Dirt Cake Recipe Dessert - The Cookin Chicks (2024)

Published: by Kristin 28 Comments

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Oreo Dirt Cake is one of the best desserts taking only minutes to prepare. Deliciously addicting, this dirt cake is loaded with chocolate goodness in every bite. Moist chocolate cake combined with hot fudge, pudding, Cool Whip, and crushed Oreos! The ULTIMATE sweet tooth lovers dessert!

If you love chocolate peanut butter, you’ll also LOVE my Chocolate Peanut Butter Dirt Cake!

Dirt Cake Recipe Dessert - The Cookin Chicks (1)

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What is dirt cake?

A kind of American dessert made from broken cookies and pudding, sometimes with gummy worms added, and resembling dirt. Dirt cakes are believed to be a spin on the Mississippi mud pie, a popular chocolate dessert from the 1960s. Dirt cakes took the concept of layering chocolate cookie crumble and pudding, like a trifle. It was first seen in the 1980s in the American Midwest, specifically made for kids.

  • Oreo, chocolate, hot fudge, pudding and Cool Whip combined. What could be better, right?
  • Quick and Easy- using cake mix (feel free to make homemade), this cake comes together with minimal effort required
  • A great make ahead dessert.
  • Cool and refreshing for warm summer months.

Dirt Cake Recipe Dessert - The Cookin Chicks (2)

Dirt Cake Dessert Recipe Ingredients

Full printable recipe card at the bottom of this post

  • Chocolate Cake Mix- boxed cake mix is what I use, but feel free to make homemade chocolate cake
  • Oreos- crushed
  • Hot Fudge
  • Chocolate Pudding- instant
  • Milk
  • Cool Whip- thawed

How to make the BEST Recipe for Dirt Cake

This dirt cake recipe is really easy to make! Let’s walk through it step-by-step!

CAKE

  1. Prepare cake as directed on box and bake. Once done, remove cake from oven and allow to cool for 10 minutes.

  2. Using the back of a spoon, poke holes into the cake evenly.

  3. Warm up the hot fudge in the microwave until it is thin enough to pour. Evenly pour hot fudge, allowing to seep into the poked holes. Allow to fully cool.

PUDDING LAYER

  1. In a medium bowl, combine the chocolate pudding mix with the milk.

  2. Before the pudding sets fully, pour on top of the cooled cake. Place into refrigerator to allow to chill about 20 minutes.

TOPPING

  1. In a medium bowl, combine the last package of pudding mix with milk. Place bowl into refrigerator to set fully (about 10 minutes)
  2. Remove from fridge and fold in the thawed cool whip. Mix in about 3/4 of your crushed Oreos and spread pudding mixture on top of cake evenly.
  3. Sprinkle remaining crushed Oreos on top of cake and serve or refrigerate until ready to serve!

Dirt Cake Recipe Dessert - The Cookin Chicks (3)

Supplement Your Dirt Cake Dessert with Dirt Pudding

Dirt pudding is also known as Oreo dirt dessert and dirt cake. It’s a layered dessert made with a crust made of crushed Oreos. Rather than make the cake, you can simply use small containers (or a large bowl) and make pudding with crushed Oreos. Create layers and add a fun gummy worm topping so it resembles dirt and worms. Being that you eliminate the cake, this Dirt Pudding variation becomes a no-bake recipe people of all ages will enjoy.

Dirt Cake Recipe Tips

  • If you do not have a food processor or blender to crush the OREOS, simply place them in a large gallon storage bag and crush with a rolling pin.
  • You can eat the dirt dessert right away, but it tastes so much better if you let it chill to let the flavors blend. I recommend no less than 2 hours of chill time.
  • If you prefer homemade chocolate cake, check out this Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake to use in place of boxed mix.
  • Feel free to add gummy worms, gummy bugs, or even Peeps to resemble more of the classic “dirt cake” look.

How to store your new Dirt Cake

Make ahead of time. We almost always make this dessert recipe ahead of time. We typically make this the morning of, but you can also make this up to 24 hours in advance. If possible, we recommend placing the crushed Oreos on top right before serving because those can get a little soft with the moisture of the cake.

STORE. Oreo Dirt Cake is best stored when covered tightly with Saran Wrap or foil and placed in the fridge for up to 3 days.

