Oreo Dirt Pudding
Whether you're making it for a holiday, a summer barbecue, or just because you need a little comfort in dessert form, this is one of those recipes that always delivers.
Equipment
- Food Processor or Blender
- Mixing Bowls (at least 2)
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Rubber spatula
- Trifle dish or 9x13-inch pan
- Spoon or offset spatula
Ingredients
- 1 package 14.3 oz Oreo cookies
- 2 cups cold milk
- 1 package 3.9 oz instant chocolate pudding mix
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 12 oz whipped topping like Cool Whip, thawed
- Gummy worms optional, for topping
Instructions
Step 1: Crush the Oreos
- Add the entire package of Oreo cookies to a food processor or blender.
- Pulse until the cookies are fine crumbs—no big chunks left. You want it to look like crumbly soil.
- Pro Tip: If you don’t have a processor, place the cookies in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin. It’s satisfying and gets the job done!
Step 2: Make the Pudding
- In a medium mixing bowl, pour in 2 cups of cold milk.
- Sprinkle in the chocolate pudding mix.
- Whisk together for about 2 minutes until smooth and thickened.
- Set aside in the fridge while you prep the next layer so it can firm up a bit more.
- Pro Tip: Use cold milk straight from the fridge. Warm or room temp milk won’t help the pudding set properly.
Step 3: Blend the Cream Cheese and Sugar
- In a separate large bowl, add the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar.
- Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to blend until smooth, creamy, and lump-free.
- Scrape down the sides of the bowl to make sure everything’s fully incorporated.
- Pro Tip: Don’t rush this step! Lumps of cream cheese will mess with the texture, so take the time to get it silky smooth.
Step 4: Fold in the Whipped Topping
- Add the whipped topping to the cream cheese mixture.
- Gently fold it in using a rubber spatula—don’t stir aggressively or you’ll lose the fluffy texture.
- Once combined, you should have a light, mousse-like mixture.
Step 5: Combine with the Pudding
- Take the set pudding from the fridge.
- Spoon it into the cream cheese and whipped topping mixture.
- Gently fold everything together until it’s one even, creamy mixture.
- Pro Tip: Folding rather than whisking keeps the mixture airy and light—think pudding cloud.
Step 6: Layer It All Together
- In your serving dish (trifle bowl, 9x13-inch pan, or cups), start with a layer of Oreo crumbs.
- Add a thick layer of the creamy pudding mixture on top.
- Repeat the layers until you run out of ingredients, ending with a generous sprinkle of Oreo “dirt” on top.
Step 7: Chill Before Serving
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours to let the layers set and the flavors blend.
- Right before serving, decorate with gummy worms if using—for that classic “dirt” dessert look.
- Pro Tip: Make it the night before for the best flavor and texture. It holds up beautifully overnight!
Notes
Estimated Nutritional Value (per serving)
- Calories: ~320
- Fat: ~18g
- Saturated Fat: ~8g
- Carbohydrates: ~37g
- Sugar: ~26g
- Protein: ~3g
- Fiber: ~1g
- Sodium: ~270mg