OREO DIRT CAKE

WineCheeseScallops
Nov 6
5 min read

Who says dirt can’t taste divine? 😍 This Oreo Dirt Cake is the ultimate no-bake dessert that’s as nostalgic as it is indulgent. With layers of crushed Oreos, creamy chocolate pudding, velvety cream cheese filling, and fluffy Cool Whip, this dessert brings pure joy to every bite.

Slice of cake with cookie crumbs on blue patterned plate, next to a gold spoon. Background is a wooden and marble surface.

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It’s the kind of treat that instantly transports you back to childhood—but with a touch of grown-up flair. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, a summer BBQ, or just craving a rich, chocolatey pick-me-up, this Oreo Dirt Cake will steal the show every time.

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Oreo Cookies

The star of the show! Oreos add that perfect combination of crunch, chocolate, and nostalgia. Originally introduced in 1912, these iconic cookies have a cocoa flavor that pairs beautifully with creamy fillings. When crushed, they transform into a chocolate “soil” that gives this dessert its fun and playful name.

Boxes of chocolate pudding mix, cream cheese package, butter in a bowl, and an opaque container on a wooden surface.

Instant Chocolate Pudding

Instant pudding is the secret to that luscious, silky layer in the center of the dirt cake. It provides deep chocolate flavor and a cool, velvety contrast to the crunchy crust. Plus, because it sets quickly, it’s ideal for easy layered desserts like this one.

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Recipe Origin / Inspiration

Bowl of milk, melted butter in a cup, and a stick of cream cheese on a wooden surface. Cream cheese labeled "Philadelphia."

The classic Dirt Cake is a Midwest favorite that’s been delighting families for decades. Originally dreamed up as a whimsical dessert for kids—often topped with gummy worms to resemble “earth”—it’s become a nostalgic staple at potlucks, picnics, and family reunions.

Our version keeps that childhood magic alive but refines it ever so slightly. By using both salted and unsalted butter, we balance sweetness with a hint of salt that elevates the flavor. The creamy layers of chocolate pudding, Cool Whip, and cream cheese create a perfectly smooth, dreamy bite that even adults can’t resist.

Hand pouring cocoa mix into bowl on a wooden surface. Bubbles and powder on the liquid surface. Brown tones dominate the image.

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Tips, Serving Suggestions, and Storage Advice

Chocolate batter is being poured from a striped mixing bowl into a pan with a dark cookie crumb base on a wooden countertop.

Chill overnight for the best texture—this helps the layers firm up beautifully.
Crush your Oreos in batches if your food processor is small to ensure even crumbs.
Want a deeper chocolate flavor? Use chocolate sandwich cookies with dark cocoa.
Use cold milk when preparing pudding—it helps it thicken faster.
For a touch of fun, layer the dessert in clear cups or mason jars for individual servings.
Add gummy worms or chocolate rocks for a whimsical garden theme.
Swap out Cool Whip for homemade whipped cream if you prefer a fresher taste.
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freeze portions for a chilled summer treat—just thaw slightly before serving.
Use mint Oreos or peanut butter Oreos for a creative flavor twist.

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Unique Recipe Qualities

Hands spread whipped cream on an Oreo dessert in a glass dish on a wooden table. The person has painted nails and wears a gray top.

No-bake dessert—perfect for any season.
Nostalgic flavor that appeals to all ages.
Combines chocolate, cream cheese, and Cool Whip for the perfect creamy-crunchy texture.
Easy to assemble and customizable with toppings.
Great make-ahead option for parties.
Kid-friendly and fun to decorate.
Uses pantry staples and simple prep steps.
Versatile presentation options—from pans to parfait cups.
Balances sweet and salty elements for rich depth of flavor.
Guaranteed crowd-pleaser with minimal effort.

Layered dessert in a glass dish with white, chocolate, and crumbled Oreo layers on a wooden table. Text "Pyrex" visible on the dish.

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Oreo Dirt Cake

A dessert on a blue patterned plate featuring chocolate layers, whipped cream, and crushed cookies. The setting is on a wooden table.

Ingredients

1 party-size package Oreo cookies, divided
8 Tbsp salted butter (1 stick), melted
3 ½ cups whole milk
2 (3.9 oz) boxes instant chocolate pudding
4 Tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
2 (8 oz) containers Cool Whip, thawed

Instructions

Prepare the Oreos:Remove 8 Oreos and chop them into small ¼-inch pieces. Set aside.Place the remaining Oreos (about 52 cookies) in a food processor and pulse until they resemble coarse crumbs.
Make the crust:Reserve 1 cup of the Oreo crumbs. Add the melted butter to the remaining crumbs in the processor and pulse until just combined.Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9x13-inch pan. Refrigerate while you prepare the next layers.
Make the pudding layer:In a medium bowl, whisk together milk and pudding mix until smooth. Place in the refrigerator to thicken.
Make the cream cheese layer:In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat the unsalted butter and cream cheese together until smooth (about 30–60 seconds).Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until fully combined.Fold in one 8 oz container of Cool Whip until uniform and creamy.
Assemble the dirt cake:
- Spread the chocolate pudding evenly over the prepared crust.
- Sprinkle with ¼ of the reserved Oreo crumbs and half of the chopped cookies.
- Add the cream cheese mixture on top and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle with another ¼ of the reserved crumbs.
- Top with the remaining Cool Whip, then garnish with the remaining cookie crumbs and cookie pieces.
Chill and serve:Cover and refrigerate overnight for best results.Garnish with gummy worms if desired for a fun touch.

Close-up of a dessert with layers of cream and chocolate on a blue patterned plate, topped with crumbled cookies, creating a rich, indulgent mood.

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