Death by Chocolate!

 

I call this "Death by Chocolate" because it is a chocolate lover's dream dessert.  There is a mixture of brownies, Oreos, white chocolate pudding, and chocolate chips.  This also makes a really nice presentation and large amount of dessert so it's great for parties, cookouts and large family gatherings.  I made it for my families 4th of July get together and it was a hit!  Here is what you will need for this:

 

1 (18.3 oz.)  family size brownie mix (plus the ingredients called for to prepare them)

1  (14.3 oz.) bag of Oreo sandwich cookies, divided

2  (3.4 oz.) boxes of white chocolate instant pudding mix

3 cups of milk

1 8oz. cream cheese, softened

1 (14 oz.) can of sweetened condensed milk

1 tsp. vanilla

1 (16 oz.) frozen whipped topping, divided

1/2 cup mini chocolate chips

1/2 cup chopped nuts

 

Prepare the brownie mix according to the package directions in a 9"x13" pan.   Set aside after baking and allow to cool completely, then cut into 1 inch squares.

 

Set aside 12-13 of the Oreo cookies to garnish the top of the dessert.  How many depends on how big your trifle dish is.   Place the rest of the cookies in a Ziploc bag and crush them with a rolling pin or I sometimes just use the bottom of  a heavy mug.  Don't crush them too much, leave them with some chunkiness to them. 

 

In a large mixing bowl, mix the instant pudding with the milk until smooth.

 

In another bowl, beat the cream cheese with the condensed milk until smooth.  Add in the vanilla. Add this mixture to the pudding mixture and beat until well blended.   Fold in 1/2 of the whipped topping.   Fold in the crushed Oreo cookies. 

 

Use either a trifle dish or a large glass bowl with high sides to assemble this in.  Even a small punch bowl will work.  

 

Place 1/2 of the pudding mixture in the bottom first.  Then layer 1/2 of the brownie squares over that.  Next, another layer of pudding mixture, then the rest of the brownies. 

 

You will finish the top with the other 1/2 of the whipped cream, but before you spread it on top, line around the top sides of the dish with the whole Oreos you reserved.   Now, finish with the whipped topping, then sprinkle with the mini chocolate chips and the chopped nuts.   

 

Place in the refrigerator for at least 2-3 hours before serving.  This can be made the day before and it holds up great.