| | |

Best OREO Dirt Cake Recipe. Ever.

This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a commission.

This is quite literally the best OREO Dirt Cake recipe (OREO Dirt Pudding) on the internet. In just 15 minutes plus chill time, you can make this delicious dessert with yummy chocolate and cream OREO cookies layered with a rich, creamy custard.

dirt cake with oreo on top in glass trifle dish

Want to save this recipe?

Enter your email & I’ll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from me every week!

Save Recipe

What is dirt cake?

Dirt Cake is a classic all American dessert recipe, also called Dirt Pudding. It features layers of crushed OREO cookies and a thick, creamy custard that just melts in your mouth. It is often served with gummy worms on top (pictures below.)

No only is it a no bake dessert, but it is perfect to make ahead for entertaining or potlucks.

This recipe is very easy to make, in just 15 minutes you can have it ready to go. It does need to chill in the refrigerator at least two hours for the best taste though so plan ahead. I personally prefer to let it sit overnight so I try to make it the day before ideally.

Ingredients

  • OREO cookies
  • butter
  • cream cheese
  • powdered sugar
  • milk
  • French Vanilla pudding mix
  • Cool Whip
dirt cake ingredients oreos pudding mix milk butter cream cheese whipped cream powdered sugar

Step by step

creamed cream cheese and butter on the whisk of a stand mixer

Step 1: Combine sugar, butter, and cream cheese

You can make the OREO dirt pudding mixture with either a hand mixer or stand mixer (affiliate link).

Combine softened cream cheese, softened butter, and powdered sugar and cream together in the mixer until combined.

overhead view of stand mixer glass and measuring cups full of milk container whipped cream pudding mix

Step 2: Make the pudding

In a separate large bowl whisk together the milk, pudding mix, and whipped cream as shown in photo 1 below.

As the mixture combines you will notice the whipped topping stays on the top like in photo 2 below.

Continue mixing until the mixture is completely uniform like photo 3 and a lovely buttery yellow color.

collage of step by step photos for mixing pudding for dirt cake

Pour the whipped cream mixture into the cream cheese mix as shown in photo 4 above and mix on medium speed until completely blended. The pudding will be thick and thicken further as it sits.

collage showing before and after pulsing OREOs in a blender to crumbs

STYLING TIP: For a pretty presentation, set aside one OREO to top the dirt cake with after it’s finished!

Step 3: Crush OREOS

Use a food processor or blender (affiliate link) to crush the OREO cookies into fine crumbs as shown above.

You can also crush the OREOs by hand by placing them in a gallon size Ziploc bag, sealing it, and crushing with a rolling pin. (The kids love to help with this!)

Step 4: Layer the dirt pudding and OREOs

To layer in a trifle dish, you will need your pudding mix, cookie crumbs, a ladle, and two spoons-one for the cookies and one to spread the pudding.

Now it’s time to layer the dirt cake! I like to make this recipe in a trifle dish so you can see all the deliciousness! If you don’t have a trifle dish you can easily make it in a 9×13 pan, the layers will just be thinner.

step by step tutorial for spreading pudding mix in a trifle dish for dirt cake

How to make perfect layers in a trifle dish

Use a ladle to scoop about a cup of pudding mixture (photo 2) and plop it right down in the middle of your trifle dish.

Use the back of a spoon (photo 3 above) to push the pudding out from the middle to the edges of the dish.

TIP: If you are worried about smudges showing on the glass, use a paper towel to wipe them clean as you go as in step 4 above.

step by step layering cookies crumbs and pudding for dirt cake

Sprinkle about 1/4 inch even layer of OREO crumbs over the pudding (step 1 above).

Continue layering the pudding adding new layers to the middle of the cookie layer (step 2) then gently pushing the pudding to the edges (step 3).

Add the pudding and remaining cookie crumbs until it is gone, usually four layers of each.

TIP: For the prettiest layers always place the custard in the middle over the crumbs and push outward gently with the back of a spoon. Pat the top layer of OREO down with the back of a spoon as well (step 4 above).

