Go Back
–+ servings
Mini gummy worms on top of Dirt Cake in a casserole dish.
Print Recipe
5 from 4 votes

Dirt Cake Recipe

This easy Dirt Cake Recipe is a no-bake dessert made with creamy chocolate pudding, cream cheese, Cool Whip, crushed Oreo cookies, and gummy worms. It is a fun make-ahead dessert for birthdays, Easter, Halloween, BBQs, and family parties.
Prep Time15 minutes
Chill Time2 hours
Total Time2 hours 15 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Dirt Cake, Oreo Dirt Cake
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 438kcal
Author: Erica Walker

Equipment

  • 9x13 glass baking dish

Ingredients

  • 1 (18 ounce) package Oreo Cookies (regular, not double stuffed)
  • 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.
    Ziplock bag with crushed Oreo cookies and a rolling pin.
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the instant pudding and milk until smooth. Refrigerate until set (about 5 minutes).
    Glass mixing bowl with chocolate pudding and a whisk.
  • In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, cream cheese, and powdered sugar until smooth and whipped together.
    Glass mixing bowl with whipped cream cheese mixture and electric beaters.
  • Combine chocolate pudding with cream cheese mixture and beat until smooth.
    Glass mixing bowl with whipped pudding and cream cheese mixture with electric beaters.
  • Gently fold in Cool Whip until well combined.
    Glass mixing bowl with chocolate pudding and cool whip.
  • Press half of the Oreo crumbs into a 9x13 baking dish to form an even layer.
    Pressing crushed Oreo cookie crust by hand into a glass 9x13 dish.
  • Carefully spoon the pudding filling over the Oreo layer and smooth over until flat.
    Spread out chocolate filling for Dirt Cake in a 9x13 dish with a spatula.
  • Sprinkle the remaining Oreo crumbs over the top until evenly coated.
    Topping Dirt Cake with crushed Oreo cookies by hand.
  • Refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Serve chilled. Decorate with gummy worms just before serving.
    Scoop of dirt cake with gummy worms and a large spoon.

Video

Notes

  • Use one 18-ounce Family Size package of Oreos.
  • For the cleanest slices, chill overnight and cut with a hot, dry knife.
  • Individual dirt cups make serving a breeze for parties.
  • Use instant pudding mix, not cook-and-serve pudding.
  • Whole milk or 2% milk will help the pudding set properly.
  • Soften the cream cheese and butter before mixing to prevent lumps.
  • Do not remove the creme filling from the Oreo cookies before crushing them.
  • For a crunchier topping, reserve the final layer of Oreo crumbs and add it shortly before serving.
  • Add gummy worms close to serving time so they do not become firm in the refrigerator.
  • The dessert can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Use certified gluten-free Oreos and check the remaining ingredient labels for a gluten-free version.

Nutrition

Calories: 438kcal | Carbohydrates: 63g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 29mg | Sodium: 624mg | Potassium: 306mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 45g | Vitamin A: 396IU | Calcium: 174mg | Iron: 5mg