Kansas City Dirt Cake Recipe

Kansas City Dirt Cake Recipe

Ingredients

Cookie “Dirt”

• 1 family-size package Oreos (about 18 oz), crushed
  KC versions often use the full big package for thicker layers.

Filling

• 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened

• 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 2 boxes (3.4 oz each) instant vanilla pudding
  (Chocolate pudding is sometimes used in KC diners, but vanilla is the common potluck version.)

• 3 cups cold milk

• 1 container (12 oz) whipped topping, thawed

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• Pinch of salt

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Instructions

1. Crush the Cookies

1. Place Oreos in a large zip-top bag or food processor.

2. Crush until they resemble soft soil—KC versions usually leave a few small chunks for texture.

3. Set aside 2 cups of crumbs for the top layer.

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2. Make the Creamy Base

1. In a big mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy.

2. Add powdered sugar, salt, and vanilla; beat until creamy.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk pudding mixes with cold milk until thickened (1–2 minutes).

4. Fold the pudding mixture into the cream-cheese mixture.

5. Fold in the whipped topping just until blended—do not overmix.

KC-style dirt cake is known for being VERY fluffy, so keep the folding gentle.

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3. Layer the Dirt Cake

1. In a 9×13-inch dish, sprinkle a generous layer of cookie crumbs on the bottom.

2. Add half of the creamy filling.

3. Add another thick layer of cookie crumbs.

4. Add the remaining filling.

5. Finish with a heavy, even layer of crumbs on top—Kansas City versions tend to use lots of “dirt.”

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4. Chill

Cover and refrigerate for 4–6 hours.
Overnight is ideal—KC cooks almost always prepare it the night before events.

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Serving the Kansas City Way

• Serve cold in big spoonfuls.

• Add gummy worms for kids’ parties.

• Add silk flowers or a small trowel for a humorous “garden potluck” theme.

• Some Kansas City families freeze it slightly for a firmer texture.

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Variations Often Seen in Kansas City

KC Chocolate-Stripe Version

• Alternate vanilla and chocolate pudding layers.

• Use chocolate Oreos for the top.

KC Café Version

• Add ½ cup mini chocolate chips to the filling.

• Drizzle melted chocolate over the top crumbs.

KC Summer BBQ Version

• Fold in crushed pineapple (well drained).

• Top with toasted coconut mixed into the crumbs.

OTHER RECIPES

Dirt Cake Ingredients:

• 1 large package chocolate sandwich cookies like Oreo or Hydrox, Crushed
• 1 package (8 oz. size) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup Powdered Sugar
• 3 cups Milk
• 2 packages instant vanilla pudding mix
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 carton (12 oz. size) frozen non-dairy whipped topping, thawed

DIRT CAKE INSTRUCTIONS

First of all put half of the crushed cookies in the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch cake pan.
And then cream together the cream cheese, butter and powdered sugar. Add milk, pudding, vanilla, and whipped topping; blend well. Next is to pour mixture over crushed cookies and top with other half. Freeze the dirt cake or refrigerate until firm...enjoy it !

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