Oreo Apple Pie Parfait: A No-Bake Layered Dessert in 6 Steps

Make this Oreo apple pie parfait if you’re looking for a dessert that’s full of fusion, delicious, indulgent, and unique.

Desserts are often the grand finale of a memorable meal, and a parfait offers the perfect harmony of texture, flavor, and visual appeal. Enter the Oreo apple pie parfait, a no-bake, fuss-free treat that layers the beloved crunch of Oreos with the warmth of spiced apples and the cool indulgence of whipped cream or custard. It’s a dessert that speaks to both nostalgia and innovation, ideal for festive gatherings, family dinners, or simply when you’re craving something comforting yet playful. So here’s how to create this delectable layered dessert.

Step 1: The ingredients

For the apple pie layer:

• 3 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• A pinch of nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

For the Oreo layer:

• 15 Oreo cookies (more if you’d like a thicker base)
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

For the cream layer:

• 1 cup heavy cream (whipped with 1 tbsp sugar and 1/2 tsp vanilla) OR 1 cup vanilla custard (store-bought or homemade)

Optional garnish:

• Crushed walnuts or pecans
• Caramel sauce
• A few apple slices or extra Oreo crumbs

Step 2: The spiced apple pie filling

The heart of this parfait is the apple pie-inspired filling. To prepare it:

• Peel, core, and dice the apples into small, even cubes.
• Heat butter in a pan over medium heat. Once melted, add the apple cubes.
• Stir in brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice.
• Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are soft but not mushy. You want them tender enough to blend with the cream but firm enough to retain texture.
• Then remove from the heat and let the mixture cool completely.
• This mixture can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to two days, enhancing the depth of flavor.

Step 3: The Oreo crumb base

Oreo cookies serve as a delightful base and mid-layer, offering a dark, chocolaty contrast to the sweet apples and cream.

• Separate the Oreo cream from the cookies (optional, if you want a less sweet base).
• Crush the cookies into coarse crumbs using a food processor or by placing them in a ziplock bag and smashing with a rolling pin.
• Mix the crumbs with melted butter to create a crust-like texture.

Step 4: The cream layer

Depending on your preference, you can either use:

• Whipped cream: Beat heavy cream with sugar and a dash of vanilla until soft peaks form.
• Vanilla custard: Smooth, rich custard adds a creamy body and more pronounced vanilla flavor. 
• If you’re assembling ahead of time, custard holds up better, while whipped cream adds a light, airy finish.

Step 5: The assembling

Use small glasses, dessert jars, or even mason jars for a charming presentation. Follow this order for each serving:

• Base layer: Spoon a generous layer of Oreo crumbs at the bottom.
• Cream layer: Add 2 tablespoons of whipped cream or custard.
• Apple layer: Spoon in a layer of the cooled apple pie filling.
• Repeat: Depending on your glass size, repeat the Oreo and cream layers.
• Top: Finish with a dollop of cream or custard, a sprinkle of Oreo crumbs, and a few roasted nuts or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence.

Step 6: The serving

Although you could serve the parfait immediately, chilling it for 30 minutes to an hour allows the layers to settle and the flavors to meld. Add a cinnamon stick or thin apple wedge on top for visual flair. This dessert is incredibly versatile and can be made a day in advance, making it perfect for entertaining.

Tips:

• Add a dash of clove or ginger to the apple mixture for a spicier twist.
• Use Greek yogurt instead of whipped cream for a healthier, protein-packed alternative.
• Incorporate layers of granola or crushed graham crackers for more crunch.
• Try a pear or a peach instead of an apple for a summer version of the parfait.

Notes:

• Make sure you’re using melted butter to mix into the Oreo crumbs. If you use butter that’s too cold, it will be solid and won’t mix in as easily, leading to a clumpy mix. If you melt the butter, it will become runny and loosen the texture of the Oreo base. So ensure you’re using butter that’s naturally softened. To achieve the right consistency, let it sit out at room temperature for about 20 minutes, and it will soften naturally, making it ready for use.