FREEZE. If you are looking to freeze this ahead of time to serve on another day, then I would not recommend freezing it because it will not thaw well. However, if you have leftovers that you want to divide and freeze so that you can eat more like ice cream, then you certainly can.

FAQ’s

How do you crush Oreo’s for dirt cake?To crush Oreos by hand,place them in a zip-top bag, place the bag on a towel to protect your countertop, and then smash the Oreos into fine crumbs using a rolling pin.

How long does dirt cake last in the refrigerator?Once covered, this cake will last about 3 days in the refrigerator.

Is it possible to make this cake ahead of time?Yes! You can make this cake up to 24 hours in advance and store in the fridge.

What is the best frosting to use for dirt cake recipes?The cool whip/pudding topping is what makes this truly mouthwatering. Using Instant Chocolate Pudding works perfectly and adds great flavor. You can also use a cookies and cream pudding mix.

How do you recommend tweaking a dirt cake recipe?You can add in some Gummy worms, different flavors of Oreos such as mint, peanut butter, or marshmallow. You can even switch the chocolate pudding to vanilla pudding for a fun variation of this dessert recipe.

Dirt Cake Recipe Dessert - The Cookin Chicks (4)

More Chocolate Recipes to try

Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownie Bitesfudgy brownies with a creamy peanut butter sauce that is heaven in a tiny bite! The ultimate sweet treat for any occasion!

S’mores Poke Cakechocolate cake gets poked all over and soaked in a marshmallow creme mixture before being topped with crushed graham crackers, toasted marshmallows, and hot fudge sauce.

Chocolate Raspberry Mousse Cakemoist, fudgy brownie base, three layers of light mousse—chocolate, raspberry, and vanilla, and then a glossy topping of chocolate and a tangle of raspberries and chocolate curls on top.

Death by Chocolate Dump Cakesimple and delicious cake your family will want you to make over and over again.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Earthquake Cakedelicious cake made of rich chocolate cake, chocolate chips, and Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. The cake may look like an earthquake, but the flavors will absolutely delight!

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Dirt Cake Recipe Dessert - The Cookin Chicks (5)

Print Recipe

4.20 from 327 votes

Dirt Cake Recipe

Oreo Dirt Cake is a scrumptious sweet treat recipe layered with cake, fudge, pudding, and Oreos! Packed with flavor, this dessert is a hit with everyone!

Prep Time30 minutes mins

Cook Time25 minutes mins

Total Time55 minutes mins

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: chocolate dirt cake, dirt cake, oreo dirt cake

Servings: 16

Calories: 382kcal

Author: The Cookin' Chicks

Ingredients

CAKE

  • 1 box chocolate cake mix *plus ingredients on back of box

PUDDING LAYER

  • 30 Oreos, crushed
  • 12.8 oz hot fudge
  • 3.4 oz chocolate instant pudding mix
  • 1 3/4 cup milk

TOPPING

  • 3.4 oz chocolate instant pudding mix
  • 1 3/4 cup milk
  • 8 oz cool whip, thawed

Instructions

CAKE

  • Prepare cake as directed on box and bake.

  • Once done, remove cake from oven and allow to cool for 10 minutes.

  • Using the back of a spoon, poke holes into the cake evenly.

  • Warm up the hot fudge in the microwave until it is thin enough to pour.

  • Evenly pour hot fudge over cake, allowing to seep into the poked holes.

  • Allow cake to fully cool.

PUDDING LAYER

  • In a medium bowl, combine the chocolate pudding mix with the milk.

  • Before the pudding sets fully, pour on top of the cooled cake.

  • Place cake into refrigerator to allow to chill about 20 minutes.

TOPPING

  • In a medium bowl, combine the last package of pudding mix with milk.

  • Place bowl into refrigerator to set fully (about 10 minutes)

  • Remove from fridge and fold in the thawed cool whip.

  • Mix in about 3/4 of your crushed Oreos and spread pudding mixture on top of cake evenly.

  • Sprinkle remaining crushed Oreos on top of cake and serve or refrigerate until ready to serve!

Notes

Recipe adapted from: The Frugal Navy Wife

Nutrition

Serving: 1piece | Calories: 382kcal | Carbohydrates: 70g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 8mg | Sodium: 679mg | Potassium: 171mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 36g | Vitamin A: 111IU | Calcium: 109mg | Iron: 2mg

Tried this recipe?Mention @TheCookinChicks or tag #TheCookinChicks!

