Dirt Cake

FROM CYNDI'S KITCHEN CUPBOARD

Dirt Cake
Serves 8

Dirt Cake is a fun and classic Midwestern dessert that's loved by kids and adults alike. With the perfect ratio of creamy filling to chocolate cookie crumbs, it's the perfect whimsical, no-bake dessert for any special occasion - especially, summer BBQs, holidays, and birthdays!  What a delightful surprise for this Easter using Peeps as the garnish!

Ingredients:

• (2) 3.4 ounce boxes Jell-O brand Instant Vanilla Pudding
• 3-1/2 cups cold milk, any kind (not plant-based milk)
• 8 ounces Cool Whip
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 1/4 cup butter, softened to room temperature
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 15 ounces Oreos, smashed
• Gummy worms, fake or edible flowers, additional Oreos cut in half, optional, for garnish.

Instructions:

 For the Filling:

•  Using a large mixing bowl, add the instant pudding mix and milk then whisk for 5 minutes, or until the pudding is soft-set. Add the Cool Whip then fold with a spatula to combine and set aside.
• Using another large bowl for an electric mixer, add the softened cream cheese and butter then beat on medium-high speed until smooth and creamy -- about 30 seconds. Add the powdered sugar and mix on low until just combined.  Then turn the speed up and beat until the mixture is smooth and creamy – about another 30 seconds. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
• Add the pudding mixture to the cream cheese mixture then mix on medium-high speed until everything is well combined. Use a spatula to give the mixture another couple of big stirs to ensure nothing has stuck to the bottom of the bowl and then refrigerate until ready to use. 

For the Oreo Cookie Layer:

• Add the Oreos – creme filling and all – to a food processor then process into fine crumbs. Alternatively, you can add the Oreos to a gallon-size Ziplock bag then use a rolling pin or a meat mallet to crush the cookies into fine crumbs (like my mom did!).

Assembly:

• Spoon 1/3 of the pudding mixture (a heaping 2-1/2 cups) into the bottom of a 8.25” trifle bowl (or a large glass bowl) then spread into an even layer with a spoon. Add 1/3 of the cookie crumbs (about a heaping 1 cup) then spread into an even layer with a spoon. Tip: to make the cookie layer look a little taller than it is, use the spoon to build up the sides of the crumbs, leaving the center a little more shallow. Repeat the pudding and cookie crumb layers two more times. Alternatively, you can alternate layers in individual glasses or cups.  Try using 9 ounce plastic cups for a larger crowd.
• Cover the Dirt Cake then chill for at least 12 hours then top with gummy worms and/or fake or edible flowers before scooping into bowls and serving. Leftover Dirt Cake will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days.  It probably won't last near that long!