Easy Dirt Pudding Recipe

Dirt pudding, upon first thought, doesn't sound like the most appetizing dish in the world — after all, who would want to eat dirt? The fact is, however, that just about everyone over the age of five is in on the secret: the "dirt" is really crushed Oreos, so it actually tastes pretty darn good! Recipe developer Jaime Shelbert's dirt pudding recipe adheres pretty closely to the traditional kid's party favorite: chocolate pudding topped with crushed cookies. To elevate the flavors a little bit, Shelbert notes that she "added cocoa powder to the pudding mixture," which makes those chocolatey flavors even more rich.

"These are fun to serve at parties in various glass jars or in mini flower pots for a garden party," Shelbert suggests. "Or for a kids party It can be decorated with gummy worms or construction vehicles." While we mostly associate dirt pudding as a kid's treat, adults can absolutely enjoy the chocolatey goodness — so let's get right into it!

As previously mentioned, the "dirt" in this pudding is made from crushed Oreo cookies. You'll also be using instant pudding mix, milk (Shelbert recommends 2% or whole, but not skim), Cool Whip, vanilla extract, and cocoa powder. "Almond or mint could be substituted," Shelbert says about swapping out extracts. "I even think adding instant coffee could be delicious too!"

The first step in making dirt pudding is to create the edible dirt. You can either put the cookies in a heavy plastic bag and roll them with a rolling pin or you could grind them up in a food processor or blender. Either way, keep crushing them until they resemble, well, dirt.

To make the pudding, you're pretty much going to be following the directions on the box, although you can also add the additional cocoa powder and vanilla as Shelbert does. Use a hand mixer to beat the pudding mix with the milk and the flavorings for about 4 to 5 minutes, until it turns into pudding. At this point, fold in the whipped topping to make what is essentially a simplified chocolate mousse.

You have a choice of whether you want to make individual pudding cups or one big dirt cake. If you opt for the former, layer 2 tablespoons of Oreo crumbs in the bottom of each of eight glasses or jars, or even mini flower pots. Top the crumbs with about ⅓ cup of pudding, then add another tablespoon of crumbs, another ⅓ cup of pudding, and yet another tablespoon of crumbs. If you want to go the even easier route, simply spoon all the pudding into an 8x8-inch pan and top it with all of the crumbs.

Now, you're ready to serve and enjoy! Of course, feel free to add in some gummy worms or other candy additions. Also, you can easily make this dish in advance, and simply store it in the fridge until you're ready to serve.