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This easy Dirt Cake recipe is a nostalgic no-bake dessert made with creamy chocolate pudding, crushed Oreos, and gummy worms. Perfect for Easter, Halloween, or just for fun!
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A Childhood Favorite That Never Gets Old
Dirt Cake is such a fun and easy-to-make dessert that both kids and adults love! I still remember the first time I had it—my mom brought this exact recipe to my 2nd-grade Easter party. She served it in little paper Dixie cups, and each of us got a gummy worm on top. There was something so magical about having a special treat at school. It just made it taste even better! To this day, I love making Dirt Cake because it’s no-bake, incredibly easy, and perfect for parties like birthdays and Halloween. It’s always a crowd-pleaser!
What is Dirt Cake?
Dirt Cake is one of my favorite fun and easy no-bake desserts! It’s made with layers of creamy chocolate pudding, crushed Oreos, and gummy worms, creating a treat that looks like dirt but tastes absolutely delicious. I’ve always known it as Oreo Dirt Cake, but some people call it Oreo Dirt Dessert too. No matter what you call it, this easy recipe is a guaranteed hit at birthday parties, summertime BBQs, or just for fun. I love how simple it is to make, and it always brings back childhood memories!
Dirt Cake Ingredients
- Oreos – Crushed to mimic dirt, my original recipe from the 90s calls for a regular package of Oreos but that was before “shrinkflation” and the regular packs were 15.5 ounces. Now the regular packs are closer to 13 ounces. I figured it is better to have more Oreos than less so I am rounding up to the 18 oz “Family Size” pack for this recipe. You can always take a few out if you think it will be too much.
- Chocolate pudding – You can use vanilla pudding instead if you prefer or one box of vanilla and one box chocolate for a lighter layer.
- Milk – Whole milk or 2% will both work great.
- Butter – Softened to room temperature.
- Cream cheese – Softened. This will make it easier to whip without getting lumps.
- Powdered sugar – This adds sweetness and smoothness to the pudding layer.
- Cool Whip – Thawed. Cool Whip is sold frozen and should be thawed in the refrigerator before use. This takes about 4 hours. Thawed Cool Whip can be kept in the fridge for about two weeks. Whenever I buy it I usually just put it straight in the fridge from the store rather than keeping it in the freezer.
- Gummy worms – Depending on the holiday or occasion you can also use other kinds of gummy candies, candy corn, edible Easter grass, or any other fun decoration ideas you may have!
How to Make No Bake Dirt Cake
There is no baking involved in this recipe so it is perfect for kids to make! My kids actually made it all on their own last week. I just sat back and watched them do it all and then got to enjoy their delicious masterpiece. It is a great collaborative dessert to make because each kid can do a different part. One of them crushes Oreos, one does the pudding, and one does the cream cheese mixture. They each get to assemble a layer and then they all place the gummy worms. Here’s a breakdown of how to make it:
1️⃣ Crush the Oreos – Use a rolling pin and a Ziploc bag or pulse in a food processor until fine crumbs form. (Pro Tip: Leave a few bigger chunks for extra crunch!)
2️⃣ Prepare the pudding – Whisk together pudding mix and cold milk, then refrigerate until set.
3️⃣ Make the cream mixture – In a large bowl, beat softened butter, cream cheese, and powdered sugar until smooth.
4️⃣ Combine & Fold – Mix the pudding with the cream cheese mixture, then gently fold in Cool Whip.
5️⃣ Layer the cake – Press half of the crushed Oreos into the bottom of a dish. Add the pudding mixture, then top with the remaining Oreos.
6️⃣ Decorate & Chill – Place gummy worms on top, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
📌 Make-Ahead Tip: Dirt Cake tastes even better when it sits overnight, allowing the flavors to blend!
Fun Serving Ideas and Variations
Individual dirt cups – for easier serving at parties, you can serve these in fun cups like little flower pots for something cool!
Trifle dish – Serve in a trifle dish for a different presentation. Make multiple layers that can be seen through the glass, adding gummy worms along the way!
Halloween version – add candy corn, candy corn pumpkins and tombstones. You can also find candy bones! The gummy worms would also fit right in with this dirt cake.
Easter version – add jellybeans or edible candy Easter grass, you could use vanilla or pastel colored pudding and Nilla Wafers or vanilla Oreos on top for a lighter colored option.
Beach version – use Nilla Wafers for “sand”, vanilla pudding, and beach themed gummies. This can be served in a plastic bucket with a plastic shovel for extra novelty.
Gluten-free options – use GF chocolate Oreos
Frequently Asked Questions about Dirt Cake
Dirt cake can be made ahead of time! It actually tastes best when it has time to sit in the fridge for a little while (8-12 hours), letting the flavors melt together, getting better and better. You can make it up to 2 days ahead of time. The Oreo will get a little soft and cakey, it’s delicious. Just be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or put a secure lid on it.
Dirt Cake can last up to 4 days in the fridge. This also depends on the freshness of your ingredients and how you are storing it. Be sure to cover tightly with plastic wrap or put a secure lid on your dish.
Yes, you can use homemade pudding in dirt cake. It will work the same as instant pudding.
More Easy No Bake Desserts
Easy No Bake Cookies
No Bake Cheesecake
No Bake Peanut Butter Pie
Egg Nog Pie (No Bake)
No Bake Chocolate Bird Nests
Dirt Cake
Equipment
- 9×13 glass baking dish
Ingredients
- 1 (18 ounce) package Oreo Cookies (regular)
- 2 (3.9 ounce) boxes Jello Chocolate Instant Pudding Mix
- 3 cups milk
- 1/2 cup butter (softened)
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 8 ounces Cool Whip (thawed)
- gummy worms (for decoration)
Instructions
- Crush Oreos into fine crumbs by placing them in a Ziplock bag and rolling over them with a rolling pin, or by processing in batches in a food processor. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the instant pudding and milk until smooth. Refrigerate until set (about 5 minutes).
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, cream cheese, and powdered sugar until smooth and whipped together.
- Combine chocolate pudding with cream cheese mixture and beat until smooth.
- Gently fold in Cool Whip until well combined.
- Press half of the Oreo crumbs into a 9×13 baking dish to form a crust.
- Carefully spoon Jello filling over the crust and smooth over until flat.
- Sprinkle the remaining Oreo crumbs over the top until evenly coasted.
- Decorate with gummy worms and refrigerate at least 2 hours. Serve chilled.
