Denise's Dessert

8 servings Prep: 10 m Cook: 1 h Total: 1 h 10 m Beginner
5.0/5 (2)
Denise's Dessert
Denise’s Dessert is a crowd-pleasing layered chocolate dessert with Devil’s Food Cake, chocolate pudding, Cool Whip, and Oreo cookies. This no-bake trifle-style treat takes about 70 minutes to prepare and is perfect for potlucks, parties, or when you need an easy make-ahead dessert that serves a crowd.

Ingredients

8 servings
  • 1 Devil's Food Cake mix
  • 2 boxes chocolate pudding mix
  • 2 small tubs of Cool Whip
  • 1 package Oreo cookies

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Make the Devil’s Food Cake and the chocolate pudding as directed in their instructions. Allow the cake to cool completely and the pudding to set according to package directions.
  2. In a 9x12 or 8x8 dish, crumble half of the cooled cake for the bottom layer.
  3. Spread one box of prepared pudding over the cake layer. Then spread one tub of Cool Whip on top and sprinkle with crumbled Oreo cookies.
  4. Repeat the layers - crumble the remaining cake, add the second box of pudding, spread the second tub of Cool Whip, and finish with crumbled Oreo cookies on top.
  5. You can eat immediately or chill for later. The dessert holds well in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight.

Common Problems and Solutions

Q: Can I use homemade cake and pudding instead of mixes?

A: Absolutely! Any chocolate cake and chocolate pudding will work. Just make sure both are completely cooled before assembling so the layers don't get soupy.

Q: How far ahead can I make this?

A: This dessert actually gets better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours or overnight. The layers meld together and the Oreos soften slightly. You can make it up to 24 hours ahead.

Q: Why is my dessert watery?

A: Make sure your cake is completely cool before crumbling it, and let the pudding set up properly according to package directions. If the pudding is too thin, it will create a soupy layer.

Tips and Techniques

Use a glass trifle bowl or clear dish to show off the pretty layers. Save a few whole Oreo cookies to decorate the top instead of just crumbles for a nicer presentation.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • Devil's Food Cake mix: Chocolate cake mix or homemade chocolate cake
  • Cool Whip: Stabilized whipped cream or homemade whipped cream
  • Oreo cookies: Other chocolate sandwich cookies or chocolate wafer cookies

Equipment Needed

  • 9x12-inch or 8x8-inch baking dish (for layering)
  • Mixing bowls (for cake and pudding preparation)
  • Cake pan (for baking the Devil's Food Cake)