Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 package (16 oz) vanilla sandwich cookies
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 packages (3.4 oz each) instant lemon pudding mix
- 3 cups cold milk
- 1 container (8 oz) frozen whipped topping, thawed
- 1 lemon, zested
Special equipment needed:
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Electric mixer
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Crush the vanilla sandwich cookies in a food processor or place them in a plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin until they resemble dirt.
2. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
3. Gradually add the powdered sugar and continue to beat until well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the instant lemon pudding mix and cold milk until smooth.
5. Add the pudding mixture to the cream cheese mixture and beat until well combined.
6. Fold in the thawed whipped topping and lemon zest.
7. In the 9x13 inch baking dish, layer half of the crushed cookies on the bottom.
8. Pour the lemon pudding mixture over the cookie layer.
9. Top the pudding layer with the remaining crushed cookies.
10. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until set.
- Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 0 minutes
- Total time: 2 hours and 20 minutes
Temperature:
- Refrigerate at least 2 hours
Serving size:
- 12 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories per serving: 390
- Total fat: 22g
- Saturated fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 420mg
- Total carbohydrates: 44g
- Dietary fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 30g
- Protein: 5g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Vanilla sandwich cookies can be substituted with chocolate sandwich cookies or graham crackers.
- Instant lemon pudding mix can be substituted with vanilla or chocolate pudding mix.
Variations:
- Add fresh berries or fruit to the top of the cake before serving.
- Use different flavored pudding mixes to create different variations of the cake.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the cream cheese and butter are softened before mixing to ensure a smooth mixture.
- Use a food processor to crush the cookies quickly and easily.
- Use a rubber spatula to fold in the whipped topping to prevent overmixing.
Storage instructions:
- Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Serve chilled.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve in individual dessert cups for a more elegant presentation.
Garnishes:
- Top with additional lemon zest or fresh berries.
Pairings:
- Serve with a cup of tea or coffee.
Suggested side dishes:
- Fresh fruit salad or a green salad.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the pudding mixture is too thin, add more whipped topping to thicken it.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours to ensure it sets properly.
Food history:
- Dirt cake is a popular dessert in the United States, especially at children's parties. It is believed to have originated in the 1980s.
Flavor profiles:
- Sweet, tangy, and creamy.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve as a dessert after a family dinner or at a party.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
Meal type: N/A
Occassion: N/A
Region: N/A