Red White Blue Dirt Cups- Patriotic Dessert Fun

Get ready to celebrate with a dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat! These Red, White, and Blue Dirt Cups are a patriotic twist on a classic favorite, perfect for Memorial Day, 4th of July, or any summer gathering. Layers of creamy pudding, fluffy whipped topping, and ‘dirt’ cookie crumbs come together in a vibrant display that will delight kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

• 1 (14.3 oz) package chocolate sandwich cookies (like Oreos), finely crushed
• 2 (3.4 oz) packages instant vanilla pudding mix
• 4 cups cold milk
• 1 (8 oz) container frozen whipped topping, thawed (like Cool Whip)
• Red food coloring gel
• Blue food coloring gel
• Optional: Patriotic sprinkles, fresh blueberries, or sliced strawberries for garnish

Instructions

1. Finely crush the chocolate sandwich cookies in a food processor or by placing them in a Ziploc bag and crushing with a rolling pin. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk for 2 minutes, until thickened. Allow to sit for 5 minutes to fully set.
3. Divide the prepared pudding evenly into two separate bowls.
4. Add a few drops of red food coloring gel to one bowl of pudding and stir until a vibrant red color is achieved. Start with a small amount and add more as needed.
5. Add a few drops of blue food coloring gel to the second bowl of pudding and stir until a vibrant blue color is achieved, similar to the red.
6. To assemble the dirt cups, take clear serving cups or small glasses (about 8-10 cups are ideal for this recipe).
7. Start by placing a layer of about 2 tablespoons of crushed cookies at the bottom of each cup.
8. Next, add a layer of the blue pudding over the cookies, using about 2-3 tablespoons per cup.
9. Follow with a generous layer of thawed whipped topping, spreading it gently over the blue pudding.
10. Then, add a layer of the red pudding.
11. Finish with another layer of crushed cookies on top, creating the ‘dirt’ effect.
12. Repeat the layers if your cups are large enough, ensuring the final layer is crushed cookies.
13. Refrigerate the dirt cups for at least 30 minutes to allow them to chill and set completely.
14. Before serving, optionally garnish with patriotic sprinkles, fresh blueberries, or sliced strawberries for an extra festive touch.