If you’re looking for a fun and delicious dessert that will have everyone digging in, look no further than Ben and Jerry’s dirt cake. This classic dessert is a crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike, and it’s easy to see why. With layers of creamy pudding, crumbled cookies, and gummy worms, it’s a playful and indulgent treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
In this article, we’ll be sharing two different recipes for Ben and Jerry’s dirt cake, so you can choose the one that best suits your taste buds. Whether you prefer a classic take on the dessert or want to mix things up with a fruity twist, we’ve got you covered. So grab your spoons and get ready to dig in!
Classic Ben and Jerry’s Dirt Cake
Ingredients:
- 1 package of Oreos
- 1 large box of instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups of milk
- 8 oz. of cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup of butter, softened
- 1 cup of powdered sugar
- 12 oz. of Cool Whip
- Gummy worms (optional)
Instructions:
- Crumble the Oreos into small pieces and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the vanilla pudding mix and milk, stirring until well mixed.
- In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the cream cheese mixture to the pudding mixture, stirring until well combined.
- Gently fold in the Cool Whip until fully incorporated.
- In a large trifle dish or individual cups, layer the pudding mixture and Oreo crumbles, starting and ending with the crumbles.
- Top with gummy worms (optional).
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Nutritional Information:
This recipe makes 12 servings. Each serving contains approximately:
- Calories: 460
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 57g
- Protein: 4g
- Sugar: 45g
- Sodium: 416mg
Cooking Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 0 minutes
Chilling time: 2 hours
Equipment:
- Large mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Trifle dish or individual cups
- Refrigerator
Serving Suggestions:
This dessert is best served cold, straight from the refrigerator. To make it look extra fun, top it off with gummy worms or other candy critters. You could also add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Variations:
If you want to mix things up, you could try swapping out the Oreos for chocolate chip cookies, or adding a layer of sliced bananas or strawberries to the mix. You could also try using chocolate pudding instead of vanilla for a richer, more decadent dessert.
Substitutions:
If you’re looking for a lighter version of this dessert, you could try using reduced-fat cream cheese and Cool Whip, or opt for a sugar-free pudding mix. You could also try using almond milk or another non-dairy milk if you’re lactose intolerant.
Storage:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Tips:
Make sure to refrigerate the dessert for at least 2 hours before serving to allow all the layers to set and the flavors to meld together. You could also add some crushed graham crackers to the Oreo crumbles for an extra crunch.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
A: Yes! This dessert is perfect for making ahead of time, as it needs at least 2 hours to chill in the refrigerator before serving. You could even make it the day before and let it sit in the fridge overnight.
Q: Can I use a different type of cookie?
A: Absolutely! You could try using chocolate chip cookies, graham crackers, or any other cookie you like. Just make sure to crumble them up into small pieces.
Fruity Ben and Jerry’s Dirt Cake
Ingredients:
- 1 package of vanilla wafers
- 1 large box of instant banana pudding mix
- 2 cups of milk
- 8 oz. of cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup of butter, softened
- 1 cup of powdered sugar
- 12 oz. of Cool Whip
- Fresh strawberries, sliced
- Gummy worms (optional)
Instructions:
- Crumble the vanilla wafers into small pieces and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the banana pudding mix and milk, stirring until well mixed.
- In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the cream cheese mixture to the pudding mixture, stirring until well combined.
- Gently fold in the Cool Whip until fully incorporated.
- In a large trifle dish or individual cups, layer the pudding mixture and vanilla wafer crumbles, starting and ending with the crumbles.
- Add a layer of sliced strawberries on top of the pudding mixture.
- Top with gummy worms (optional).
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Nutritional Information:
This recipe makes 12 servings. Each serving contains approximately:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 23g
- Carbohydrates: 59g
- Protein: 4g
- Sugar: 45g
- Sodium: 358mg
Cooking Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 0 minutes
Chilling time: 2 hours
Equipment:
- Large mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Trifle dish or individual cups
- Refrigerator
Serving Suggestions:
This dessert is best served cold, straight from the refrigerator. Top it off with fresh sliced strawberries and gummy worms for a fun and fruity twist.
Variations:
If you want to mix things up even more, you could try using a different type of pudding mix, such as chocolate or vanilla. You could also try adding different types of fruit, such as sliced bananas, raspberries, or blueberries.
Substitutions:
If you’re looking for a lighter version of this dessert, you could try using reduced-fat cream cheese and Cool Whip, or opt for a sugar-free pudding mix. You could also try using almond milk or another non-dairy milk if you’re lactose intolerant.
Storage:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Tips:
Make sure to refrigerate the dessert for at least 2 hours before serving to allow all the layers to set and the flavors to meld together. You could also try adding a layer of whipped cream on top for an extra indulgent treat.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I use a different type of fruit?
A: Absolutely! This recipe would work well with a variety of different fruits, such as bananas, raspberries, or blueberries. Just make sure to slice them thinly so they layer well in the dessert.
Personal Thoughts
After trying out both of these recipes, I have to say that I’m a big fan of Ben and Jerry’s dirt cake. The classic