It’s made to look like a creepy graveyard, often with (gummy) worms peeking through its dirt-like surface. So this Oreo dessert won’t win awards for being appetizing. But once you get past that sinister appearance, you’ll realize it’s so good, you won’t want to share. This simple treat is made with cream cheese and vanilla filling sandwiched in between two layers of crushed Oreos. Dirt pudding is simple yet spectacular. The best part is that it doesn’t require any cooking or baking at all. Yep, there’s no need to turn on the stove or preheat the oven. It’s just a matter of whisking the ingredients together and assembling the layers. And no, you don’t have to wait for October 31st to have a slice. It’s never too early in the year for dirt pudding!
Dirt Pudding Recipe
Dirt pudding is also known as Oreo dirt dessert and dirt cake. It’s a layered dessert made with a crust made of crushed Oreos. The filling is made of pudding and cream cheese frosting. The crushed Oreo topping makes it an excellent showpiece to serve at Halloween! Garnish it with a few wriggly gummy worms to give it extra hair-raising appeal. No matter how frightening it looks, though, it doesn’t take away from the fact that it’s so ridiculously delicious. It’s so good, you’ll want to lick the dish!
Ingredients
Bottom and Top Layers:
Oreos – Crushing chocolate Oreos turns them into a dark, dirt-like substance that goes at the bottom and on top of the dessert. It creates fudgy, chocolate cake-like layers and gives the dessert its macabre feel.
Vanilla Cream Cheese Filling:
Instant French Vanilla Pudding – Some recipes call for either chocolate or fudge pudding to make the pudding even more creepy-looking. However, I like French vanilla for 2 reasons. One, it gives the dessert a different flavor dimension. Two, I like the color contrast it creates against the dark Oreos. Cream Cheese, Butter, and Powdered Sugar – Beaten together, this mixture creates a creamy and fluffy cream cheese frosting. Whipped Topping – You can use homemade whipped cream here. But since it doesn’t really make a difference either taste or texture-wise, there’s really no point in making the extra effort.
How Do You Make Dirt Pudding?
Step 1: Crush the Oreos in a food processor. I like to just give them a quick blitz because I want some coarse bits of cookies in my pudding. If you want your “dirt” to be completely fine, give the cookies a longer pulse. If you don’t have a food processor or just don’t want another item to wash, there’s an alternative. Place the cookies in a Ziploc bag and pound them with a meat mallet or rolling pin. Step 2: Make the filling. First, prepare the instant pudding by whisking it with milk. Set it aside for a few minutes to allow it to thicken. Next, beat together the cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar to make a smooth and creamy frosting. Keep in mind the cheese and butter should be softened, but not melted. Combine the pudding and frosting and beat until smooth and spreadable. Step 3: Layer the dirt pudding. Pour half of the crushed Oreos into the bottom of a baking dish. Pack it firmly with the bottom of a measuring cup or glass. Next, spread the filling evenly. Last, sprinkle the remaining crushed Oreos on top. Step 4: Refrigerate. This dessert has to chill for at least 30 minutes to allow the layers to set. It also tastes better when cold. If you don’t mind eating a messy, room-temperature pudding, though, go ahead and have a slice. It’s not like this dessert has to look clean and elegant!
Tips for the Best Dirt Pudding
You can either get pre-crushed sandwich cookies or get them whole and grind them yourself. Just give them a quick blitz in your food processor to crush them right up. Don’t overdo it, though, or they’ll be way too fine. You’ll want a few coarse pieces here and there for texture.As this dessert tastes better when chilled for at least 2 hours, make it ahead of time. It’ll keep well in the fridge for about 3 days. Be sure it’s covered tightly with plastic wrap to protect it from outside odors and flavors.Dirt pudding will still taste okay past the third day, but expect the crushed Oreos to start getting mushy.Serve the pudding in a glass baking dish to give it that creepy, graveyard look.If you’re looking for a more classy vibe, arrange the layers neatly in a trifle bowl. Depending on how big your bowl is, you might need to double or triple the recipe.Make individual puddings by assembling the layers in small glass cups.Serve the pudding frozen for a cold, ice cream-like treat.
Dirt Pudding Variations
Dirt pudding is not a dessert that requires specific ingredients and exact measurements. Let your creative juices flow and experiment with different cookies and pudding flavors. The possibilities are endless. Here’s some inspiration, in case you need it:
Instead of French vanilla pudding, try chocolate, fudge, cherry, white chocolate, pumpkin, or banana.Instead of chocolate, try golden Oreos to create sand! Any kind of cookie works, too.
How to Serve Dirt Pudding
Now, for the fun part! If you look at it closely, dirt pudding is just a simple dessert. What makes it appear so intricate is the presentation. It’s all about those bells and whistles! Decorate your dirt pudding with any or all of these toppings:
Chocolate rocks for pebblesFlower-shaped fruit chews Shredded coconut dyed in green coloring for grassGummy worms
More Pudding-Based Desserts You’ll Love
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