Oreo Tiramisu Trifle

Introduction

Creamy, crunchy, and utterly indulgent — this Oreo Tiramisu Trifle is a dessert that hits all the right notes: silky mascarpone cream, coffee-kissed cookie layers, and a chocolatey finish that makes every spoonful a celebration. Fun fact: tiramisu literally means "pick me up" in Italian, and paired with Oreos, it becomes the most comfortingly playful version of the classic. This recipe is special because it turns pantry staples into a show-stopping dessert with almost no fuss. It’s quick to assemble, wonderfully family-friendly, and perfect for parties or weeknight sweet cravings.

If you love easy twist-on-classics, you might also enjoy my take on Golden Oreo Strawberry Cheesecake Bars, another crowd-pleaser that uses store-bought cookies for a homemade result. Ready to impress with minimal effort? Let’s get to it — spoon in hand and smiles incoming.

What is Oreo Tiramisu Trifle?

What’s in a name — and why combine Oreos with tiramisu? Think of it as a playful mash-up: the elegant Italian dessert meets the beloved cookie for something both familiar and delightfully new. Is it fancy tiramisu or a cookie trifle with aspirations? Maybe both. Did someone whisper that “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.”? Absolutely — and this dessert is a persuasive example.

Imagine layers of coffee-dipped cookie, clouds of mascarpone-cream, and a dusting of cocoa that looks like dessert art. It’s easy to laugh about how it got its name — perhaps a midnight baker mixed up mascarpone and Oreos and accidentally created perfection. Curious? Try it and see why everyone calls it Oreo Tiramisu Trifle.

Why You’ll Love This:

This trifle is irresistible for three big reasons:

Creamy, layered decadence: The mascarpone and whipped cream create a luxuriously smooth texture that contrasts perfectly with the slightly softened yet still crumbly Oreos.
Budget-friendly indulgence: You don’t need premium pastry chefs or expensive ingredients. A pack of Oreos, mascarpone, and a little coffee make a dessert that feels gourmet without the cost.
Flavor-packed finish: A light dusting of cocoa and chocolate shavings add bitterness and texture to balance the sweet cream, giving a full sensory experience with each bite.

If you like the creamy-sweet contrast in my Golden Oreo bars, you’ll find the same satisfying balance here, but with a coffee-kissed twist. Make it tonight and watch how quickly it disappears.

How to Make:

Quick Overview

This recipe is straightforward, satisfying, and forgiving. You’ll enjoy a silky mascarpone cream layered with coffee-dipped Oreo crumbs for a dessert that’s rich but not fussy. It takes about 15 minutes of active prep and about 2 hours of chilling for best texture.

Simplicity of preparation: No baking required, mostly mixing and layering.
Taste and texture: Creamy, slightly boozy coffee notes (coffee only here), with soft cookie layers and crunchy garnish.
Standout element: The mascarpone-cream filling is the star — silky, lightly sweet, and wonderfully airy.

Approximate time: 15 minutes active, 2 hours chilling

Ingredients

20 Oreo cookies, crushed (about 2 cups crushed; reserve a few whole or halved for garnish if desired)
1 cup heavy cream, cold
1/2 cup mascarpone cheese, room temperature
1/4 cup powdered sugar, sifted
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup brewed coffee, cooled (use strong coffee or espresso for more intense flavor)
1 tbsp cocoa powder, for dusting
1/4 cup chocolate shavings, for garnish

Directions

Prepare your tools: Chill a mixing bowl and whisk or beaters in the fridge for 10 minutes to help the cream whip better. Also brew coffee and let it cool completely before use.
Crush the Oreos: Place the Oreos in a large zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin until you have mostly crumbs with some small chunks for texture. Measure about 2 cups.
Whip the cream: Pour the cold heavy cream into the chilled bowl and whip on medium-high speed until soft peaks form — about 2 to 3 minutes. Soft peaks should fold over gently when you lift the whisk.
Fold in mascarpone: In a separate bowl, stir the mascarpone cheese briefly to loosen. Gently fold the mascarpone, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract into the whipped cream until smooth and fluffy. Avoid over-beating to keep it light.
Dip Oreos in coffee: Pour the cooled coffee into a shallow bowl. Quickly dip half of the crushed Oreos into the coffee — you’re not soaking them, just moistening so they soften slightly. Drain briefly on a paper towel to remove excess.
Layer the trifle: Spoon a layer of coffee-dipped Oreo crumbs into the bottom of your serving glasses or a trifle dish (about 1/3 inch layer). Spread a layer of the mascarpone mixture over the Oreos (about 1/4 to 1/3 inch). Repeat the process with the remaining dipped Oreos and cream, finishing with a top layer of mascarpone cream.
Garnish and chill: Dust the top layer with cocoa powder and sprinkle chocolate shavings over the surface. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (overnight is best) to let flavors meld and layers set.
Serve chilled: When ready, serve chilled and scoop a spoonful to get all layers in each bite.

Oreo Tiramisu Trifle

What to Serve With:

Strong coffee or espresso: Enhances the coffee notes and keeps flavors cohesive. Try an Americano or a chilled cold brew.
Fresh berries: Raspberries or strawberries add brightness and cut through the richness.
Shortbread or biscotti: A crisp cookie on the side gives extra crunch and pairs well with the cream.
Dessert wine: A sweet marsala or Vin Santo complements the mascarpone richness for a more formal finish.

Top Tips for Perfecting:

Mascarpone temperature: Let mascarpone sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes so it folds easily without lumps.
Don’t over-soak cookies: Quick dips in the coffee prevent a soggy trifle; you want a bit of texture left.
Adjust sweetness: Taste the mascarpone cream before assembling. Add a tablespoon more powdered sugar if you prefer sweeter desserts.
Make ahead: The trifle improves after a few hours of chilling, so make it the day before entertaining.
Garnish options: Swap chocolate shavings for cocoa nibs, grated dark chocolate, or crushed Oreos for a rustic finish.

Storing and Reheating Tips:

Refrigeration: Store covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. The texture remains best within 48 hours.
Freezing: Not recommended, as the cream can separate when thawed and the cookie layers become overly soggy.
Serving from fridge: Serve straight from the refrigerator; no reheating needed. If flavors feel muted after chilling, let sit 10 minutes at room temperature for softer cream and more aroma.

FAQs

What kind of Oreos work best?
Classic chocolate Oreos give the richest contrast to the mascarpone. You can experiment with Golden Oreos for a lighter, sweeter twist, but the chocolate cookie is traditional and balances the coffee.

Can I use whipping cream instead of heavy cream?
Heavy cream is preferred because it whips to stable peaks and holds the mascarpone mixture. Whipping cream may be lower in fat and can be less stable, so choose heavy cream for best results.

How long should I chill the trifle before serving?
Chill for at least 2 hours to let the layers set and flavors meld. Overnight chilling yields even better texture and flavor integration.

Can I make this without mascarpone?
You can substitute a mix of cream cheese and a little heavy cream, but flavor and texture will differ. Mascarpone is milder and silkier, which is why it’s recommended.

Is there an alcohol version?
If you like, add 1–2 tablespoons of coffee liqueur or sweet marsala to the cooled coffee for dipping. This adds depth but is entirely optional.

Conclusion

This Oreo Tiramisu Trifle is an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert that combines silky mascarpone cream with coffee-kissed cookie layers for a decadent treat anyone can assemble. It’s forgiving, quick to prepare, and perfect for family gatherings or a special weeknight finish. For a different cookie-based dessert idea that’s also simple and satisfying, check out the OREO Tiramisu Parfaits | OREO | OREO. Give this trifle a try, share it with friends, and enjoy the smiles that follow.