Delicious layers of creamy pudding alternate with layers of crushed up cookies that look just like real sand. This yummy Summer Sand Pudding is the perfect treat for get togethers, back yard barbecues, even pool parties. And it’s a fun surprise for kids, and the kid still in all of us adults.
Are you a stickler for the grocery list?
Or for grocery day for that matter.
Because, I. AM. Like I can’t function without one. I mean, technically, I can, but I’m going to get home and realized I forgot at least 2 essential ingredients, and then be mad at myself for wasting money on snacks and frozen food items we didn’t really need.
I’m also pretty regimented on when I go grocery shopping and what stores we’re gonna hit up. Everything’s planned out, even the recipes ingredients will be going in.
But every now and then, along comes a particular craft, or a recipe, or something, that looks great.
So great, that I don’t even care that grocery day is still 3 more weeks away. I must has it. N O W.
And off to the store I go.
That is precisely what happened when I first saw Summer Sand Pudding.
It looked soooo real. I couldn’t wait to show my guys. It was awesome! Like an actual yummy, kid-friendly dessert that actually looked like sand, minus all the grit and other things you’d normally actually hate about sand-let alone eating it.
Even the presentation was kick-butt. In an actual sand pail, with a toy shovel for serving. Genius!
This Summer Sand Pudding recipe makes a lot, and it’s rich- so I’d suggest making this when you’re planning on a fun dessert for a crowd.
It’s perfect for a back-yard barbecue, and (obviously) pretty much any pool party, ever. It’s great for birthday parties too. It’s pretty versatile.
Adults will love it, and the aesthetic but the kids? Prepare for them to rant and rave over it!
Alternating layers make a beautiful dish, but what really stands out is the taste of each layer and how beautifully they blend.
A crumbled cookie layer of nilla wafers and oreo cookies is layered with sweet cream cheese vanilla pudding like custard for the ultimate indulgent dessert.
While we enjoy the sand pail serving display, you could easily layer it in a glass trifle dish. Also, it’s easy to do individual servings using clear plastic cups or glass, if you’re so inclined. If doing this, I’d suggest adding a paper umbrella or two to make it look like a mini beach scene.
Summer Sand Pudding
Ingredients
- 1 pkg vanilla wafers
- 2-4 oreo cookies
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 2/3 cup powdered sugar
- 2 small pkgs French Vanilla pudding mix
- 2, 3/4 cups milk
- 12 oz whipped topping
Instructions
- Use a food processor to pulverize the cookies into itty bitty crumbs.
- Use a mixer to cream together the cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar.
- In another bowl, stir together the pudding mix and the milk until evenly combined and slightly thickened.
- Stir the pudding into the cream cheese mixture. Fold in the whipped topping.
- Layer the dessert into sand buckets, starting with sand, then pudding, sand etc, ending with a final layer of sand on top.
Delicious and kids love this kind of thing!
They do, Julie! It’s a perfect ode to summer fun and kid-friendly fare.
Welcome to Fiesta Friday, you’ve brought us a fun and summery pudding for our party. I know the kids in the crowd are gonna love this :). Happy weekend!
Thanks, Loretta 🙂
What size package are the vanilla wafers?
The regular size– I think the package is about 12 oz.
Just curious what kind of pail to use so the desert won’t taste like plastic
I just used one I bought from Dollar Tree. I didn’t taste like plastic, but I made and served it same day.
Can this be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated until hours later?
Yes, it can be. I wouldn’t make it more than a couple hours ahead though bc you don’t want the bread crumb ‘sand’ to get soggy.
I’m in the process of making this pudding for my co-workers tomorrow today being Sunday so I read to that you also said not to make it except for a couple of hours ahead of time my question would be I got the pudding mixture all made would it be safe to save it in the frigerator and then prepare the layers in the morning
Yes, if you need to make it ahead of time this is the best way to do it. Prep ahead of time, keep separate & stored in air tight containers, and assemble before serving!
How many does this recipe serve?
It’s roughly 12 servings. Sometimes I get more depending on who’s eating more- adults vs. kids since it’s so rich.
Thanks so much! That’s really helpful. Also, I found THE CUTEST mini sand buckets on Amazon for serving.
Would you mind sharing the link, Ginny? Those sound adorable, and perfect for Summer parties!
This is a huge family & friend hit !! All ages love it and the Adult children fight over the leftovers !! I made for my daughters caribbean theme bridal shower …… a huge hit there as well !! She now asks for that instead of a birthday cake !! THANK YOU !!!!!