DIRT CAKE - WORM PIE
A Beloved Childhood Treat That Remains Timeless
Dirt Cake is an enjoyable and simple dessert that appeals to both children and adults! I vividly recall the first occasion I tasted it—my mother brought this very recipe to my 2nd-grade Easter celebration. She presented it in small paper Dixie cups, and each of us received a gummy worm on top. There was something enchanting about having a special dessert at school. It truly enhanced the flavor! Even now, I take pleasure in preparing Dirt Cake because it requires no baking, is remarkably easy to make, and is ideal for occasions such as birthdays and Halloween. It consistently delights everyone!
A scoop of dirt cake adorned with gummy worms and a large spoon.
What is Dirt Cake?
Dirt Cake is among my favorite fun and straightforward no-bake desserts! It consists of layers of creamy chocolate pudding, crushed Oreos, and gummy worms, resulting in a treat that resembles dirt but is incredibly tasty. I have always referred to it as Oreo Dirt Cake, although some individuals also call it Oreo Dirt Dessert. Regardless of the name, this simple recipe is sure to be a success at birthday parties, summer BBQs, or simply for enjoyment. I appreciate how easy it is to prepare, and it always evokes fond childhood memories!
Ingredients for Dirt Cake
Oreos – Crushed to resemble dirt, my original recipe from the 1990s called for a standard package of Oreos, but that was prior to “shrinkflation,” and the standard packs were 15.5 ounces. Currently, the standard packs are approximately 13 ounces. I decided it is preferable to have more Oreos than fewer, so I am opting for the 18 oz “Family Size” pack for this recipe. You can always remove a few if you believe it will be excessive.
Chocolate pudding – If you prefer, you may substitute vanilla pudding, or use one box of vanilla and one box of chocolate for a lighter layer.
Milk – Both whole milk and 2% milk are excellent options.
Butter – Should be softened to room temperature.
Cream cheese – Must be softened to facilitate whipping without lumps.
Powdered sugar – This ingredient contributes sweetness and a smooth texture to the pudding layer.
Cool Whip – Needs to be thawed. Cool Whip is available frozen and should be thawed in the refrigerator prior to use, which takes approximately 4 hours. Once thawed, Cool Whip can be stored in the refrigerator for about two weeks. I typically place it directly in the fridge upon purchasing it, rather than keeping it in the freezer.
Gummy worms – Depending on the holiday or occasion, you may also opt for other types of gummy candies, candy corn, edible Easter grass, or any other creative decoration ideas you might have!
Ingredients to prepare Dirt Cake include Oreos, milk, gummy worms, Cool Whip, Jello chocolate pudding mixes, powdered sugar, butter, and cream cheese.
How to Prepare No Bake Dirt Cake
This recipe requires no baking, making it ideal for children to create! My children actually prepared it entirely on their own last week. I simply observed as they completed each step and then enjoyed their delightful creation. It is a wonderful collaborative dessert, as each child can take on a different task. One child crushes the Oreos, another prepares the pudding, and a third mixes the cream cheese. They each get to assemble a layer and then collectively add the gummy worms. Here’s a detailed guide on how to make it:
1️⃣ Crush the Oreos – Utilize a rolling pin along with a Ziploc bag or pulse in a food processor until fine crumbs are achieved. (Pro Tip: Retain a few larger pieces for added crunch!)
2️⃣ Prepare the pudding – Combine pudding mix with cold milk by whisking, then refrigerate until it solidifies.
3️⃣ Make the cream mixture – In a spacious bowl, beat softened butter, cream cheese, and powdered sugar until the mixture is smooth.
4️⃣ Combine & Fold – Blend the pudding with the cream cheese mixture, then gently incorporate Cool Whip.
5️⃣ Layer the cake – Firmly press half of the crushed Oreos into the base of a dish. Pour in the pudding mixture, then sprinkle the remaining Oreos on top.
6️⃣ Decorate & Chill – Arrange gummy worms on the surface, cover the dish, and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours prior to serving.