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. AC

    Do we scrape off the cream from the Oreos or crush them as is? I feel like it would be way too sweet with the cream.

    Reply

    • Kristin

      Crush as is with the cream, it binds everything and adds lot of yummy flavor!

      Reply

  2. Kathy Kirchmeier

    so we need 2 boxes of pudding? What size?

    Reply

    • Kristin

      Yes, 2 boxes at the 3.4 ounce size each! Enjoy!

      Reply

  3. Lusia

    Is it better to follow the directions on the box for the pudding mix? All the pudding boxes my store has is 3.9oz. So it asks for 2 cups of milk

    Reply

    • Kristin

      Yes, that would most likely be the safest option using the boxed directions if bigger boxes! Enjoy!

      Reply

  4. Heather R Burgette

    should the box pudding size be just 1.5oz? double that seems like way too much.

    Reply

    • Kristin

      You’ll use a 3.4 oz box in this recipe! Enjoy!

      Reply

  5. George Moy

    Do you use two (2) Boxes of pudding mixes ? Because it tells you to mix one of the box of chocolate pudding mix and pour it over the cake and put it aside, then mix the other box of chocolate pudding with the whipped topping and put it over the cake.

    Reply

    • Kristin

      Yes! One box will be used for the pudding layer, the next box will be used for the topping! Hope you enjoy!

      Reply

  6. Morgyn

    Can you use cook & serve pudding mix instead of instant? My husband accidentally bought the wrong box wondering if I can make it work by cooking it?

    Reply

    • Kristin

      That should work great as long as you cook it before using in the recipe!! Enjoy!

      Reply

  7. Sandy

    For the pudding layer in the middle and on top are theyFor the putting layer in the top and then making the pudding with the blender, whipping it up like a regular pudding being mixed by a mixer

    Reply

    • Kristin

      Yes, they are for layers within the recipe! You can use an electric hand mixer or simply use a whisk until thickened. Hope you enjoy!

      Reply

  8. Iarossi Barbara

    what size pan is best

    Reply

    • Kristin

      I recommend a 9×13 baking dish! Enjoy!

      Reply

  9. Abbie Kemble

    Can this be made a day ahead?

    Reply

    • Kristin

      Absolutely!! I have done that before and simply warmed up our pieces when serving and it was great!!

      Reply

  10. Wendy hollands

    Can you buy hot fudge or do you make it?

    Reply

    • Kristin

      I buy hot fudge from the store, but if you prefer making it, that works too!

      Reply

  11. Amanda

    Can the cake part be made a day ahead to save time?

    Reply

    • Kristin

      Absolutely! That should work good! Enjoy!

      Reply

  12. Lyn

    Is it the frozen cool whip that is thawed? Or regular cool whip?
    Thanks 🙂

    Reply

    • Kristin

      Frozen cool whip that has been thawed is what I use! Hope you enjoy! Keep me posted!!

      Reply

  13. Renee

    Dirt Cake Recipe Dessert - The Cookin Chicks (10)
    I made this for a church luncheon and it was a BIG hit !!!

    Reply

    • Kristin

      Yay!! Love hearing that! Glad it was enjoyed!

      Reply

  14. Jlbvk

    Dirt Cake Recipe Dessert - The Cookin Chicks (11)
    I’m a tremendous chocoholic and this dessert cannot be beat. It may be too sweet for some but our family loves it. I made it a week or so ago for a birthday, and I decided to make it again for Thanksgiving. It’s pretty easy too! Another plus!
    Thanks for sharing this recipe!

    Reply

    • Kristin

      Yay!! Glad to hear you love it too!! Its definitely a sweet tooth lovers dream come true! One of my favs!!

      Reply

Leave a Reply

Dirt Cake Recipe Dessert - The Cookin Chicks (2024)

FAQs

What is the dessert dirt made of? ›

Dirt dessert alternates layers of crushed Oreo cookies and a lightened chocolate pudding mixture that is made to look like “dirt”, complete with (gummy) worms!

What does the dirt cake Oreo taste like? ›

Dirt cake is chocolate cake with chocolate frosting and a layer of crushed Oreos. Once you start chewing these, that is essentially what is in your mouth. They are delightful. Cons: The gummy worm sprinkles might look nice, but, sadly, they do not taste like gummy worms, or anything else for that matter.

