Once the cream filling is ready, I move on to the chocolate pudding. In another bowl, I whisk together the instant pudding mix and milk until it’s smooth and starts to thicken. I love how it transforms from a liquid to a luscious pudding in just minutes! Now it’s time to layer. In my chosen flower pot or dish, I start by layering half of the crushed Oreo cookies at the bottom, followed by half of the cream cheese mixture, and then half of the pudding. I repeat these layers until I end with pudding on top, creating a beautiful contrast of colors.
For the final touch, I sprinkle the remaining crushed Oreos over the top. It’s the dirt on top of my Easter cake! To make it even more festive, I love to garnish with gummy worms. They curl and wiggle adorably, giving that authentic "dirt" look. Then I let it chill in the refrigerator for at least four hours, which allows all the flavors to meld beautifully. The anticipation is so sweet!
Pro Tips for Best Results
When making this dessert, I tested using both whipped topping and fresh whipped cream to see which I preferred. While both were delicious, the whipped topping held its texture much better, especially after chilling. I suggest sticking with the whipped topping for a fluffier texture that stays put!
Another thing I learned along the way is that crushing the Oreos can be quite the messy endeavor. Instead of using a food processor, I put them in a large zip-top bag and crushed them with a rolling pin. It keeps things tidy and allows me to control the size of the crumbs—some fine and some larger really add a nice texture!
Lastly, don’t rush the chilling process. I’ve tried to serve it after just one hour, and while it still tastes amazing, the texture isn’t quite as creamy. The layers really need that time to set and for the flavors to blend, so I recommend allowing it to sit overnight when possible.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One mistake I made early on was not properly softening the cream cheese before mixing it with the sugar. This led to a lumpy filling that didn’t blend well with the whipped topping. Make sure to leave your cream cheese out for about 30 minutes before you start to ensure smoothness—trust me, it makes a world of difference! (See the next page below to continue…)