1. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:
- Mix the Filling:
- In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract together until smooth and creamy.
- Add Crushed Oreos:
- Gently fold in the crushed Oreos until evenly distributed throughout the cheesecake mixture.
- Chill the Filling:
- Place the cheesecake filling in the refrigerator to firm up slightly, making it easier to work with when filling the Oreos.
2. Assemble the Cheesecake-Stuffed Oreos:
- Separate the Oreos:
- Carefully twist apart each Oreo cookie. Place a small spoonful of the cheesecake filling onto the center of one half of the Oreo.
- Reassemble the Oreos:
- Gently press the other half of the Oreo back on top to sandwich the cheesecake filling between the two halves. Repeat with the remaining Oreos.
- Freeze the Stuffed Oreos:
- Place the stuffed Oreos on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze them for about 15-20 minutes. This helps the filling stay intact during frying.
3. Prepare the Batter:
- Mix the Batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pancake mix, milk, egg, vanilla extract, granulated sugar, and baking powder (if using) until smooth and well combined. The batter should be thick enough to coat the Oreos but still pourable.
- Heat the Oil:
- In a deep fryer or large pot, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Make sure the oil is deep enough to fully submerge the Oreos.
4. Deep-Fry the Oreos:
- Coat the Oreos:
- Working in batches, dip each stuffed Oreo into the batter, making sure it’s fully coated. Allow any excess batter to drip off.
- Fry Until Golden:
- Carefully place the batter-coated Oreos into the hot oil, frying them for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to turn them as needed.
- Drain Excess Oil:
- Remove the fried Oreos from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
5. Serve:
- Dust with Powdered Sugar:
- Once slightly cooled, dust the deep-fried Oreos with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
- Enjoy:
- Serve the Cookies & Cream Cheesecake Deep-Fried Oreos warm, optionally with a side of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for dipping.
Conclusion
Cookies & Cream Cheesecake Deep-Fried Oreos are a decadent treat that combines the rich flavors of cheesecake and Oreos with the satisfying crunch of a deep-fried coating. This dessert is sure to impress at any event, offering a fun and indulgent twist on the classic deep-fried Oreo. Perfect for sharing or savoring on your own, these treats are a must-try for any dessert lover!