April 22 is Earth Day. What better way to celebrate than with a quick and simple snack you can share with your kids? This is a great recipe that also gives you a bit of knowledge about the layers of the Earth.
Soil is made up of many layers called subsoil horizons. These horizons run parallel to the Earth’s surface, and when you divide them into these layers, you will be able to see what is called a soil profile. Soil profiles can be divided into four main horizons, which this recipe represents:
- Parent rock – It is a strenuous, solid surface of rock, located deep beneath loose surface materials, on which no plants or organisms grow. In this recipe, the bedrock is represented by the Oreo crust layer.
- Subsoil – This layer is located just below the soil surface and above the strenuous surface of the bedrock. This part of the soil is less fertile and lighter in color than the topsoil and full of minerals such as clay, iron, silt and sand. In our recipe, this is represented by a cream cheese mixture.
- Topsoil – Topsoil is the highest layer of soil and contains the highest concentration of organic matter. This is where plants create their roots and obtain valuable nutrients. This recipe features chocolate pudding.
- Organic matter – This layer is where decaying plants, leaves, twigs and microorganisms develop and provide valuable nutrients to the soil below. This recipe features whipped cream and various toppings.
We hope you and your family enjoy celebrating Earth Day with this delicious treat!
Earth Day Dirty Cake
A delicious dessert that represents the layers of the Earth’s soil!
- 1 pack plain Oreos
- 8 ounce cream cheese softened
- 1 Instant chocolate pudding in a vast package
- 6 table spoon Melted butter
- 16 ounce whipped topping
- 1 cup icing sugar
- 2 ¾ cup milk
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Crush the Oreo and mix with melted butter.
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Press the Oreo mixture into the bottom of a 9×13 pan to create a crust.
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Prepare the chocolate pudding according to the instructions on the package and leave to set in the refrigerator.
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Mix 8 ounces of whipped frosting, softened cream cheese, and powdered sugar in a vast bowl and spread over the top of the cake.
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Spread the pudding onto the whipped topping.
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Spread the remaining whipped topping on top and sprinkle with your chosen toppings.
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Store in the refrigerator until serving.
Set aside extra crushed Oreos for sprinkling! Other ideas for additions include jellies, chocolate pieces, nuts or M&M’s!
Calories: 359kcalCarbohydrates: 42GProtein: 5GFat: 20GSaturated fat: 11GPolyunsaturated fat: 2GMonounsaturated fats: 6GTrans fats: 0.2GCholesterol: 31mgSodium: 310mgPotassium: 192mgFiber: 1GSugar: 32GVitamin A: 411IUCalcium: 93mgIron: 4mg