Top with a whole OREO or gummy worms if desired.

top of a dirt cake covered in crumbed OREOs with whole OREO on top

Tips & Tricks

  • Be sure to thoroughly soften the butter and cream cheese before creaming together to ensure your pudding layer turns out smooth without lumps.
  • If your dirt cake turns out runny instead of thick, check to make sure you used INSTANT pudding mix, not traditional stovetop pudding.
  • If you do not have a food processor or blender (affiliate link) to crush the OREOS, simply place them in a large gallon storage bag and crush with a rolling pin.
  • You can eat the dirt cake 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 or preferably overnight.
  • To achieve the pretty layers in a trifle dish, ladle the pudding mixture into the direct center of the dish then use the back of a spoon to gently push it towards the edges. Keep the spoon away from the crumbs so they don’t mix together.
dirt cake in a red flower pot with two gummy worms

Substitutions

  • Milk: Use any milk for this recipe, I usually use 2%
  • Pudding: For the very best results use Jello Instant French Vanilla pudding, regular vanilla can be used if necessary. Make sure it is INSTANT, not stovetop. I have readers who have used instant chocolate pudding for another variation with good results.
  • Cool Whip: Any brand of whipped topping is fine, there is no difference between brands.
  • OREOs: I have made this with both regular and double stuffed OREOs. If you use Double Stuff you may want to add a little more than one package so there is plenty of cookie in the dirt layers. I don’t suggest off-brand sandwich cookies.

Serving suggestions

  • I usually use a trifle dish so you can see all those delicious layers but you can also serve this in a 9 by 13 inch glass baking dish.
  • My aunt always served her dirt cake in a plastic flower pot with gummy worms and fake flowers stuck in. It is a super cute, especially for kids.
  • This recipe is also cute in a sand bucket with a shovel for serving.
  • You can also serve it in clear plastic single serve cups like I did with these strawberry “carrots” for this Easter dirt cake recipe.

For similar recipes try my Peanut Butter Dirt Cake Trifle, Mint OREO Truffles, or 3 Ingredient OREO Fudge.

OREO dirt cake in a trifle dish

Useful Tools:

If you’ve tried this recipe please comment and rate it below, I love hearing from you!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
easy oreo dirt cake trifle

Dirt Cake Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 11 reviews

  • Author: Melissa Riker
  • Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

This is quite literally the best Dirt Cake recipe on the internet. In just 15 minutes you can make this delicious dessert with yummy chocolate and cream OREO cookies layered with a rich, creamy custard.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1/3 cup butter, softened
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 packages French Vanilla Jello INSTANT Pudding
  • 3 1/2 cups milk
  • 8 oz container of Cool Whip
  • 1 family size (1 lb 3 oz) package OREOS cookies

Instructions

  1. Cream together butter, cream cheese, and powdered sugar in a large bowl until just blended. Do not over mix.
  2. In a separate large bowl whisk together pudding mix, milk, and Cool Whip. 
  3. Add pudding mixture to the cream cheese mixture and mix until uniform.
  4. Crush Oreos into fine crumbs using a food processor or blender (affiliate link).
  5. Use a ladle to scoop about 1-1 1/4 cups pudding mix into the center of a trifle dish. Push to the edges with the back of a spoon.
  6. Use a large spoon to cover pudding with about 1/4 inch of OREO crumbs. 
  7. Repeat layers until done, about 4 layers of each. Tap final OREO layer into the top of the dirt cake with the back of a spoon.
  8. For best results, chill at least two hours before serving.

Equipment

Notes

  • Be sure to thoroughly soften the butter and cream cheese before creaming together to ensure your pudding layer turns out smooth.
  • If your dirt cake turns out runny instead of thick, check to make sure you used INSTANT pudding, not traditional stovetop pudding.
  • 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 cake 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 or preferably overnight.
  • To achieve the pretty layers in a trifle dish, ladle the pudding mixture into the direct center of the dish then use the back of a spoon to gently push it towards the edges. Keep the spoon away from the crumbs so they don’t mix together.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours
  • Category: dessert
  • Method: none
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 274
  • Sugar: 29 g
  • Sodium: 210.8 mg
  • Fat: 14.3 g
  • Trans Fat:
  • Carbohydrates: 33 g
  • Protein: 4.2 g
  • Cholesterol: 34.3 mg

Similar Posts

137 Comments

  1. She needs more then a few. After 2 flops & turning to actual books I found one that tells in detail how to make it without getting pudding soup.

  2. I attempted this 2 times in 24 hours because I was supposed to bring dessert. Needless to say I wasted money that we did not have to have this dessert flop both times. I read the instructions and so did my mom, husband & grandma. We could not come up with any reason that the pudding did not form either time. I was so embarrased it’s not funny. I’m know if my family for my desserts and on Thanksgiving of all days I couldn’t deliver. I am very thankful that I know about this recipe before I tried to make it for my exstended family Chrismas party. I’d be really embarrassed infront of 300 people. Needless to say this link is getting taken off my FB & my favorites list. You apperently need to add more detail because there’s no reason I should have had to waste money for pudding soup.

