Who says that you need to turn on the oven to make mouthwatering treats? With the right recipe on hand, you can whip up delicious desserts without breaking a sweat. One of the best no-bake desserts you can make is the Oreo refrigerator cake. It’s easy, quick, and oh-so-yummy! In this article, we’ll show you 23 different ways to make this classic dessert. So, grab a glass of milk and let’s get started!
Ingredient List
Before we get started, let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need for this recipe. You can mix and match these ingredients to create your own unique version of the Oreo refrigerator cake.
- 1 package of Oreos (regular or double-stuffed)
- 1/2 cup of butter, melted
- 1/4 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 tub of whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
- 1 package of cream cheese, softened
- 1 can of sweetened condensed milk
- 1/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup of caramel sauce
- 1/2 cup of chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts)
- 1/2 cup of mini marshmallows
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup of powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup of milk
- 1/4 cup of peanut butter
- 1/4 cup of Nutella
- 1/4 cup of toffee bits
- 1/4 cup of crushed pretzels
- 1/4 cup of crushed graham crackers
- 1/4 cup of chopped candy bars (like Snickers or Reese’s Cups)
- 1/4 cup of crushed peppermint candies
- 1/4 cup of crushed Oreo cookies (for topping)
Instructions
Now that we have our ingredients, it’s time to put them all together. Here are the basic steps for making the Oreo refrigerator cake:
- Crush the Oreos in a plastic bag or food processor until they are fine crumbs.
- Mix the Oreo crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar in a bowl until well combined.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish or springform pan to form a crust.
- In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth.
- Add the sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and cocoa powder to the cream cheese mixture and beat until well combined.
- Fold in the whipped topping until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add any additional ingredients you like (like chocolate chips, nuts, or caramel sauce) and mix well.
- Pour the mixture over the Oreo crust and smooth out the top.
- Sprinkle crushed Oreo cookies on top of the mixture.
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight) until the cake is set.
- Serve chilled and enjoy!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the nutritional information for one serving (based on a 9×13 inch pan):
- Calories: 430
- Total Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Cholesterol: 46mg
- Sodium: 309mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 47g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 35g
- Protein: 5g
Cooking Time
The great thing about the Oreo refrigerator cake is that it doesn’t require any baking time. The only cooking involved is melting the butter (if you’re using it) and that should only take a few minutes. Once you’ve mixed all the ingredients together, you just need to refrigerate the cake for a few hours until it’s set. So, you can make this cake in advance and serve it whenever you’re ready!
Equipment
You don’t need any special equipment to make this cake. A mixing bowl, a spatula, and a baking dish or springform pan are all you need. If you have a food processor, it will make crushing the Oreos easier, but you can also crush them in a plastic bag with a rolling pin. And, of course, you’ll need a refrigerator to chill the cake.
Serving Suggestions
The Oreo refrigerator cake is a rich and decadent dessert, so a small slice goes a long way. You can serve it on its own or with a dollop of whipped cream on top. You can also garnish it with additional crushed Oreos, chocolate chips, or caramel sauce. This cake pairs well with a glass of cold milk, coffee, or tea.
Variations
The Oreo refrigerator cake is a versatile dessert that you can customize to your liking. Here are some variations you can try:
- Use different flavors of Oreos (like mint or peanut butter)
- Add different mix-ins (like chopped candy bars or crushed pretzels)
- Use different toppings (like whipped cream or a drizzle of Nutella)
- Make individual servings in jars or ramekins
- Freeze the cake for an ice cream-like treat
Substitutions
If you don’t have all the ingredients listed above, here are some substitutions you can make:
- Use graham cracker crumbs or Nilla wafers instead of Oreos for the crust
- Use regular sugar or brown sugar instead of granulated sugar
- Use regular cream cheese or Neufchatel cheese instead of low-fat cream cheese
- Use regular milk or almond milk instead of whole milk
- Use almond butter or sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter
Storage
The Oreo refrigerator cake should be kept in the refrigerator until ready to serve. It will keep for up to 5 days in the fridge. If you have leftovers, you can freeze the cake for up to 2 months. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.
Tips
Here are some tips to help you make the perfect Oreo refrigerator cake:
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened before mixing it with the other ingredients
- Crush the Oreos finely for a smoother crust
- Use a springform pan for easy removal
- Let the cake chill for at least 2 hours (or overnight) for the best texture
- Don’t skimp on the whipped topping – it gives the cake a light and airy texture
Notes
The Oreo refrigerator cake is a rich and indulgent dessert that’s perfect for special occasions or when you’re craving something sweet. The recipe is easy to customize, so feel free to experiment with different flavors and mix-ins. And, if you’re short on time, you can always make a simple version with just Oreos, whipped topping, and sweetened condensed milk. Whatever version you make, we’re sure it will be a hit!
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Oreo refrigerator cake:
Can I use low-fat or fat-free ingredients?
Yes, you can use low-fat or fat-free cream cheese, whipped topping, and sweetened condensed milk if you prefer. However, keep in mind that the texture and flavor may be slightly different.
Yes, you can use any type of cookie crumbs (like graham crackers or Nilla wafers) for the crust. However, keep in mind that the flavor and texture may be slightly different.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the cake up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.