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    Home » Recipes » Desserts » Best OREO Dirt Cake Recipe. Ever.

    Last updated: Jun 2, 2022 by Melissa Riker · 136 Comments

    Best OREO Dirt Cake Recipe. Ever.

    Jump to Recipe
    OREO dirt cake in a trifle dish

    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

    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 9x13 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 ¼ 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:

    • Ninja Blender
    • Trifle Dish

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

    Print
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    easy oreo dirt cake trifle

    Dirt Cake Recipe

    ★★★★★ 4.9 from 10 reviews
    • Author: Melissa Riker
    • Prep Time: 15 minutes
    • Cook Time: 2 hours
    • Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
    • Yield: 12 1x
    • Category: dessert
    • Method: none
    • Cuisine: American
    Print Recipe
    Pin Recipe

    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
    • ⅓ cup butter, softened
    • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
    • 1 cup powdered sugar
    • 2 packages French Vanilla Jello INSTANT Pudding
    • 3 ½ 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 ¼ 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 ¼ 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

    blender

    Buy Now →

    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.

    Keywords: oreo dirt cake, dirt cake

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    Share a photo and tag @thehappierhomemaker — we can't wait to see what you've made!

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    Comments

    1. Keone says

      August 09, 2018 at 11:29 pm

      Im just curious, can you use regular sugar instead of powdered sugar?

      Reply
      • Danielle says

        April 24, 2019 at 2:15 pm

        I wouldn't use regular granulated sugar if I were you. it won't dissolve and I'll make the cream cheese frosting that you mix with everything else grainy.

        Reply
    2. Finley Anthony says

      May 28, 2018 at 12:30 pm

      How many does this recipe typically serve?

      Reply
      • Melissa says

        May 28, 2018 at 3:25 pm

        About a dozen depending on serving size!

        Reply
    3. Emily says

      March 26, 2018 at 4:14 pm

      Quick question.. if I chill this before layering, will the pudding layer be too thick to use with a piping bag? I'm going to be making the pudding a day ahead of time, and then layering the morning I need it so the Oreos don't get soft. Thanks!

      Reply
    4. Aman says

      January 06, 2018 at 8:02 am

      I really love this cake recipe. And you have made it with cream cheese icing, it's really going to be awesome in taste.You have really done a nice job. As you have shared the best things for me. Even this recipes can be made in busy time also. It's really special for me. thanks for sharing it here on this site.

      Reply
    5. Johnna says

      October 22, 2017 at 9:05 am

      Made this for a Halloween party I have for my niece & nephew & it turned out great. I used instant chocolate pudding instead of vanilla. We used Vienna finger cookies for tombstones & wrote RIP on them & put them in the pudding to look like a graveyard. This recipe is a keeper!

      Reply
      • Melissa says

        October 25, 2017 at 10:12 am

        Such a cute idea, I may have to try that next year!!

        Reply
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      February 03, 2017 at 12:15 pm

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    7. nón bảo hộ lao động chất lượng says

      December 04, 2016 at 8:38 am

      Hmm it looks like your website ate my first comment (it was super long) so I guess I'll just sum it up what I had written and
      say, I'm thoroughly enjoying your blog. I as well am an aspiring
      blog blogger but I'm still new to the whole thing. Do you have any
      helpful hints for newbie blog writers? I'd really appreciate it.

      Reply
    8. Zach says

      November 24, 2016 at 1:07 pm

      I just made this today for the first time and I can't for the life of me fathom how people are getting a soupy result out of this. Some people, I think, just need to stay out of the kitchen! Happy Thanksgiving!!

      Reply
    9. Resep Masakan says

      November 23, 2016 at 6:20 pm

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

      Reply
      • Melissa says

        November 24, 2016 at 4:33 am

        I've had readers make it will all sorts of different variations in both the pudding flavor and OREO flavor-I don't think you can go wrong Resep! ~Melissa

        Reply
        • Sam says

          September 24, 2017 at 10:18 pm

          I was living in Japan without an oven, but wanted to make a crowd-pleasing American dessert. I remembered loving dirt cake at birthdays as a kid and decided to try making it. I found your recipe, which is indeed wonderful, but did not have access to cool whip. Instead, I made homemade whipped cream (by hand since I had no blender/mixer). It worked out really really well.

          Reply
    10. resep minuman says

      November 05, 2016 at 10:49 pm

      nice, i like it.

      Reply
    11. Resep Kue says

      September 15, 2016 at 3:38 am

      thanks melisha for cakes recipes,... i can feel this recipes so easy to try..
      thanks so much melisha.. you are great 🙂

      Reply
    12. Katie says

      June 03, 2016 at 4:46 pm

      This recipe isn't that good. Little to no flavor of the pudding mixture.

      Reply
      • Melissa says

        June 07, 2016 at 9:50 am

        So sorry you didn't enjoy it Katie, I haven't had anyone complain of that before, I actually love the flavor of the pudding layer-did you change the ingredients at all? I'm curious what went wrong...

        Reply
    13. Brandi says

      April 25, 2016 at 6:01 am

      Hi, this is probably a stupid question, but what size trifle dish do I need for this recipe? Thank you.

      Reply
      • Melissa says

        April 26, 2016 at 10:27 am

        Mine is a 3 quart dish Brandi!

        Reply
    14. Heidi says

      March 28, 2016 at 4:51 pm

      So...just to clarify- I don't need to boil the instant pudding powder/milk ahead of time? I'm just adding the powdery packets along with 3.5 cups milk and cool whip? I've tried both ways...the second time not doing any boiling-but it seemed super soupy (hoping as it chills it all thicken up) Then I started reading all the comments. But maybe the recipe could read "whisk pudding powder mix" for those that are confused like me 🙂

      Reply
      • Melissa says

        April 04, 2016 at 8:53 am

        I'll make that clarification Heidi. You don't do anything with the instant pudding mix but whisk it into the milk and cool whip. It does thicken quite quickly when it chills-I just made this again for my husband's military promotion party this past week!

        Reply
    15. Clara Ingewati says

      October 28, 2015 at 9:19 am

      wow.... it's look heavenly delicious <3

      Reply
    16. Rachel Page says

      June 27, 2015 at 12:03 am

      My goodness that sounds amazing. I bet the flavor was fantastic.

      Reply
      • Melissa says

        June 28, 2015 at 8:39 pm

        It's my absolute favorite dessert Rachel, let me know if you try it what you think!

        Reply
    17. Amanda says

      May 28, 2015 at 9:26 am

      Thank you for sharing this recipe! I cannot wait to try it! I may have missed it, but do you have an idea of how many it will serve? I think I need to double the recipe but wanted to check if you had a guesstimate. Thank you!

      Reply
      • Melissa says

        May 28, 2015 at 6:56 pm

        It serves 8 Amanda!

        Reply
    18. Sinthia Lawren says

      May 25, 2015 at 11:05 am

      Dark cake is my favorite along. I will try to make this. Thanks for sharing.

      Reply
    19. Christin@SpicySouthernKitchen says

      March 13, 2015 at 10:53 pm

      Such a fun recipe! Love the gummy worms!

      Reply
    20. Patrick says

      December 30, 2014 at 10:52 pm

      Please specify measurement amounts of packages. It is helpful for overseas readers and also, over time, packaging may change.

      Reply
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