boxes)
4 cups milk (whole milk recommended)
1 ½ cups heavy cream
¾ cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 pound strawberries, hulled and quartered
1 dry pint blueberries

Directions

For the Bottom Layer

Prepare the Crust:
You have two options for the crust:
Option 1: Crumble the Oreos. Add 32 Oreos (two rows) to a ziplock bag and crush them lightly with a rolling pin, or quarter them with a knife for larger chunks. Add them to a 9×13-inch pan.
Option 2: Make a crust. In a food processor or blender, pulse 32 Oreos into fine crumbs. Add 4 tablespoons of melted butter and pulse to combine. Press this mixture into the bottom of a 9×13-inch pan. Refrigerate or freeze while you prepare the other layers.

For the Vanilla Pudding Layer

Make the Cream Cheese Mixture:
In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
Prepare the Pudding:
In a separate bowl, combine the two packages of instant French vanilla pudding mix with 4 cups of milk. Whisk for about 2 minutes until it thickens.
Combine the Pudding and Cream Cheese:
Add the thickened pudding mixture to the cream cheese and mix well. Beat until any lumps are gone.
Make the Whipped Cream:
In the same bowl that you mixed the pudding (scraping out as best as you can), add 1 ½ cups of cold heavy cream, ¾ cup powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Beat with electric beaters until soft peaks form (about 2-3 minutes).
Fold the Whipped Cream Into the Pudding:
Gently fold the whipped cream into the pudding mixture, making sure it’s fully incorporated but still light and fluffy.
Assemble the Layers:
Spread the pudding mixture over the prepared Oreo crust in the 9×13-inch pan.

Topping

Top with Crumbled Oreos:
Chop the remaining 16 Oreos into quarters or smaller pieces. Sprinkle them evenly over the pudding layer.
Refrigerate:
Cover the dessert and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours, or up to 12 hours. For best results, avoid letting it sit longer than 12 hours to keep the Oreo topping from becoming too soft.

Just Before Serving

Add the Fresh Berries:
Hull and quarter the strawberries, and wash the blueberries. Arrange them over the top of the dessert just before serving.
Serve and Enjoy:
Slice and serve this festive, refreshing dessert!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12
Prep time: 20 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes (plus refrigeration time)
Refrigeration time: At least 2 hours, or up to 12 hours

Variations

Different Oreos: For a twist, try using different flavored Oreos such as lemon, mint, or chocolate.
Cheesecake Flavor: Use cheesecake-flavored pudding for an even creamier and tangier filling.
Add More Fruit: Besides strawberries and blueberries, you can add raspberries, blackberries, or even kiwi for more color and flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The dessert is best when eaten within a few days as the Oreos may become too soft after that.
Reheating: This dessert is served cold and should not be reheated. If needed, add fresh berries just before serving.

FAQs

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes, this dessert is perfect for making ahead of time! Just assemble it, refrigerate, and top with fresh berries before serving.

Can I use a different flavor of pudding?

Yes, you can try using other flavors of instant pudding, such as chocolate or cheesecake, for a different taste. However, the vanilla flavor works best with the Golden Oreos and fresh berries.

Can I make this dessert without the cream cheese?

The cream cheese adds a slight tang and creaminess to the pudding, but if you’d like to skip it, you can just make the pudding with the instant pudding mix, milk, and whipped cream.

Can I use Cool Whip instead of homemade whipped cream?

Yes, you can substitute Cool Whip for the homemade whipped cream. Just fold in about 1 ½ cups of Cool Whip after preparing the pudding mixture.

Can I make this dessert gluten-free?

Yes! Simply use gluten-free Oreos or any gluten-free cookie of your choice for the crust and topping.

Conclusion

This 4th of July Layered Pudding Dessert with Golden Oreos is the perfect sweet treat to celebrate the holiday or any summer occasion. The creamy, dreamy layers of pudding, fresh fruit, and crunchy cookies come together in a fun and delicious dessert that’s sure to impress. It’s easy, no-bake, and completely customizable—what more could you ask for in a summer dessert?