📌 Make-Ahead Tip: Dirt Cake develops an even richer flavor when allowed to sit overnight, enabling the flavors to meld!
Topping Dirt Cake with crushed Oreo cookies manually.
Fun Serving Ideas and Variations
Individual dirt cups – For more convenient serving at gatherings, consider presenting these in whimsical cups resembling small flower pots for a unique touch!
Trifle dish – Present in a trifle dish for an alternative display. Create multiple layers that are visible through the glass, incorporating gummy worms throughout!
Halloween version – Incorporate candy corn, candy corn pumpkins, and tombstones. Candy bones can also be found! The gummy worms would complement this dirt cake perfectly.
Easter version – Include jellybeans or edible candy Easter grass, and you might opt for vanilla or pastel-colored pudding topped with Nilla Wafers or vanilla Oreos for a lighter appearance.
Beach version – Employ Nilla Wafers as “sand,” vanilla pudding, and beach-themed gummies. This can be served in a plastic bucket with a plastic shovel for added novelty.
Gluten-free options – Utilize GF chocolate Oreos.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Dirt Cake
Is it possible to prepare Dirt Cake in advance?
Dirt Cake can indeed be prepared in advance! In fact, it tastes even better after it has had some time to chill in the refrigerator for a few hours (8-12 hours), allowing the flavors to meld together, enhancing its taste. You may prepare it up to 2 days in advance. The Oreos will become slightly soft and cake-like, which is quite delightful. Just ensure that it is tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or that a secure lid is placed on it.
What is the shelf life of Dirt Cake in the refrigerator?
Dirt Cake can remain fresh for up to 4 days when stored in the refrigerator. This duration may vary based on the freshness of your ingredients and the manner in which it is stored. Be sure to cover it securely with plastic wrap or use a tight-fitting lid on your container.
Is it acceptable to use homemade pudding instead of instant pudding?
Absolutely, you can substitute homemade pudding for instant pudding in Dirt Cake. It will function in the same way as instant pudding.
Baking dish filled with chocolate dirt cake adorned with gummy worms.
Additional Simple No-Bake Desserts
- Simple No-Bake Cookies
- Simple No-Bake Cheesecake
- No-Bake Peanut Butter Pie
- Egg Nog Pie (No-Bake)
- No-Bake Chocolate Bird Nests
A nice dirt cake pie recipe to try !
Dirt Cake Pie Recipe INGREDIENTS
Crush cookies in food processor or blender, a few at a time to allow them to crush fine for dirt. Add candy bar pieces; these are the rocks. Set aside.
In a medium bowl, cream butter, cream cheese and powdered sugar. Beat 2 minutes.
In a deep narrow bowl, beat pudding and milk until they thicken, about 2 minutes. Fold in the Cool Whip. Then fold in cream cheese mixture.
In a 13 x 9 x 2 inch or slightly larger pan, layer as follows:
dirt-cake-pie-recipe
- 1 pkg. (20 oz.) Oreo cookies
- 2 (3 oz.) semisweet candy bars (Special Dark), chopped
- 1 cube butter, softened
- 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
- 1 c. powdered sugar
- 2 (4 oz.) pkg. instant chocolate pudding
- 3 c. milk
- 1 (8 oz.) Cool Whip
- Gummy Worms - as many as you want
Crush cookies in food processor or blender, a few at a time to allow them to crush fine for dirt. Add candy bar pieces; these are the rocks. Set aside.
In a medium bowl, cream butter, cream cheese and powdered sugar. Beat 2 minutes.
In a deep narrow bowl, beat pudding and milk until they thicken, about 2 minutes. Fold in the Cool Whip. Then fold in cream cheese mixture.
In a 13 x 9 x 2 inch or slightly larger pan, layer as follows:
- 1/3 cookie mix in bottom (sprinkle)
- Add a few worms
- Spread 1/2 pudding mix on top
- Cook mix (sprinkle)
- Few more worms
- Remaining pudding
- Top with the cookie mix to give appearance of dirt
dirt-cake-pie-recipe
