Dirt Cake

Featured in Decadent Desserts.

This playful dessert combines layers of chocolate cake soaked in hot fudge, creamy chocolate pudding, and crushed Oreos. It's a crowd-pleasing treat that's fun to make and even better to eat.

Sarah
Updated on Tue, 21 Jan 2025 10:34:51 GMT
A slice of chocolate cake topped with chocolate frosting and chocolate crumbles is displayed on a white plate. Pin it
A slice of chocolate cake topped with chocolate frosting and chocolate crumbles is displayed on a white plate. | kitchenscroll.com

My Oreo Dirt Cake brings back sweet childhood memories every time I make it. The layers of chocolate cake creamy pudding and crushed cookies create pure dessert magic. It's become my go to for summer parties where both kids and adults dive in with equal enthusiasm.

A Beloved Classic

This playful dessert takes inspiration from the rich Mississippi Mud Pie but adds a fun twist. The combination of chocolate pudding crushed Oreos and fluffy Cool Whip creates irresistible layers that look just like garden dirt complete with gummy worms.

What You'll Need

Start with your favorite chocolate cake mix though homemade works beautifully too. Good quality Oreos create that perfect dirt like texture while hot fudge adds extra richness. Instant pudding and Cool Whip make assembly quick and easy. Don't forget those gummy worms they make everyone smile.

Building Your Dirt Cake

Bake your cake then create holes while it's warm. Pour over warm fudge sauce letting it sink into every pocket. Once cool layer with creamy chocolate pudding and let it set. The magic happens when you mix more pudding with Cool Whip and crushed Oreos creating that perfect dirt like topping.

A slice of chocolate cake topped with creamy frosting and dark chocolate crumbs. Pin it
A slice of chocolate cake topped with creamy frosting and dark chocolate crumbs. | kitchenscroll.com

Making It Perfect

Crush those Oreos in a plastic bag it gives you the perfect crumb size. Let everything chill together for a few hours the flavors blend beautifully. Try different Oreo flavors for fun twists mint is amazing.

Keep It Fresh

This dessert stays perfect in the fridge for several days though it rarely lasts that long in my house. You can freeze portions for later just wrap them well and thaw overnight.

Mix It Up

Sometimes I use mint Oreos or make individual servings in clear cups showing off those pretty layers. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzle of caramel makes it extra special. Every variation becomes someone's new favorite.

A slice of chocolate cake topped with creamy frosting and crushed chocolate cookies. Pin it
A slice of chocolate cake topped with creamy frosting and crushed chocolate cookies. | kitchenscroll.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this dessert a day ahead. Keep it covered in the fridge, and add the final Oreo topping just before serving to maintain crunch.
→ Why poke holes in the cake?
The holes allow the warm fudge sauce to seep into the cake, making it extra moist and creating pockets of fudgy goodness throughout.
→ Can I use different flavored pudding?
While chocolate works best for the dirt look, you can use vanilla or other flavors. Just keep in mind it might change the classic dirt cake appearance.
→ How should I crush the Oreos?
Put Oreos in a sealed plastic bag and crush with a rolling pin, or pulse in a food processor. Leave some chunks for texture.
→ How long does this cake last?
The cake stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The Oreos on top might soften over time but will still taste great.

Dirt Cake

A decadent layered dessert featuring chocolate cake, hot fudge, pudding, and crushed Oreos, creating a fun 'dirt' look that kids and adults love.

Prep Time
30 Minutes
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
55 Minutes

Category: Sweet Treats

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 16 Servings (1 9x13 pan)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 Chocolate cake mix plus box ingredients.
02 Hot fudge sauce (12.8 oz).
03 Chocolate instant pudding mix (two 3.4 oz boxes).
04 Milk (3 1/2 cups total).
05 Oreo cookies (30), crushed.
06 Cool Whip, thawed (8 oz).

Instructions

Step 01

Prepare and bake cake following box directions.

Step 02

Poke holes in warm cake. Pour warmed fudge sauce over, let soak in.

Step 03

Mix one box pudding with 1 3/4 cups milk, pour over cooled cake.

Step 04

Let cake chill 20 minutes in fridge.

Step 05

Mix second pudding box with milk. Chill 10 minutes then fold in Cool Whip.

Step 06

Mix most crushed Oreos into topping. Spread on cake.

Step 07

Sprinkle remaining Oreos on top. Chill until serving.

Notes

  1. Can be made a day ahead.
  2. Keep refrigerated.

Tools You'll Need

  • 9x13 baking pan.
  • Mixing bowls.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (milk, Cool Whip).
  • Wheat (cake mix, Oreos).
  • Eggs (in cake mix).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 382
  • Total Fat: 9 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 70 g
  • Protein: 6 g