Dirt Cake Recipe

This dirt cake recipe is creamy, chocolatey, and so fun to serve. It’s a no-bake dessert made with crushed Oreos, chocolate pudding, and a fluffy cream cheese layer — then topped with gummy worms for the classic “dirt” look. It’s perfect for birthdays, parties, or anytime you want an easy dessert everyone will love.

Why Make This Recipe

Dirt cake is quick, simple, and always a hit. You don’t need an oven, the layers are easy to assemble, and it can be made ahead of time. The mix of crunchy cookie crumbs and creamy pudding filling makes every bite delicious.

How To Make Dirt Cake

Ingredients:

For the “dirt”

• 1 package (14.3 oz) Oreo cookies (or chocolate sandwich cookies)

For the creamy filling

• 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
• ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 3 cups milk
• 2 boxes (3.9 oz each) instant chocolate pudding mix
• 12 oz whipped topping (Cool Whip), thawed

For decoration

• Gummy worms (about 15–20)

Directions:

1. Crush cookies: Crush Oreos into fine crumbs (food processor or a bag + rolling pin). Set aside a small handful for the top.
2. Make the filling: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth, then mix in powdered sugar. In a separate bowl, whisk pudding mix with milk for 2 minutes and let it thicken for 5 minutes. Mix pudding into the cream cheese mixture, then gently fold in whipped topping.
3. Layer & chill: In a trifle dish or 9×13 dish, layer cookie crumbs, filling, cookie crumbs, filling, then cookie crumbs on top. Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours (overnight is best). Add gummy worms before serving.

Prep Time And Nutrition Facts

This recipe takes about 25 minutes to prepare and needs at least 4 hours to chill. It makes about 12 servings, and each serving is around 425 calories (depending on brands used).

How To Serve Dirt Cake

Serve chilled straight from the dish, or scoop into cups for parties. Add gummy worms right before serving so they look fresh and fun.

How To Store Dirt Cake

Cover and store in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days. For the best texture, add a fresh sprinkle of cookie crumbs on top if it sits for a couple days.

Tips To Make Dirt Cake

• Use room-temperature cream cheese and butter so the filling turns out smooth.
• Fold the whipped topping gently so the filling stays light.
• Chill long enough so the layers set and taste even better.
• Use a clear dish if you want the layers to show.

Health And Benefits Of This Recipe

This is a treat-style dessert, but it can be adjusted easily. You can use reduced-fat cream cheese, sugar-free pudding mix, or make individual small cups for portion-friendly servings.

Variation (If Any)

• Cookies & cream version: use vanilla pudding for one of the pudding boxes.
• Adult twist: add a little espresso powder to the pudding.
• Mini cups: layer into small clear cups for parties.

FAQs

1. Can I make dirt cake ahead of time? Yes — it’s best made the day before so it sets perfectly.
2. Do I have to use Oreos? No, any chocolate sandwich cookies work.
3. Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip? Yes. Whip 2 cups heavy cream with ¼ cup powdered sugar until fluffy.
4. Why is my dirt cake runny? It usually needs more chill time, or the pudding didn’t thicken before mixing.
5. Can I freeze dirt cake? You can, but the texture changes after thawing. Fridge storage is best.
6. How long does it last in the fridge? Up to 4–5 days covered.
7. When should I add the gummy worms? Right before serving for the best look.

Dirt Cake

A creamy, chocolatey no-bake dessert made with crushed Oreos, chocolate pudding, and a fluffy cream cheese layer, topped with gummy worms for a fun presentation.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 4 hours hrs 5 minutes mins

Servings: 12 servings

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 425

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the dirt

• 1 package (14.3 oz) Oreo cookies (or chocolate sandwich cookies)

For the creamy filling

• 8 oz cream cheese (softened) Use room-temperature for optimal mixing.
• ½ cup unsalted butter (softened) Use room-temperature for optimal mixing.
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 3 cups milk
• 2 boxes (3.9 oz each) instant chocolate pudding mix
• 12 oz whipped topping (Cool Whip), thawed

For decoration

• 15–20 pieces Gummy worms Add just before serving for the best appearance.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Crush Oreos into fine crumbs using a food processor or by placing them in a bag and using a rolling pin. Set aside a small handful of crumbs for the top.
2. In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Then mix in the powdered sugar.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the pudding mix with the milk for 2 minutes and let it thicken for an additional 5 minutes.
4. Combine the pudding mixture into the cream cheese mixture, and gently fold in the thawed whipped topping.

Assembly & Chilling

1. In a trifle dish or a 9x13 dish, layer the cookie crumbs, filling, more cookie crumbs, and then more filling. Finish with a layer of cookie crumbs on top.
2. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
3. Before serving, add gummy worms on top for decoration.

Notes

For the best texture, add fresh cookie crumbs on top if the dessert has been stored for a couple of days. This dessert is versatile; you can use reduced-fat cream cheese or sugar-free pudding for a lighter version.