Dirt Pudding

If given the choice, the Mr. ALWAYS picks this Dirt Pudding over any other dessert. It doesn't matter what the competition looks like. It doesn't matter if it's the creamiest, most decadent, fudgiest, prettiest dessert on the planet. The Mr. will choose this. In fact, I've stopped bothering to ask. If I want to try a new recipe for a dessert, I better just do it (or hope that I don't have the ingredients for Dirt Pudding on hand so I can weasel my way out of it). It's not that he doesn't like other desserts. It's just that he LOVES Dirt Pudding.

Truthfully, I can't blame him. I mean, really, what's not to like? Loaded with butter, Oreos, pudding, cream cheese, and Cool Whip, this is bound to be a crowd pleaser. Plus, the gummy worms make it actually resemble dirt. Appetizing right?

While I like to tease the Mr. about his undying affection for Dirt Pudding, I'm awfully fond of it myself. It was a childhood favorite and continues to be the most popular dessert at any potluck. Plus, it's a cinch to whip together. Sure, you could do this up the hard way with homemade pudding and freshly whipped cream. Heck, you could even make your own Oreos. But really, the joy of this recipe is in the ease of its assembly. Crush a few oreos, beat a few different kinds of dairy products together, and you've got yourself a stellar dessert. Plus, you can change up the pudding combinations based on your mood. My favorite is a mixture of milk chocolate and french vanilla. The Mr. prefers all fudge chocolate pudding. I've tried cheesecake and mint combinations before too. Next on my list? Dulce de Leche Oreos with caramel pudding. I think I'll call it Sand Pudding.

Dirt Pudding
Yield: A lot! Probably close to 20 servings
Recipe by bakeeatrepeat.blogspot.com

Ingredients:
2 packages oreos
1/2 cup (8 Tablespoons) melted butter
4 Tablespoons butter, softened to room temperature
8 oz. cream cheese, softened to room temperature
1 cup powdered sugar
3 1/2 cups milk
2 small boxes instant pudding (mix and match chocolate and vanilla or find your own favorite combo)
16 oz Cool Whip
Gummy worms (optional)

Directions:
1. Place oreos in a large ziplock bag and seal. Use a rolling pin to crush oreos. Pour melted butter in the bag and shake to combine.
2. Place butter in the bowl of an electric mixer. Beat on medium high speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add cream cheese and sugar. Beat until smooth, about 2 mintues.
3. Add milk and pudding. Beat on low until partially combined then switch to high speed and beat until pudding begins to thicken. Stir in Cool Whip.
4. Place a layer of oreos at the bottom of a large bowl. Put a layer of the pudding mixture over top. Repeat until both are gone, beginning and ending with the oreos. Place gummy worms on top. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight.