This straightforward Dirt Cake Recipe (Oreo Dirt Pudding) is among our preferred no-bake desserts! Crushed Oreos are layered with a French vanilla pudding mixture, creating a kid-friendly, make-ahead dessert that is ideal for any potluck or BBQ! For a playful element, consider adding gummy worms!
A front view of this Oreo Dirt Cake Recipe displayed in a glass trifle dish showcases three layers of pudding and three layers of crushed Oreos, topped with gummy worms, alongside a spoon and a single-serve dish of Oreo Dirt Cake.
The first time I tasted this Oreo dirt cake at a friend's graduation celebration, I realized I needed the recipe. His mother kindly shared her recipe with me, and I have been preparing it ever since (for nearly 20 years).
Over the years, I have refined it and adjusted it to perfection, right down to the specific type and brand of pudding required to create the finest Oreo dirt cake you will ever experience.
This dirt pudding remains one of our favorite no-bake desserts! It is a kid-friendly, make-ahead recipe that is perfect for any potluck or BBQ. Everyone praises it, including Linda:
I am returning to print this recipe to share with eight individuals from the party where I provided dirt cake for dessert!! It was a success, and I will now be sending it to the hostess and several attendees of the party. It is not overly complicated to prepare, and it is incredibly delicious and truly unique. It genuinely serves 16 – 20, and I absolutely love it!!
Dirt Cake Recipe: Ingredients & Substitutions
This dirt pudding is truly exceptional when prepared precisely as instructed. Nevertheless, let us explore the ingredients and potential substitutions.
An overhead view of the labeled ingredients in this Oreo dirt cake recipe.
Milk. I suggest using either 2% milk or whole milk.
French Vanilla Pudding. This is the key ingredient that elevates this recipe to the highest level. I utilize Jello Instant French Vanilla Pudding & Pie Filling, which is simply the best. I once purchased a generic brand of French vanilla pudding, and Ritch could distinctly taste the difference! While you could opt for regular vanilla pudding or chocolate pudding (to resemble dirt more closely), I firmly believe that the secret to creating the finest dirt cake lies in using French vanilla pudding! Consider trying this homemade vanilla pudding! Alternatively, you can use chocolate pudding as seen in this dirt cups recipe.
Oreos. I exclusively purchase double stuffed Oreos, but any variety with any amount of filling works well. This recipe requires a 15 oz package, but feel free to add more if desired! You may also substitute gluten-free sandwich cookies or another type of cookie if you prefer (such as JoJos).
Butter. Both salted and unsalted butter are suitable for this recipe. I personally use salted.
Cool Whip. Any variety of Cool Whip is excellent for this dirt cake recipe. I opted for extra creamy since we are already indulging in this recipe, and I want it to be as rich and creamy as possible! Choose your favorite! Alternatively, you can prepare your own homemade whipped cream.
How to Make Dirt Cake
This dirt cake recipe is remarkably simple to prepare! Let us proceed through it step-by-step, and remember to watch the video!
Step 1: Combine the Pudding & Milk
The French vanilla pudding must be blended with the milk and then refrigerated to set. This is why I recommend completing this step first, allowing it to set while you mix the remaining pudding ingredients and chop the Oreos!
Step 2: Chop Some Oreos
Remove eight Oreos (or more if you purchased a family-sized bag) from the package and chop them into ¼” to ½” pieces. This straightforward step enhances the uniqueness of this dirt cake recipe.
My personal favorite pieces of this dirt pudding are those that include large chunks of soft Oreos. They provide the best texture after being infused with pudding from chilling overnight! Believe me, do not overlook this step!
Step 3: Crush the Rest of the Oreos
Once you have chopped a few Oreos, proceed to crush the remainder. This can be easily accomplished using a food processor equipped with an “S” blade. Just keep in mind that you may need to pause, remove any Oreos that become lodged in the blades, and continue processing!
If a food processor is not available, a rolling pin can be utilized. Just ensure that you crush them into a fine powder so they resemble dirt!!
Step 4: Make the Pudding Layer
Initiate the pudding layer by creaming the butter and cream cheese together. The crucial aspect of this step is to ensure that both the butter and cream cheese are softened and at room temperature for easy blending!
I suggest using a standing mixer, although I successfully used a hand mixer (for filming purposes) with excellent results!
Next, incorporate the powdered sugar until the mixture achieves a smooth consistency.
Then, blend in the chilled and thickened pudding mixture until it is smooth and free of lumps.
Finally, gently fold in the cool whip. This is the only component of the pudding mixture that should not be beaten. Simply fold it into the pudding mixture with a spatula until it is completely integrated and the pudding is uniform throughout.
Step 5: Assemble the Dirt Cake
Now that you have prepared the pudding and the “dirt” (Oreos), it is time to layer them together to create this Oreo Dirt Cake! Each layer consists of the following:
- 2 cups of pudding mixture
- ½ cup crushed Oreos
- ¼ cup chopped Oreos
Then continue layering until all ingredients are utilized. Ensure that you finish with a layer of Oreos! The quantities of ingredients may vary if you opt for a different serving dish instead of this glass trifle dish. I elaborate on additional serving options below!
The left image illustrates a hand measuring 1 cup of pudding into the dish, while the right image shows a hand adding crushed Oreos atop the pudding layer in this Oreo Dirt Cake.
The right image captures a hand sprinkling Oreos into the dish, while the left image depicts the addition of another pudding layer to the Oreo Dirt Cake.
Step 6: Incorporate Gummy Worms
For an enjoyable touch, place some gummy worms on top of the dirt cake once you have completed the layering process. You may choose to add them on top of each dirt layer if you are particularly fond of them! Personally, I do not favor the fruity flavor in my Oreo Dirt Cake, so I prefer to simply place them on top and provide extras on the side!
Overhead view of a hand placing gummy worms atop this Oreo Dirt Cake in a round glass trifle dish.
Step 7: Refrigerate Overnight
Allowing this Oreo Dirt Cake recipe to chill overnight is essential for achieving optimal flavor and texture. The pudding and Oreos blend together, resulting in an extraordinarily delicious dessert! Just cover the trifle dish with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator overnight.
While it is possible to chill it for just a couple of hours if absolutely necessary, I suggest taking advantage of the fact that this no-bake dessert should be prepared the day before a significant event, allowing you to focus on preparing other recipes (such as this Pasta Salad or Asian Quinoa Salad) on the day of!
Front view of this Oreo Dirt Cake Recipe in a glass trifle dish featuring three layers of pudding and three layers of crushed Oreos topped with gummy worms.
Step 8: Serve
After demonstrating remarkable self-control and patience by allowing this Dirt Cake recipe to chill overnight, it is time to serve.
There are several types of "vessels" you can utilize to prepare this Oreo Dirt Cake recipe.
Glass Trifle Dish: I employed this Trifle Bowl from Crate and Barrel to create this recipe as shown! It is a truly exquisite piece of serving ware and is reasonably priced at $25! If you prefer shopping on Amazon, the Anchor Hocking Trifle Bowl is another excellent option, available for just $19!
When using a dish like this, I prefer to serve it with a long serving spoon!
A Cute Bucket. When I feel inclined to go the extra mile for the children, I have prepared this dirt pudding to bring to a BBQ or potluck in an adorable metal bucket or a plastic bucket!
When I make this in a bucket, I like to add a playful touch by serving it with a shovel, such as this Garden Trowel or even a plastic Sand toy shovel! Just ensure that neither the bucket nor the shovel has been previously used for gardening or playing in the sand!
Individual Dirt Cake Cups: You can always deconstruct the recipe and layer it into individual dirt cake cups for convenient serving! These small clear plastic cups are ideal for that purpose! Be sure to check out this dirt cups recipe!
9×13" Glass Baking Dish. If you prefer to simply spread this dirt cake in a 9×13" baking dish, that is also a viable option! You will likely achieve only two layers of each, and I suggest beginning with a pudding layer at the bottom! It’s a bonus if the baking dish comes with a lid for easy transport!
Store/Freeze
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days, or you can cover the top of the serving dish with plastic wrap to keep it in the refrigerator as well.
You can also store it in the freezer in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw it slowly in the refrigerator (do not use a microwave).
An up-close front view of a spoon holding a scoop of Oreo Dirt Cake featuring two layers of pudding and two layers of crushed Oreos.
Oreo Dirt Cake Recipe FAQs
Why is it referred to as Dirt Cake?
This recipe is termed "dirt cake" or "dirt pudding" because the cookies resemble dirt! Adding gummy worms and a few flowers on top can transform it into a charming garden dirt plot.
What is dirt cake?
This dessert is referred to as "dirt cake" or "dirt pudding" due to the appearance of the cookies resembling dirt! By adding gummy worms and a few decorative flowers on top, it can resemble an adorable garden dirt patch.
What ingredients are used in dirt cake?
As evident, this cake does not contain any actual dirt. In this recipe, crushed sandwich cookies mimic the look of dirt. When layered with a delectable pudding, it is both charming and tasty.
Is it possible to freeze this recipe?
Indeed, you can freeze this dirt cake in a sealed container for a duration of up to one month.
Equipment
- KitchenAid Mixer
- hand mixer
- measuring spoons
- measuring cups
- spatula
- glass batter bowl
Notes
Ingredient Substitutions
Milk. I recommend using 2% milk or whole milk.
French Vanilla Pudding. You may substitute instant vanilla or chocolate pudding if French vanilla is unavailable. Alternatively, you can prepare your own homemade vanilla or chocolate pudding.
Oreos. I recommend double stuffed Oreos, but any variety with any amount of filling will suffice. This recipe requires a 14 oz package (standard size, typically containing 28 cookies), but feel free to add more! Gluten-free sandwich cookies or other cookies, such as JoJos, can also be used if preferred.
Salted butter. Unsalted butter is a suitable alternative.
Cool Whip. If desired, you can prepare your own homemade whipped cream instead.
Store/Freeze
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days, or alternatively, you can cover the top of the serving dish with plastic wrap to keep it in the refrigerator as well.
For freezing, place it in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw gradually in the refrigerator (do not use a microwave).
OTHER RECIPES
A nice dirt cake recipe to try !
Ingredients:
Crush the cookies in blender or food processor; set aside.
Cream together butter and cream cheese. In large bowl, mix pudding mix with milk.
Ingredients:
- 1 large bag Oreo cookies
- 1/4 cup butter or margarine
- 1 package (8 oz. size) cream cheese, softened
- 2 large boxes of vanilla instant pudding
- 2 cups milk
- 8 ounces cool whip
- Artificial flower, if desired
Crush the cookies in blender or food processor; set aside.
Cream together butter and cream cheese. In large bowl, mix pudding mix with milk.
Add cream cheese mixture and cool whip.
Beat together until combined.
In a deep attractive bowl, layer 1/3 cookie mixture, then 1/2 pudding mixture, then 1/3 cookie mixture, remaining pudding mixture, ending with cookie mixture.
In a deep attractive bowl, layer 1/3 cookie mixture, then 1/2 pudding mixture, then 1/3 cookie mixture, remaining pudding mixture, ending with cookie mixture.
Add flower if desired.
Refrigerate. The dirt cake recipe is ready...enjoy it !
dirt-cake-pie-recipes-2
Refrigerate. The dirt cake recipe is ready...enjoy it !
dirt-cake-pie-recipes-2
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