Dirt Cake Recipe Dessert - The Cookin Chicks (2024)

Published: Aug 12, 2020 by Kristin 20 Comments

Jump to Recipe

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!

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 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

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, allowing to seep into the poked holes. Allow 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 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!

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.

More Chocolate Recipes to try

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

S’mores Poke Cake– chocolate 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 Cake– moist, 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 Cake– simple and delicious cake your family will want you to make over and over again.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake– delicious 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!

Print Recipe

4.18 from 267 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

Equipment

9x13 baking pan

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

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

More Cakes

Applesauce Coffee Cake
Blueberry Brunch Cake
Strawberry Crumb Coffee Cake
Banana Crumb Coffee Cake

As an avid enthusiast and expert in the realm of desserts, particularly those with a focus on chocolatey delights, it's my pleasure to delve into the intricacies of the Oreo Dirt Cake recipe presented here by Kristin. With a wealth of experience and a discerning palate for all things sweet, I assure you that the following analysis will provide not only a comprehensive breakdown of the components but also insights into the historical and regional roots of this delectable treat.

Firstly, let's address the fundamental components of this Oreo Dirt Cake:

Chocolate Cake Mix: The recipe suggests using a boxed chocolate cake mix, although it graciously allows for the option of a homemade chocolate cake. This choice influences the convenience and speed of preparation, making it an accessible dessert for both amateur bakers and seasoned experts.
Oreos: A quintessential element, Oreos are not merely a topping but a foundational layer that contributes to the overall texture and flavor profile. The Oreos are crushed to create a crumbly layer reminiscent of "dirt," a key characteristic of dirt cakes.
Hot Fudge: Introducing a layer of hot fudge adds a rich and gooey texture to the cake. The method of warming it to a pourable consistency and allowing it to seep into the poked holes in the cake showcases a thoughtful approach to ensuring the fudge permeates the entire dessert.
Chocolate Pudding: The use of instant chocolate pudding brings a velvety and creamy layer to the dirt cake. The step of combining the pudding mix with milk and allowing it to set ensures a well-defined and luscious pudding layer.
Cool Whip: This whipped topping, when folded into the pudding mix, contributes a light and airy texture to the final layer. It adds a refreshing element to balance the richness of the chocolate components.
Crushed Oreos (Again): The final layer involves a sprinkle of crushed Oreos, not only serving as a visual nod to the "dirt" theme but also adding a delightful crunch to each bite.

Now, let's explore the historical context and background of dirt cakes:

Origins: Dirt cakes are believed to have originated in the 1980s in the American Midwest, specifically crafted for children. It's a playful spin on the concept of layering chocolate cookie crumble and pudding, akin to a trifle.
Inspiration: The concept of dirt cakes is thought to be derived from the Mississippi mud pie, a popular chocolate dessert from the 1960s. The incorporation of broken cookies, pudding, and the playful addition of gummy worms adds a whimsical touch.
Evolution: The recipe has evolved over time, with variations such as the introduction of different flavors of Oreos (such as mint, peanut butter, or marshmallow) and the option to switch chocolate pudding for vanilla for a unique twist.

Finally, Kristin's recipe provides useful tips and FAQs for aspiring bakers:

Crushing Oreos: In the absence of a food processor or blender, Oreos can be crushed by placing them in a zip-top bag and using a rolling pin.
Chill Time: Allowing the dirt cake to chill for at least 2 hours is recommended for optimal flavor blending.
Variations: The recipe encourages personalization, suggesting the addition of gummy worms, bugs, or even Peeps for a classic "dirt cake" appearance.

In conclusion, this Oreo Dirt Cake recipe not only showcases a harmonious combination of chocolatey components but also pays homage to the playful and imaginative world of dirt cakes, making it a delightful and versatile dessert for various occasions.