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- 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!
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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.