Oreo Cheesecake Jar

Ingredients

• 24Oreo cookies
• 340 g (12 oz)cream cheese
• 80 ml (⅓ cup)whipping cream
• 40–60 g (⅓–½ cup), to tasteicing sugar
• 1 tspvanilla extract
• 85 g (½ cup)chocolate chips
• 80 ml (⅓ cup)whipping cream

Instructions

1. 1

   Crush the Oreos

   Put the Oreo cookies in a food processor and crush them into crumbs.

2. 2

   Whip the filling

   Beat the cream cheese until soft. Add the icing sugar, the first 80 ml of whipping cream and the vanilla; mix on low until combined, then increase the speed and whip for 1–2 minutes until fluffy.

3. 3

   Fold in crumbs

   Fold or stir in half of the Oreo crumbs, using a little less if you prefer.

4. 4

   Make the ganache

   Warm the remaining 80 ml of cream until just simmering. Pour it over the chocolate chips and stir until smooth.

5. 5

   Prepare the jars

   The recipe uses four jars with a capacity of about 160 ml (⅔ cup) each; the number you get will depend on the size of your jars. Divide the Oreo crumbs into four portions, keeping each portion separate, then split each portion in half.

6. 6

   Layer and chill

   Put half of each portion of crumbs in the bottom of a jar, add a layer of cheesecake filling, then the remaining crumbs and more filling. A piping bag makes adding the filling easier. Finish each jar with ganache and refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours before serving; they can be made a day ahead.

What is an Oreo cheesecake jar?

It is an individual, no-bake-style dessert that stacks crushed Oreo cookies with a sweetened cream cheese filling and chocolate ganache. Served in jars, it turns familiar cheesecake flavours into a party-friendly treat.

This version takes an American-inspired combination of cream cheese, chocolate sandwich cookies and chocolate, and presents it in layers. The crumbs in the filling echo the cookie layers, while ganache gives the top a smooth finish.

Nutrition and macros by portion

The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 939 calories, 11g protein, 79g carbs, 66g fat.

The Oreo cookies and icing sugar provide most of the carbohydrates, while the cream cheese, cream and chocolate chips contribute much of the fat. Cream cheese also supplies some protein, though this dessert is not especially protein-rich. Balance a jar with fresh fruit on the side.

The Oreo crumb layers

Fine crumbs: a food processor makes an even base that settles neatly in the jars. If you prefer a little more texture, stop processing while some small pieces remain.

Two uses: half the crumbs go into the filling, and the rest are divided between the jar layers. Keep the portions separate so each serving gets a similar amount.

Getting a fluffy filling

Soft cream cheese: beat it until pliable before adding the other ingredients, which helps avoid lumps. Use the low speed first to bring the mixture together.

Whipping: after combining the cream, icing sugar and vanilla, increase the mixer speed and beat for 1–2 minutes, until the mixture looks fluffy. The amount of icing sugar can be adjusted within the stated range to suit your preference.

Making smooth ganache

Just simmering: warm the cream until it is close to a simmer, rather than letting it boil vigorously. Pour it over the chocolate chips so they have a chance to melt.

Stir gently until the mixture is smooth, then use it to finish the jars. If chips remain unmelted, keep stirring rather than adding extra cream.

Layering neatly

Order matters: start with crumbs, then add filling, another layer of crumbs and more filling before topping with ganache. This gives each jar distinct layers and distributes the cookie crumbs throughout.

Piping bag: it is the easiest way to add the filling without smearing it across the sides of the jar. A spoon will work too; add the filling carefully and level it gently.

Chilling and serving

Allow at least 1–2 hours in the fridge before serving, as the recipe specifies. This gives the assembled layers time to chill and settle.

The jars can be prepared a day ahead, making them handy for a party. Serve them cold, straight from the fridge.

What to serve alongside

These jars are rich and sweet, so small servings of fresh berries or sliced fruit make a bright contrast. Keep the fruit on the side rather than adding it between the layers if you want to preserve the recipe's original texture.

For a party dessert spread, pair them with coffee or tea and lighter, fruit-based options. The jars are already individually portioned, so there is no need to slice or plate the cheesecake.

Recipe notes & tips

• Let the cream cheese soften enough to beat smoothly before you begin.
• Start with the lower amount of icing sugar and add more if you prefer a sweeter filling.
• Keep the four crumb portions separate to make it easier to distribute them evenly.
• Use a piping bag to add the filling neatly to the jars.
• Warm the ganache cream only until it just simmers.
• Chill the jars for at least 1–2 hours before serving.

Variations

• Extra cookie crunch: reserve a few crushed Oreo pieces to scatter over the ganache just before serving.
• Berry side: serve with fresh raspberries or strawberries for a fruity contrast.
• Different chocolate: use dark chocolate chips for a less sweet-tasting ganache.
• Smaller portions: assemble the layers in smaller jars for more servings.
• Simpler finish: leave the ganache off and top the jars with a few Oreo crumbs.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Cold cream cheese: it can leave lumps in the filling; soften it before beating.
• Overmixing the crumbs: very fine crumbs can lose their texture; stop processing when they are crushed to your liking.
• Boiling the cream: vigorous boiling can make the ganache harder to bring together; heat it only until just simmering.
• Uneven portions: some jars may have too many crumbs or too little filling; divide the crumbs into four portions before layering.
• Skipping the chill: the jars will not be properly cold for serving; refrigerate them for at least 1–2 hours.

How to store

Cover the jars and keep them refrigerated; they can be made a day ahead. Serve chilled, and avoid leaving them at room temperature for an extended period.

Frequently asked questions