Loaded Pudding Pie

Some years ago, I discovered the joys of homemade pudding.  Chocolate, vanilla, doesn't matter much to me.  I just love it.  Boxed pudding mix?  Ummm...I suppose it has it's place...somewhere.  Yes, I do stock boxed pudding mix for use in a pinch, but I refrain from consuming it.  I think it tastes kind of funny...Anyway!  


This pie is a luscious concoction of Oreos (Yay!), homemade pudding (Yay!), and assorted candy and brownies (Yay yay!).  Enough said?  You do have options here.  If you don't feel like making an oreo crust, then buy one.  If you don't have time to make homemade pudding, or simply prefer the boxed stuff, you can totally use the boxed mix.  Don't like brownies, oreos or assorted candy?  Use whatever moves you.  Make it fun!  (Side note: Fear not!  Your loaded pudding pie will not come with a pudding sinkhole in the middle (like the one in the picture).  Sinkholes come only after you consume half of the pie.)


Loaded Pudding Pie


Crust:
24 Oreos, crushed
4 Tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter, melted


Filling:
3/4 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 1/2 Tablespoons cornstarch
2 1/2 cups milk (I used skim)
4 egg yolks
2 Tablespoons butter, cut into 4 pieces
2 teaspoons vanilla
3 ounces dark chocolate chips
1/2 cup chopped peanut butter cup candies
1/2 cup mini marshmallows
1/3 cup chopped cookies and cream Hersheys candy bars
1/3 cup chopped brownies


Topping:
8 ounces Cool Whip
8 Oreos, crumbled


For the crust, preheat the oven to 350F.  Mix the Oreo cookie crumbs with the melted butter.  Press the mixture onto the bottom and sides of a 9 inch pie plate.  Bake for 5 minutes, then remove from oven and cool completely on a cooling rack.


In a medium saucepan, whisk together the sugar, salt, and cornstarch.  Whisk in the egg yolks, and slowly whisk in the milk until smooth.  Heat over medium heat, whisking constantly until the mixture is thickened and almost boiling.  Add the butter and the vanilla. Pour in the chocolate chips and whisk until completely melted and smooth.  Remove pudding from the heat and let cool for 15 to 20 minutes.


Place the chopped brownie over the bottom of the crust.  Fold the marshmallows, chopped peanut butter cups, and chopped candy bars into the pudding.  Pour the pudding mixture into the crust, and chill for at least three hours.


After the pie has chilled, spread the cool whip evenly over the top and sprinkle with the crumbled oreo cookies.  Serve cold.  Makes about 8 servings.


Enjoy!  -Cardamommy