What's in dirt cake ice cream? ›

The person or people who brainstormed this flavor must have said, "Let's give all those cookies and cream ice cream lovers out there what they REALLY want." They then proceeded to put together the most delicious combination of cookies and cream ever imagined topped with a with layer of chocolate with cookie crumbs ...

Where did dirt cake originated? ›

Where Did Dirt Cakes Originate? Dirt cakes are believed to be a spin on the Mississippi mud pie, a popular chocolate dessert from the 1960s. Dirt cakes took the concept of layering chocolate cookie crumble and pudding, like a trifle. It was first seen in the 1980s in the American Midwest, specifically made for kids.

How to make dirt dessert Yogo? ›

In a bowl, add in the Yogo chocolate dessert, crushed Choc Ripple biscuits and chopped marshmallows. Mix the ingredients together. Serve immediately or refrigerate for approximately 2 hours, so that the marshmallows soak up the Yogo. Enjoy!

What is dirt usually made of? ›

Dirt is made up of sand, silt, and clay, and it may be rocky. It has none of the minerals, nutrients, or living organisms found in soil. It is not an organized ecosystem. There is no topsoil or humus, no worms or fungi.

What are the Lady Gaga Oreos? ›

The vanilla-flavored Chromatica Oreos are "... pink cookie[s] with green filling," as described by Lady Gaga. Lady Gaga on Twitter: LADY GAGA X OREO: The wafers feature various embossments inspired by the album.

What flavor is the dirt worm Oreo? ›

Now it's being reimagined in Oreo form. The classic chocolate Oreo cookies sandwich a layer of chocolate creme and wafer crumbs. Plus, the cookies are topped with gummy worm-inspired sprinkles. Dirt Cake Oreos will only be available for a limited time — but there is a permanent addition to the Oreo brand portfolio.

What Flavour is the black part of an Oreo? ›

Black cocoa.

This type of cocoa powder is critical for proper Oreo flavor and color. I include notes on substituting other types of cocoa in the recipe notes below, but just know that it really won't be the same cookie or have that classic taste without black cocoa.

What is American mud cake? ›

Sinfully delicious, the American Mud Cake ice cream combines chocolate fudge and ice cream with a burst of brownie pieces in every bite.

What are the black crunchy things in ice cream cake? ›

Those chocolate crunchies are made using the same delicious cookies from our Flying Saucer Ice Cream Sandwiches. This ain't no ordinary cookie crumble. This is a patented Carvel delicacy at its finest.

What's in Ben and Jerry's Chunky Monkey? ›

CREAM, SKIM MILK, LIQUID SUGAR (SUGAR, WATER), WATER, SUGAR, WALNUTS, BANANAS, COCONUT OIL, EGG YOLKS, COCOA (PROCESSED WITH ALKALI), COCOA POWDER, LEMON JUICE CONCENTRATE, GUAR GUM, NATURAL FLAVORS, MILKFAT, CARRAGEENAN, SOY LECITHIN, VANILLA EXTRACT.

Why is it called Mississippi mud cake? ›

Mississippi mud cake began to appear in 1970s United States, so named as its dark, gooey chocolate textures called to mind the dark banks of the Mississippi River–which in turn is a sign of freedom and movement and roots for some, slavery and servitude for others.

What is another name for worms and dirt? ›

Dirt cake, also called dirt and worms, is an American cake made from cookies and pudding in combination with other ingredients to create a dessert that has a resemblance to soil or earth.

What were Johnny cakes originally called? ›

These thin, fried cakes are made with cornmeal, and their history goes back to the early Native Americans. While the origin of the name remains uncertain, many historians believe they were called 'Shawnee cakes' by the Pawtuxet Indians, and English settlers mispronounced it as 'jonnycakes. '

What is the browns dirt dessert? ›

For those unfamiliar with the Brownes delicacy, it had a base of chocolate crumble “dirt” and soft gooey marshmallows covered with chocolate Yogo. It was deleted in 2012 due to a low sales rate and super fans of the gooey delight have been petitioning for the company to bring it back ever since.

What is mud cake made of? ›

What is mud cake made of? The best recipes are made with real chocolate, butter, fresh eggs, sugar, self-raising flour, and a little baking powder. Cocoa powder is often used in the cake recipe.

What is dirt ice cream? ›

Last year, around Easter, we invented an ice cream called “Dirt”. It was a cream cheese vanilla pudding base with Oreo crumbs and Oreo pieces. Basically, it was perfection.

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