Intro: The Day I Fell in Love with Cookies and Cream
I still remember the first time I made this Oreo Cheesecake Recipe in my tiny apartment kitchen. I had flour dusted across the counter, cream cheese softening near the stove, and a half-open pack of Oreos that I kept “accidentally” snacking on.
The air smelled sweet and chocolatey, and there was something deeply comforting about twisting apart those cookies, hearing that soft snap, and watching the dark crumbs pile up in my food processor.
As a female chef who has baked everything from delicate macarons to rustic sourdough loaves, I can honestly say there is something magical about a classic Oreo cheesecake. It feels playful and nostalgic, but also rich and elegant.
Every bite is creamy, cool, and velvety, with little bursts of chocolate cookie crunch. When I finally sliced into that first homemade Oreo Cheesecake Recipe creation, the knife glided through like silk, revealing specks of crushed cookies in the pale filling. I knew right then that this dessert would become a regular in my kitchen.
If you have been searching for an easy Oreo Cheesecake Recipe that tastes bakery-quality but feels cozy and homemade, you are in the right place. Let me walk you through it the way I would if we were standing side by side in my kitchen, aprons on, coffee brewing, and laughter filling the room.
What is Oreo Cheesecake Recipe?
An Oreo Cheesecake Recipe is a luscious baked dessert that combines a crunchy chocolate cookie crust with a rich cream cheese filling studded with crushed Oreo cookies. It is usually topped with whipped cream, chocolate ganache, or even more cookies for that dramatic finish.
What makes this classic Oreo Cheesecake so special is the balance of textures and flavors. The crust is deep and chocolatey, slightly salty from the butter, and firm enough to hold each slice together. The filling is smooth, tangy, and creamy, with the sweetness of sugar and the gentle warmth of vanilla. Then you get those Oreo pieces folded into the batter, soft but still slightly chewy, giving every bite a cookies-and-cream surprise.
Unlike some cheesecakes that can feel heavy or overly sweet, a well-made Oreo Cheesecake Recipe has a beautiful harmony. The tang of the cream cheese cuts through the sweetness of the cookies, and the contrast between dark crumbs and ivory filling makes it visually stunning.
Equipment List
Before we begin, let us gather everything we need. I always say baking is half preparation and half patience.
- 9-inch springform pan
- Food processor or blender (for crushing Oreos)
- Large mixing bowl
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Kitchen scale (optional but helpful)
- Roasting pan (for water bath)
- Aluminum foil
- Cooling rack
- Sharp knife for slicing
Ingredients
Here is everything you will need for this homemade Oreo Cheesecake Recipe:
For the Crust:
- 24 Oreo cookies (with filling)
- 5 tablespoons (70g) unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling:
- 24 ounces (680g) full-fat cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (240ml) sour cream, room temperature
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 12 Oreo cookies, roughly chopped
Optional Toppings:
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 6–8 Oreo cookies for garnish
- 1/2 cup chocolate ganache (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Wrap the outside of your springform pan tightly with aluminum foil to prevent water from seeping in during the water bath. I always double-wrap mine for safety.
Step 2: Create the Chocolate Cookie Crust
Place the 24 Oreos into a food processor and pulse until they turn into fine, dark crumbs. The smell alone will make you smile. Mix the crumbs with melted butter until they resemble damp sand.
Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your pan, using the back of a spoon or a flat glass. Bake for 8–10 minutes, just until set. Let it cool while you prepare the filling.
Step 3: Beat the Cream Cheese Until Silky
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese on medium speed until completely smooth. This step is so important. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and make sure there are no lumps. The texture should look like thick, glossy frosting.
Step 4: Add Sugar and Sour Cream
Add the sugar and mix until combined. Then blend in the sour cream and vanilla extract. The batter will become slightly lighter and creamier. I love this stage because the tangy aroma of sour cream mixes with sweet vanilla.
Step 5: Incorporate the Eggs Gently
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition. Do not overmix. We want a smooth batter, but too much air can cause cracks later. The mixture should look velvety and pourable.
Step 6: Fold in the Oreo Pieces
Using a spatula, gently fold in the chopped Oreos. You will see specks of dark cookie scattered through the pale batter. It is such a beautiful contrast.
Step 7: Assemble and Prepare the Water Bath
Pour the filling over the cooled crust and smooth the top. Place the springform pan into a larger roasting pan. Carefully pour hot water into the roasting pan until it reaches halfway up the sides of the cheesecake pan.
Step 8: Bake Low and Slow
Bake for 55–70 minutes. The edges should look set, but the center should still have a slight jiggle when you gently shake the pan. That jiggle means creaminess.
Step 9: Cool Gradually
Turn off the oven and crack the door open slightly. Let the cheesecake sit inside for 1 hour. This slow cooling helps prevent cracks. After that, remove it and let it cool completely at room temperature.
Step 10: Chill for the Best Texture
Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but overnight is even better. The flavors deepen, and the texture becomes perfectly firm yet creamy.

