Sand Bucket Dessert

Ingredients

  • 1 large (5.5-ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix
  • 3 cups cold milk
  • 1 (8-ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
  • 1 large package vanilla sandwich cookies or vanilla wafers (crushed into crumbs)
  • 1 clean toy sand bucket
  • 1 new sand shovel (for serving)

  • For candy “ants” (optional):

    • 3 gumdrops per ant

    • 1 toothpick per ant

    • 2 (1/2-inch) pieces thin black rope licorice per ant

Looking for a playful dessert that’s sure to bring smiles? This sand bucket dessert is a perfect no-bake recipe that kids will love digging into — literally! It’s layered with creamy vanilla pudding, whipped topping, and crushed cookies to look just like sand.

Topped with homemade “ants” and served in a clean toy sand bucket with a shovel, this dessert is a showstopper for summer parties, beach days, or camping cookouts.

Cooking Steps

  • 1
    Prepare pudding according to package directions using cold milk. Let it set for 5 minutes.
  • 2
    Fold in the thawed whipped topping.
  • 3
    Crush vanilla cookies or wafers into fine crumbs (like sand).
  • 4
    In a clean sand bucket, layer half the pudding, then half the cookie crumbs.
  • 5
    Repeat with remaining pudding and cookie crumbs.
  • 6
    Chill for at least 1 hour.
  • 7
    To make candy ants, push 3 gumdrops onto a toothpick. Break the toothpick to fit. Add two small licorice pieces for antennae.
  • 8
    Top the dessert with a few “ants” and serve with a clean toy shovel.
  • 9
    Serves: 6 to 8

Variation:

Make individual sand cups by layering the pudding and crumbs in 6 (8-ounce) plastic cups. Top with one candy ant each. For extra flair, add a pipe cleaner or foam “handle” and a plastic spoon “shovel” for each cup.


Why You’ll Love It:

  • No baking required

  • Fun presentation for kids

  • Great for themed parties and school events

  • Easy to prep ahead


Perfect For:

  • Beach birthdays

  • Pool parties

  • Summer BBQs

  • Classroom treats

This sand bucket dessert is fun, festive, and totally customizable — the perfect way to serve up summer in a bucket!

Roughing It Easy

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