If there’s one dessert I never get tired of making (or eating), it’s Chocolate Lush. This cool, creamy, no-bake treat layers chocolate pudding, sweet cream cheese, and fluffy whipped topping over a buttery Oreo cookie crust. With every bite, you get a perfect balance of textures and flavors—from the deep bittersweet cocoa of the cookies to the silky pudding and dreamy cloud of Cool Whip. Chocolate Lush is a knockout for potlucks, family celebrations, or whenever you need a little indulgence, and you’ll be amazed by how quickly such a gorgeous dessert comes together!

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the joys of making Chocolate Lush is how wonderfully simple the ingredient list is! Every component plays its part in building the flavor, texture, and irresistible appeal of this classic layered dessert.

Oreo cookies, crushed: Give the base its signature chocolatey crunch and a hint of nostalgia. Don’t remove the cream—just crush the whole cookies for best texture.
Butter, melted: Binds the crushed Oreos into a rich, sturdy crust you can slice.
Cream cheese: Adds a tangy, creamy layer that balances the chocolate’s sweetness perfectly.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese layer while keeping it smooth and lump-free.
Cool Whip: Makes the dessert delightfully light and fluffy, plus it’s easy to spread between layers.
Instant chocolate pudding: Brings deep chocolate flavor and a silky smooth texture that holds its own in the layers.
Milk: Needed for mixing the pudding—whole milk will make it extra-creamy, but any milk works.

How to Make Chocolate Lush

Step 1: Make the Oreo Crust

Start by crushing an entire package of Oreo cookies (cream and all). You can use a food processor for a fine crumb, or place the cookies in a zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin for a rustic texture. Mix the crushed cookies with melted butter until all the crumbs are coated, then press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch dish. Pop the crust into the fridge while you prep the layers so it sets up nicely.

Step 2: Blend the Cream Cheese Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until completely smooth and creamy. No lumps allowed! Once blended, gently fold in about half of the Cool Whip to create a light, mousse-like filling. Spread this layer evenly over the chilled cookie crust, making sure to reach to the edges for that gorgeous layered look.

Step 3: Whip Up the Chocolate Pudding

Grab your instant chocolate pudding packets and whisk them together with cold milk for about two minutes, until thick and satiny. Give it a minute to finish setting, then carefully spread the pudding evenly over the cream cheese layer. The color contrast is so pretty already!

Step 4: Top with Whipped Topping

Finish with the remaining Cool Whip, smoothing it gently over the pudding layer to seal everything in. This fluffy final flourish makes Chocolate Lush look like a decadent cloud, and gives it that signature airy bite.

Step 5: Chill and Slice

Now, for the hardest part: Place your dessert in the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours (overnight is even better) so it sets up beautifully. When you’re ready to serve, slice into squares, marvel at those pretty layers, and enjoy!

How to Serve Chocolate Lush

Garnishes

The magic of Chocolate Lush is in the layers, but a few simple garnishes take it to the next level! I love adding chocolate shavings, mini chocolate chips, or a light dusting of cocoa powder over the top just before serving. A scattering of crushed Oreos instantly signals what’s inside, and even a single cherry or a sprig of mint on each portion makes it feel extra festive.

Side Dishes

Chocolate Lush is decadent on its own, but if you’re serving it at a gathering, it pairs nicely alongside fresh berries or a fruit salad—the touch of tartness really pops against the chocolate. For coffee lovers, serve with hot espresso or a frothy latte. If it’s a summer cookout, an icy cold glass of milk is a classic combo you can’t go wrong with.

Creative Ways to Present

Think outside the 9×13 dish! Try layering Chocolate Lush in individual parfait glasses for a portable, picture-perfect dessert. Mason jars are adorable for picnics. Or get fancy and assemble it in a trifle bowl for dramatic effect at special dinners. However you slice (or scoop) it, those luscious layers will always impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Chocolate Lush keeps fabulously in the fridge. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or a fitted lid and enjoy leftovers for up to 4 days. The layers stay lovely and the flavors meld even more as it sits—if anything, it gets better with time!

Freezing

If you want to get even further ahead, Chocolate Lush can be frozen. Chill until firm, then wrap tightly in both plastic and foil. Freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving. Keep in mind that the texture of Cool Whip may soften just a bit, but the overall dessert is still deliciously satisfying.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat Chocolate Lush—it’s designed to be served chilled! If serving after freezing, simply let it defrost in the fridge until completely thawed and the layers are smooth and sliceable again.

FAQs

Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?

Yes, you can absolutely swap in freshly whipped cream for the Cool Whip if you prefer. It adds a lovely, real-deal flavor, but keep in mind homemade whipped cream is a bit softer and the layers may not hold their shape as long. Stabilize it with a little powdered sugar for best results.

What’s the best way to crush the Oreos for the crust?

The quickest and easiest method is pulsing them in a food processor. For a chunkier, rustic crust, place the cookies in a sealed plastic bag and use a rolling pin or heavy glass to crush them. No need to remove the filling—it helps bind the crust!

Can I make Chocolate Lush ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, making it a day ahead allows the layers to fully set and the flavors to meld together. Just keep it chilled until you’re ready to serve. It’s the ultimate make-ahead dessert for any busy host.

How can I prevent the layers from mixing together?

Always chill the crust 15 minutes before layering, and spread each new layer gently with a spatula. Using softened, room-temperature cream cheese also helps prevent tearing the Oreo crust as you spread the filling.

Can I use different pudding flavors?

Definitely! While chocolate is classic, feel free to substitute with instant vanilla, butterscotch, or even pistachio pudding for a new spin on Chocolate Lush. You can even layer two flavors together for a delicious twist.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite as crowd-pleasing or downright crave-worthy as a slice of Chocolate Lush. It’s easy enough for any night, yet impressive enough for celebrations—every layer brings a little more joy to the table. Treat yourself and your favorite people to this dreamy dessert, and I guarantee it’ll become a cherished go-to in your recipe collection!

Chocolate Lush Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5.3 from 11 reviews

Author: Amelia
Total Time: 4h20m
Yield: 12
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the delicious layers of this no-bake Chocolate Lush dessert featuring a cookie crust, creamy cheesecake layer, rich chocolate pudding, and fluffy whipped topping.

Ingredients

Cookie Crust:

1 package Oreo cookies, crushed
1/2 cup butter, melted

Cream Cheese Layer:

8 oz cream cheese
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 (16 oz) container Cool Whip

Chocolate Pudding Layer:

2 packages instant chocolate pudding
3 cups milk

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Instructions

Prepare Cookie Crust: Mix crushed cookies and melted butter, then press into a dish.
Make Cream Cheese Layer: Blend cream cheese and powdered sugar, then fold in Cool Whip. Spread over the crust.
Layer Chocolate Pudding: Prepare chocolate pudding with milk according to package instructions and layer on top of the cream cheese layer.
Final Touch: Spread the remaining Cool Whip on top of the pudding layer. Chill the dessert for at least 4 hours before serving.

Prep Time: 20m
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: American