Cool Whip Grave Yard Dessert
Submitted by AngelWinkfield
Cool Whip graveyard dessert layers a chocolate wafer crust, creamy cheesecake filling, orange gelatin, and whipped topping dusted with cookie dirt. Easy Halloween party dessert.
YIELD
4 servingsPREP
20 minCOOK
20 minREADY
45 minThis Halloween party dessert is pure kid-pleasing theater. A chocolate cookie crust forms the base, a whipped cream cheese layer goes on top, then a bright orange gelatin pours over that and chills into a Halloween-pumpkin-colored middle stripe. The final layer of Cool Whip gets a generous dusting of chocolate cookie crumbs that look exactly like freshly turned graveyard dirt.
With the right decorations (Milano cookies stuck upright as tombstones, candy corn pumpkins, chocolate rocks, even a gummy worm or two) the finished dessert doubles as edible tablescape. Kids go for the crumb-dirt first, adults go for the creamy middle, and everyone digs into the cool cream cheese layer underneath.
Make it a day ahead so the gelatin has time to fully set and the flavors marry in the fridge. Add decorations an hour before serving so they do not sink into the whipped topping.
Kitchen Tips
- Use enough ice cubes in the cold water to bring the gelatin to the fast-set range. Ice-chilled gelatin thickens in minutes and layers cleanly.
- Remove any unmelted ice cubes before pouring, or they create clear spots in the gelatin layer.
- Press the crust firmly into the pan with the bottom of a measuring cup. Loose crust falls apart when you cut the dessert.
- Fully cool the crust before adding the cream cheese layer. Warm crust melts the cream cheese layer into a soup.
- Decorate within an hour of serving. Tombstone cookies sink into Cool Whip if left overnight.
Variations
- Swap orange gelatin for lime gelatin for a ghoulish green middle, or cherry for a blood-red layer.
- Use graham cracker crumbs instead of chocolate wafer for a lighter crust and different dirt color.
- Add a layer of crushed Oreos between the crust and the cream cheese for extra chocolate punch.
Ingredients
Directions
Preheat oven at 350.
Prepare a 9×13×2 inch pan with cooking spray and flour.
To prepare crust, combine 2 cups cookie crumbs, ¼ cup sugar, and margarine in a small mixing bowl.
Press firmly into prepared pan.
Bake for 10 minutes and then chill.
To prepare filling, combine cream cheese, remaining sugar, and ½ cup Cool Whip in a mixing bowl.
In another mixing bowl, combine boiling water into gelatin until completely dissolved.
Mix cold water and ice cubes together to make 1½ cups.
Stir ice water into gelatin until thickened.
Remove any remaining ice cubes.
Spoon gelatin over cream cheese layer.
Refrigerate 3 hours or until firm.
Spread remaining Cool Whip over gelatin layer.
Sprinkle with remaining cookie crumbs.
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