Description

These Pumpkin Patch Pudding Cups are a festive and delicious dessert perfect for fall gatherings. Layers of creamy pumpkin-flavored vanilla pudding alternate with crushed Oreo cookies to create a delightful texture contrast. Topped with green-colored coconut 'grass' and candy pumpkins, these pudding cups capture the fun and flavor of an autumn pumpkin patch in every bite.

Ingredients

For the Pudding

2 cups whole milk (chilled)
1 cup pumpkin puree
3.4 ounce box instant vanilla pudding mix
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 ½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice

For the Layers and Decoration

24 Oreo cookies (crushed)
¼ cup sweetened shredded coconut
Green food color
16 candy pumpkins

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Instructions

Mix Pumpkin and Milk: Whisk together the chilled whole milk and pumpkin puree in a mixing bowl until fully combined and smooth.
Add Pudding Mix and Spices: Incorporate the instant vanilla pudding mix, brown sugar, and pumpkin pie spice. Whisk continuously for about 2 minutes until the mixture thickens. Refrigerate for 5 minutes to allow the pudding to slightly set.
Prepare Oreo Base: Sprinkle 1 to 2 tablespoons of crushed Oreo crumbs evenly at the bottom of each serving glass, ensuring good coverage to create the 'soil' layer.
Add Pumpkin Pudding Layer: Spoon a layer of the pumpkin pudding over the Oreo crumb base, spreading evenly.
Alternate Layers: Repeat layering by adding more Oreo crumbs followed by pudding, finishing with a final layer of Oreo crumbs on top.
Chill: Place the assembled pudding cups into the refrigerator and let them set for 30 minutes to develop firmness.
Color the Coconut 'Grass': Place the shredded coconut into a small ziplock bag. Add 3 to 5 drops of green food coloring, seal the bag tightly, and shake vigorously, massaging the color into the coconut until evenly dyed.
Decorate: Just before serving, sprinkle the green-colored shredded coconut over the top of each pudding cup to mimic grass. Garnish each cup with 2 to 3 candy pumpkins to complete the pumpkin patch look.

Notes

For best results, chill the pudding thoroughly to allow it to set properly.
Use chilled milk to help the pudding thicken faster.
To crush Oreos easily, place them in a ziplock bag and gently crush with a rolling pin or use a food processor.
These pudding cups can be prepared a few hours ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator.
For a lighter version, consider using low-fat milk and a low-sugar pudding mix, but this may alter the creamy texture.