The First Slice: A Little Moment of Joy
The first slice of this Oreo Cheesecake Recipe is always my favorite moment. I run a sharp knife under hot water, wipe it dry, and gently press down. The blade glides through the chilled filling and crust with almost no resistance. When I lift that slice out, I see layers: dark crust, creamy center dotted with cookies, and maybe a swirl of whipped cream on top.
The flavor is dreamy. Cool and smooth cream cheese melts on your tongue, followed by the deep cocoa crunch of Oreo crumbs. It tastes like childhood and celebration at the same time.
Tips From My Kitchen to Yours
- Always use room temperature ingredients for a smooth batter.
- Do not skip the water bath if you want a crack-free top.
- Avoid overmixing once the eggs are added.
- Chill long enough. Cheesecake needs patience.
- Use a warm knife for clean slices.
Creative Variations to Try
Once you master this easy Oreo Cheesecake Recipe, you can have fun with variations.
- Add a swirl of melted chocolate into the batter before baking.
- Mix mini chocolate chips into the filling.
- Top with crushed peppermint for a holiday twist.
- Drizzle salted caramel over each slice.
- Make mini cheesecakes in muffin tins for parties.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Cheesecake stores beautifully, which makes it perfect for gatherings.
- Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freeze whole or sliced for up to 2 months.
- Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
I often make this homemade Oreo Cheesecake Recipe a day before a dinner party. It takes the stress away and actually tastes better the next day.
Why This Classic Oreo Cheesecake Always Wins Hearts
Over the years, I have baked this classic Oreo Cheesecake for birthdays, baby showers, and even quiet Sunday dinners. Every single time, someone asks for the recipe. There is something about cookies and cream that feels universal. It is familiar yet indulgent.
As a chef, I love desserts that bring people together. When I see friends close their eyes after the first bite, I know I have done my job. This Oreo Cheesecake Recipe is not just about sugar and cream cheese. It is about memory, comfort, and sharing something sweet with people you love.
FAQs
Can I make this Oreo Cheesecake Recipe without a water bath?
Yes, but the top may crack. If you skip the water bath, place a pan of hot water on the rack below to create steam.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
You can, but the texture will be less rich and creamy. Full-fat gives the best results.
How do I prevent cracks?
Use room temperature ingredients, avoid overmixing, bake gently, and cool slowly.
Can I make this no-bake?
This specific recipe is baked for structure and richness. A no-bake version would require different ratios and ingredients.
How do I know when it is done?
The edges should be set, and the center should jiggle slightly. It will firm up as it cools.
If you try this Oreo Cheesecake Recipe, imagine me right there cheering you on. Baking is not just about following steps. It is about enjoying the process, licking the spoon, and filling your kitchen with warmth. And when you finally take that first creamy, chocolate-speckled bite, I hope it brings you as much happiness as it has brought me.

Oreo Cheesecake Recipe
Equipment
- 9-inch springform pan
- Food processor
- Large mixing bowl
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons.
- Roasting pan for water bath
- Aluminum foil
Ingredients
- 24 cookies Oreo cookies with filling
- 5 tablespoons Unsalted butter melted
- 24 ounces Full-fat cream cheese softened
- 1 cup Granulated sugar
- 1 cup Sour cream room temperature
- 3 large Eggs room temperature
- 1 teaspoon Pure vanilla extract
- 12 cookies Oreo cookies roughly chopped
Instructions
Prepare the Pan and Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Wrap the outside of your 9-inch springform pan tightly with aluminum foil to prevent leaks, especially if using a water bath for extra creaminess.
Create the Chocolate Cookie Crust
- Pulse 24 Oreo cookies with filling in a food processor until fine crumbs form. Stir in melted butter until the mixture resembles damp sand, then press firmly into the bottom of the pan.
Pre-Bake the Crust
- Bake the crust for 8–10 minutes until set and fragrant. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool slightly while you prepare the creamy cheesecake filling.
Beat the Cream Cheese Until Silky
- In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese on medium speed until completely smooth and silky. Scrape down the sides to ensure there are no lumps hiding in the batter.
Add Sugar and Sour Cream
- Add granulated sugar and mix until fully incorporated. Blend in sour cream and vanilla extract, creating a creamy, slightly tangy batter that smells sweet and comforting.
Incorporate the Eggs Gently
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing gently on low speed after each addition. Avoid overmixing to keep the batter smooth and prevent cracks during baking.
Fold in the Oreo Pieces
- Fold in the roughly chopped Oreo cookies using a rubber spatula. The batter should look beautifully speckled with chocolate cookie pieces throughout.
Bake in a Water Bath
- Pour the filling over the cooled crust and smooth the top. Place the pan in a roasting pan, add hot water halfway up the sides, and bake for 55–70 minutes until slightly jiggly in the center.
Cool Slowly and Chill
- Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the cheesecake cool inside for one hour. Then cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating at least 4 hours or overnight.
Notes
- Always use room temperature ingredients for a smooth batter.
- Do not skip the water bath for a crack-free top.
- Refrigerate overnight for best texture and flavor.
- Serve with whipped cream or chocolate ganache for extra indulgence.

Hi, I’m Olivia Brooks! Cooking is my passion, and I love turning everyday ingredients into meals that bring joy to the table. On CulinaryPearl, I share simple recipes, helpful kitchen tips, and inspiration for food lovers everywhere













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