You will love this classic Dirt Cake recipe. It's a no-bake dessert made with OREO cookies, creamy pudding, and fluffy Cool Whip layers. Also, it's easy, nostalgic, and perfect for everything from birthday parties to Easter, Halloween, or a fun holiday dessert.
Why This Recipe is the Best
This is the best dirt cake recipe because it's rich, creamy, and perfectly layered with chocolate pudding and crushed OREO cookies for that classic "dirt" texture. We love how quick it is to make! This recipe comes together in a 9x13 pan, casserole style!
It's no secret we love a good dirt cake! We have recipes and inspiration for all holidays! Try our Halloween dirt cups, Easter versions topped with Peeps and gummy worms, and single-serve dirt cups for parties.
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Key Ingredients
We love the combination of creamy pudding and crushed Oreos. This recipe doesn't disappoint.
- Oreo Cookies: There are some things you can switch the name brand for store brand, but this is not one of them! OREO cookies are a must for this recipe.
- Cream Cheese and Butter: It's important to soften both the cream cheese and the butter before making this recipe. If you don't, you'll have a lumpy/chunky texture.
- Gummy Worms- You can't forget the gummy worms! They make a fun addition to a tasty dessert.
How to Make Dirt Cake Casserole
Use these step-by-step instructions as a guide to get the best results. You'll love how simple this recipe is!
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar. Beat until smooth.
- Make the chocolate pudding. Once the pudding is set, fold in the cream cheese mixture.
- Mix until a smooth, combined mixture is formed.
- Place half of the crushed OREOS at the bottom of a 9x13 pan. Spoon the chocolate pudding mixture on top of the crushed OREOS.
- Smooth the chocolate pudding mixture until even.
- Sprinkle the last layer of crushed OREOS evenly on the pudding and decorate with gummy worms.
Helpful Hint: Be sure not to crush the OREOS too fine! You want to have a mixture of small and medium-sized chunks for a "mud" look.
Common Mistakes
Make sure you don't overmix the pudding mixture. Overmixing the pudding mixture can make it too thin instead of thick and fluffy. As soon as the pudding and cream cheese mixture are combined, stop mixing.
Top tip
Use high-quality cream cheese. We love it when we can save money by using store-brand ingredients, but store-brand cream cheese makes a big difference in quality. We've noticed that it is more watery, and the texture isn't the same as that of brands like Philadelphia.
Recipe
Easy Dirt Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 family size package OREO cookies
- ⅓ cup butter softened, I used salted
- 8 ounces cream cheese I use Philadelphia, see note 1
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 16 ounces Cool Whip thawed completely
- 2 boxes vanilla instant pudding 3.4 ounce size for each
- 3 cups milk cold
- gummy worms and frogs optional
Instructions
- Crush OREOs roughly in a food processor (be careful not to crush them too small) or in a ziploc bag with a rolling pin. Spread ⅔ of the crushed OREOs on the bottom of a 9x13 pan.
- Beat the softened butter and softened cream cheese together in the bowl of stand mixer or with an electric mixer until perfectly smooth. Add the powdered sugar and mix until smooth. Set to the side.
- In a medium sized mixing bowl, whisk the milk and pudding mix together vigorously for 2 minutes. Beat on low speed to combine with the cream cheese mixture. Fold in the Cool Whip with a spatula.
- Pour the mixture over the cookie crumbs and spread out evenly.
- Cover and chill at least 2 hours before serving. Right before serving, remove from refrigerator and top with remaining crushed OREOs and gummy worms and frogs, if using. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- I highly prefer to use Philadelphia brand cream cheese or other high end cream cheese. I've used all the different store brands hoping that they will work, but they are never as smooth.
- Feel free to make this your own! Use any decorations you'd like.
- For a less sweet version of this dessert, use 8 ounces thawed Cool Whip instead of 16.
Nutrition
Storing Dirt Cake
How long is dirt cake good for in the fridge? Store dirt cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For the best texture, keep it chilled until ready to serve.
We love the texture that the OREOS have after it's chilled overnight. The pudding and OREOS blend together well.
Can you freeze dirt cake? We don't recommend freezing and thawing dirt cake. The texture of the pudding will change. It will still taste great, so if you need to do it, just be sure to top with gummy worms after you thaw the dessert.
Variations and Substitutions
Try these fun variations for fun or for dietary needs.
- Without Cream Cheese- For a lighter version, make this without cream cheese. You can even reduce the Cool Whip for a less-sweet dessert.
- Golden OREOs- Try using Golden OREOs and vanilla pudding for a fun twist, or add peanut butter for a richer flavor.
- Individual Cups- This recipe also works great as individual dirt cups, a layered trifle, or themed desserts like a Halloween graveyard, Easter garden, or even a dinosaur-themed party. See recipe links above for ideas!
What to Serve With Dirt Cake
Serve dirt cake as a standalone dessert or alongside other sweet treats for birthdays, holidays, or potlucks. It's perfect for themed dessert tables and pairs well with simple treats like brownies, cookies, or even ice cream.
FAQs
Layer crushed OREOs, a cream cheese pudding mixture, and whipped topping in a pan, then chill before serving.
Dirt cake is a no bake dessert made with layers of crushed OREO cookies, creamy pudding, and whipped topping, often decorated with gummy worms for a fun "dirt" look.
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