Dirt Cake Recipe

Featured in Sweet treats for any occasion.

This fun layered dessert features chocolate cake soaked in hot fudge, topped with chocolate pudding and a creamy Oreo mixture. Perfect for parties and potlucks.

A woman in an apron is preparing a meal in a sunny kitchen filled with fresh vegetables and herbs.
Updated on Fri, 03 Jan 2025 01:22:33 GMT
A slice of layered chocolate cake topped with whipped cream and Oreo cookie pieces. pin it
A slice of layered chocolate cake topped with whipped cream and Oreo cookie pieces. | myhomemaderecipe.com
    Let me share my dirt cake recipe that takes me right back to childhood! It's layers of chocolate cake rich pudding crushed Oreos and hot fudge all in one pan. No fancy skills needed just pure chocolate happiness that'll make everyone smile.

The Story Behind It

    This American classic came around in the 80s and it's still making people happy! Think of it as a fun twist on Mississippi mud pie but way easier. Kids love helping crush the cookies and adding gummy worms on top makes it extra fun.

Round Up These Ingredients

  • Cake Mix: Regular chocolate box mix works perfect.
  • Oreos: For that perfect "dirt" look.
  • Hot Fudge: Makes everything extra gooey.
  • Pudding Mix: The instant kind saves time.
  • Cold Milk: For mixing up that pudding.
  • Cool Whip: Light and fluffy topping.

Let's Layer It Up

Start With The Base
Bake your cake according to the box. While it's still warm poke holes all over it with a fork or wooden spoon handle.
Make It Extra Chocolatey
Heat up that hot fudge until it's pourable but not too hot. Pour it all over making sure it gets down in those holes you made.
First Pudding Layer
Mix up one box of pudding with cold milk get it nice and smooth. Pour this over your fudgy cake spread it corner to corner.
Let It Set
Pop the whole thing in the fridge for about 20 minutes. This helps everything firm up just right.
The Creamy Layer
Mix your second pudding batch fold in the Cool Whip until it's all smooth. This layer's gonna be extra fluffy!
Cookie Time
Crush those Oreos nice and fine. Some big chunks are okay makes it look more like real dirt! Sprinkle them all over the top.
Final Magic
Add your gummy worms or other fun decorations. Press them slightly into the "dirt" so they look like they're crawling through!

Make It Perfect

    Give it at least 2 hours in the fridge everything gets better when the flavors mingle. Need to crush Oreos? Food processor works great but a rolling pin and ziplock bag is fun too! Want it extra special? Try using homemade chocolate cake instead of boxed.

Keep It Fresh

    You can make this whole thing a day ahead just wait to add those Oreos until serving time keeps them crunchy! Keeps in the fridge about 3 days. Want a cool treat? Pop some in the freezer gets kinda like ice cream cake!
A slice of chocolate cake layered with creamy frosting and topped with whole Oreos, served on a white plate. pin it
A slice of chocolate cake layered with creamy frosting and topped with whole Oreos, served on a white plate. | myhomemaderecipe.com

Quick Version

    No time to bake? Skip the cake layer altogether! Just layer pudding and Oreos in cups or a big bowl. Add those gummy worms and you've got dirt pudding cups ready in minutes. Still tastes amazing!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why poke holes in the cake?

Allows fudge to soak in throughout.

→ Can I make this ahead?

Yes, keeps well refrigerated.

→ Can I use different pudding flavors?

Yes, but chocolate works best.

→ Should pudding be instant?

Yes, use instant pudding mix.

→ Can I freeze this?

Not recommended due to pudding layers.

Dirt Cake

A decadent layered dessert combining chocolate cake, hot fudge, pudding and crushed Oreos for an irresistible treat.

Prep Time
30 Minutes
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
55 Minutes
By: Zaho

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 16 Servings (1)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1 box chocolate cake mix (plus box ingredients).
02 12.8 ounces hot fudge.
03 2 (3.4 oz) boxes chocolate instant pudding.
04 3 1/2 cups milk (divided).
05 30 Oreos, crushed.
06 8 ounces Cool Whip, thawed.

Instructions

Step 01

Bake cake as directed, cool 10 minutes.

Step 02

Poke holes in cake, pour warm fudge over.

Step 03

Cool completely.

Step 04

Mix first pudding pack with 1 3/4 cups milk.

Step 05

Pour over cake, chill 20 minutes.

Step 06

Mix second pudding with remaining milk.

Step 07

Fold in Cool Whip and 3/4 crushed Oreos.

Step 08

Spread on cake, top with remaining Oreos.

Notes

  1. Can make ahead.
  2. Keep refrigerated.
  3. Use instant pudding.
  4. Allow layers to set between steps.

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).
  • Eggs (cake mix).
  • Wheat (cake mix, Oreos).

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