Easy Walnut Caramel Pudding with Oreo Crumble: Tips for Creamy Texture

You have heard of caramel pudding, with its deliciously creamy pudding and sweet caramel sauce, then how about this Walnut Caramel Pudding with Oreo Crumble? This recipe takes the simple pudding and goes the parfait route, by combining smooth caramel pudding, roasted walnuts, and crushed Oreo cookies, all in distinct layers. You can also ditch the parfait thing and go for the regular old caramel custard with walnuts and Oreo crumble on top, but where is the fun in that?

So, if fun and different sounds like you, then this Walnut Caramel Pudding with Oreo Crumble recipe might be just up your alley. The best part of this recipe is that you can prepare it ahead of time, and forget it in the refrigerator at least overnight or for a day or two. This is a dish best served cold, and just like revenge, it is sweet, minus the bite. You can make it easier by making it in individual portions (if squabbling kids are involved) or a family-size dish, if you swing the sharing is caring route.

Walnut Caramel Pudding with Oreo Crumble

Ingredients:

For the Caramel Pudding:

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for caramel)
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 egg yolks
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter

For the Walnut Layer:

• 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1/2 tbsp butter (optional)

For the Oreo Crumble:

• 10 Oreo cookies
• 1 tbsp melted butter

Instructions:

1. Take a heavy-bottomed saucepan, and heat the granulated sugar over medium heat until it melts and turns deep amber. You can keep, as is, but if you need some motion, swirl it, don't stir.
2. Carefully add 1 cup of milk into the pan; it will likely bubble up. Stir until the caramel dissolves again. Then add the remaining 1 cup of milk, cream, and brown sugar. Let it simmer.
3. In a bowl, whisk the egg yolks with cornstarch and salt. Set aside
4. Then use a ladle to scoop up the hot milk and pour it into the egg yolks bowl slowly, to temper them, while whisking, then pour it all back into the saucepan.
5. Cook over medium heat, while whisking constantly until thickened. This should take no longer than 5-8 minutes.
6. Remove the cooked custard from the heat and stir in vanilla and butter.
7. Set aside to cool slightly, then chill for 1-2 hours in the refrigerator.
8. In a small pan, melt 1/2 tablespoon butter, add walnuts, and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon sugar. Toast them in the butter, or dry, until fragrant and slightly browned. Set aside to cool.
9. Crush Oreos, with the filling intact, in a ziplock bag, with a rolling pin, or food processor until reduced to fine crumbs.
10. Mix the Oreo crumbs with 1 tablespoon of melted butter to make a moist crumble, with the consistency of wet sand.
11. In serving glasses or a dish, layer in this order: Oreo crumble > chilled caramel pudding > toasted walnuts. Repeat the same order if you want more layers.
12. This step is optional, but you can top your dessert with whipped cream or caramel drizzle.

Tips and Tricks:

• When melting sugar for the caramel, avoid stirring and gently tilt the pan instead to prevent clumping or burning.
• Use medium or low heat during both the caramel and pudding steps. High heat can cause the pudding to burn or cook unevenly.
• Let the pudding cool slightly before placing it in the refrigerator. Covering it while still hot can cause moisture to collect on top.
• Toasting the walnuts briefly in a dry pan or with a small amount of sugar brings out more flavor and adds a bit of crunch.
• Crush the whole Oreo cookie, including the filling. The cream helps bind the crumbs and adds sweetness without needing extra sugar.
• Assemble the layers shortly before serving if you want to keep the Oreo crumble crisp. Over time, it can soften in the fridge.
• You can prepare the pudding a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. It stays good for two to three days.
• If your Oreos or cream are very sweet, reduce the brown sugar in the pudding slightly to balance the overall taste.