    1. I’m sorry you had such a problem with my recipe Jessica. This is the exact way I make mine every single time and I have never had an issue. I do not know what extra details I can add to the recipe as it’s very simple and many, many readers have had success with it as you will see from the comments. I wish you the best of luck in trying the other versions that you’ve found. ~Melissa

        1. It’s 3.5 cups of milk Suzanne, listed in the ingredients-is it not showing up for you? Please let me know so I can fix it if necessary, I can see it on my end but stranger things have happened on the blog than things disappearing!

        2. I bet she didn’t use instant pudding, she probably used the kind you have to cook. This recipe is practically fail proof if you are following directions. She definitely read something wrong or left something out. . This is one of the easiest things I’ve ever made and I make it all the time.

          1. I totally agree!!!! My nine year old can practically make this on his own. I just have to help layer it up once he has everything mixed up.

      1. Dont worry. People will always find something to bitch about. Even if you went to there houses and made it for them. Its a great recipe and if they cant follow directions to make this, I’d hate to eat dinner at there house’s. Lol. Thankyou and happy Thanksgiving

    2. I beat the cream cheese, butter and sugar. Then whisk 3-1/3c, milk with 2 small boxes of instant pudding mix. Add the two mixtures together, then fold in the cool whip. Alternate layers with the crushed oreos and the pudding mix, finish with the extra oreo crumbs.

  3. We love how you involved the kids! The worms and flowers were also a great touch! Yours is pretty similar to the dirt cake recipe we made for our gender reveal!

  4. Hi. I was wondering what the serving amt feeds usually?? Also, can you use a different pudding choice??

    1. I’d say it could serve about 10 depending on serving size! Using different pudding will change the flavor a bit but give it a try! I recently made a peanut butter version with peanut butter oreos and it was great too!

  5. Your Pudding seems to be white in color is that because of the whipcream and cheese cake or is there a white vanilla instant pudding

    1. It’s just the combination with the whipped cream and cream cheese-the pudding alone has a yellowish tint. 🙂

  6. Any substitute for cream cheese? Not available where I live. Does the happy cow cheese available in a round container containing individually wrapped triangular cheese work?

  7. I love this recipe! Would it be just as yummy with chocolate pudding instead of vanilla, I wonder?
    Thanks for sharing this !

  8. @mommyofgoingon4 I’m SO glad you like it! It is seriously one of my weaknesses (along with French Onion dip!) I only allow myself to make it about 2-3 times a year because I can’t stop eating it once I start!

  9. I am literally eating this right now!! I will never use another recipe again! This is totally reminding me of when I was in middle school and we made this for our bake sales! MMMMMMMMMMM totally delish! Thanks for posting this and having it wind up on Pinterest!!

  10. Stopping by from Triple T Mum. Thanks for sharing on the Kids Co-op! This looks so good I just have to feature it in my Kids Co-op Showcase this week and pin to Kids Co-op board. You might want to stop by and pick up a Featured at badge.

  11. Hi there,

    We’ve recently launched the site RecipesUS.com where users can search through hundreds of thousands of recipes from American food sites and food blogs.

    We noticed that you have a great number of tasty recipes on your blog (url) and we would like to suggest you have a look at our Top Food Blogs section here: https://www.recipesus.com/top-food-blogs

    If you want to add your food blog to the list and have your recipes indexed on RecipesUS.com, all you have to do is follow the instructions here: https://www.recipesus.com/add-your-food-blog

    Our concept is already live in Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Spain, and we deliver thousands of visitors to food blogs daily. Some of the top food blogs receive 20,000+ visitors from us on a weekly basis.

    Hopefully your food blog will be up there in the top!

    Warm regards,
    Senka
    RecipesUS.com, Hittarecept.se, Findeopskrifter.dk, Alleoppskrifter.no, Todareceta.es

    1. I have made this recipe plenty of times and it is full proof even my toddler can make it LoL..I was just wondering could I do it a day ahead and leave it overnight in the fridge please let me know ASAP Thank you… Melissa?

      1. Yes you can totally do that! I make mine the night before and stick it in the fridge. On holidays I don’t have leftovers to bring home….but if I make a large amount for just my children & I, we get to have left overs for later 🙂 I normally put those back in the fridge and eat on it through the week. I think it actually tastes better If you make it the night before and eat it the next day. Gives everything time to form together as one. Yummy!!!






Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star