This vegan Oreo cheesecake layers a crunchy cookie crust, silky cashew-vanilla filling, and rich chocolate pudding under a mountain of crumbled Oreos. It's entirely plant-based, requires only 8 minutes of baking for the crust, and sets in the freezer while you do nothing. Your childhood dirt cup, all grown up.
16cookiesOreo cookiescheck packaging for vegan certification in your region
3tablespoonsvegan buttermelted
Vanilla Cheesecake Layer Ingredients
2cupsraw cashewssoaked overnight in water (or boiled for 15 minutes), drained
¼cupcoconut oilmelted and slightly cooled
2 ½teaspoonsvanilla extract
⅔cupmaple syrup
1tablespoonfresh lemon juice
½cupvegan whipped creamtub-style such as coconut whip, not aerosol
1pinchsalt
Pudding Layer Ingredients
1boxinstant chocolate pudding mixverify vegan on packaging (most instant varieties are vegan but check)
2cupsunsweetened plant milkoat or soy work best for pudding thickness
Crumbled Topping Ingredients
9cookiesOreo cookies
Instructions
Oreo Cookie Crust Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F / 175°C (180°C fan-forced). Lightly grease an 8x8 inch (20x20cm) baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a blender or food processor, pulse the 16 Oreos until you have fine crumbs with no large chunks remaining. Transfer to a bowl, pour in the melted vegan butter, and stir until every crumb is evenly coated.
Pour the Oreo crust mixture into your prepared 8x8 inch (20x20cm) pan. Press it firmly and evenly across the bottom using the flat base of a measuring cup or your hands. A compact crust holds together better when sliced.
Place in the oven for 8 minutes, and once done, set to the side.
Vanilla Cheesecake Layer Instructions
Rinse your blender, then add the drained soaked cashews, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, maple syrup, lemon juice, and vegan whipped cream. Blend on high for 3-4 minutes, scraping down the sides halfway through, until completely smooth with no graininess.
Pour approximately three-quarters of the vanilla cheesecake mixture over the cooled Oreo crust. Smooth the top with a silicone spatula. Reserve the remaining quarter in a separate bowl for the pudding layer.
Chocolate Pudding Mixture Instructions
Prepare the instant chocolate pudding according to the package directions using 2 cups (480ml) plant milk. Once the pudding has thickened (about 2-3 minutes of whisking), fold in the reserved vanilla cheesecake mixture until fully combined.
Carefully pour the chocolate pudding mixture over the vanilla cheesecake layer and spread it evenly with a silicone spatula. Work gently to avoid disturbing the layer beneath.
Oreo Crumble Topping Instructions
In your blender or food processor, pulse the 9 Oreos 4-5 times until you have a rough, chunky crumble — do not over-process into fine dust. You want visible cookie pieces for texture contrast.
Scatter the Oreo crumble evenly over the pudding layer, pressing very lightly so it adheres. Transfer the cheesecake to the freezer for 2-4 hours until firmly set.
Once fully set, move the cheesecake from the freezer to the refrigerator. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or a fitted lid. Let it soften in the fridge for 20-30 minutes before slicing for the cleanest cuts.
Store the Oreo cheesecake in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Do not leave it at room temperature for more than 30 minutes as the cashew filling will soften and lose its shape.
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Notes
Storage: Keep covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The texture softens slightly after day 3 but remains delicious.
Freezer-friendly: Wrap individual slices tightly in cling film and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge for 30-45 minutes before serving.
Make-ahead: This cheesecake actually improves overnight in the fridge as the flavours meld — make it the day before you need it.
Cashew shortcut: If you forgot to soak cashews overnight, pour boiling water over them and let them sit for 1 hour, or boil them for 15 minutes until very soft. Drain well before blending.
Pro tip: Blend the cashew cheesecake layer for a full 3-4 minutes, scraping down the sides halfway through, to eliminate any graininess. A high-speed blender gives the smoothest result.