Dirt Cake Recipe

Introduction

Dirt cake is a fun and delicious dessert that layers rich chocolate cake, creamy pudding, and crushed Oreos to create a treat reminiscent of “dirt” in a flower pot. This easy-to-make dessert is perfect for parties or whenever you’re craving a chocolatey delight with a playful twist.

Ingredients

• 1 box chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients on back of box)
• 12.8 oz hot fudge
• 3.4 oz chocolate instant pudding mix (for first pudding layer)
• 1 3/4 cups milk (for first pudding layer)
• 3.4 oz chocolate instant pudding mix (for topping)
• 1 3/4 cups milk (for topping)
• 8 oz Cool Whip, thawed
• 30 Oreos, crushed

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the chocolate cake according to the instructions on the box and bake as directed.
2. Step 2: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes.
3. Step 3: Using the end of a spoon, poke holes evenly all over the cake.
4. Step 4: Warm the hot fudge in the microwave until it’s pourable, then pour it evenly over the cake, allowing it to seep into the holes.
5. Step 5: Let the cake cool completely.
6. Step 6: In a medium bowl, whisk together the first package of chocolate pudding mix with 1 3/4 cups milk until smooth.
7. Step 7: Pour this pudding over the cooled cake before it fully sets, then refrigerate the cake for about 20 minutes to chill.
8. Step 8: For the topping, combine the second package of pudding mix with 1 3/4 cups milk in a medium bowl.
9. Step 9: Refrigerate this mixture for about 10 minutes until it sets fully.
10. Step 10: Remove from the refrigerator and gently fold in the thawed Cool Whip.
11. Step 11: Mix about three-quarters of the crushed Oreos into the pudding and Cool Whip mixture, then spread this evenly over the chilled cake.
12. Step 12: Sprinkle the remaining crushed Oreos on top of the cake as a garnish.
13. Step 13: Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Use double-stuffed Oreos for extra creaminess in the topping.
• Try adding gummy worms for a fun, playful look that fits the “dirt” theme.
• If you prefer, substitute chocolate pudding with vanilla or cheesecake-flavored pudding for a different twist.
• Allow plenty of time for the cake to chill to ensure the pudding layers set properly.

Storage

Store the dirt cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it chilled to maintain the pudding layers’ texture. When ready to serve, you can enjoy it cold straight from the fridge; no reheating is necessary.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make dirt cake ahead of time?

Yes, dirt cake actually tastes better when made a few hours in advance or the day before since the flavors meld and the pudding layers set nicely in the refrigerator.

Can I use homemade cake instead of boxed cake mix?

Absolutely! A homemade chocolate cake works wonderfully if you prefer. Just be sure it bakes firmly enough to hold the layers and poked holes for the hot fudge.

Dirt Cake Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 90 reviews

This Dirt Cake recipe transforms a simple chocolate cake into a fun and decadent dessert layered with hot fudge, rich chocolate pudding, and topped with a creamy Cool Whip and crushed Oreos. A treat that combines moist cake soaked with fudge, silky pudding layers, and crunchy cookie toppings for an irresistible dirt-inspired delight.

• Author: Windy
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cake Ingredients

• 1 box chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients as directed on the box)
• 12.8 oz hot fudge sauce

Pudding Layers

• 2 packages (3.4 oz each) chocolate instant pudding mix, divided
• 3 1/2 cups milk, divided (1 3/4 cups for each pudding mix package)

Topping

• 8 oz Cool Whip, thawed
• 30 Oreos, crushed (reserve about 1/4 cup for topping)

Instructions

1. Prepare Cake: Preheat oven and prepare chocolate cake mix according to the instructions on the box. Pour the batter into a baking pan and bake as directed.
2. Cool and Poke Holes: Once baked, remove cake from oven and let it cool for 10 minutes. Using the end of a spoon, poke holes evenly all over the top of the cake.
3. Apply Hot Fudge: Warm the hot fudge in the microwave until it is thin and pourable. Pour the fudge evenly over the cake, allowing it to seep into the holes you poked earlier.
4. Cool Completely: Let the cake cool completely to room temperature after adding hot fudge so it sets well.
5. Prepare First Pudding Layer: In a medium bowl, whisk together one package of chocolate pudding mix with 1 3/4 cups cold milk until smooth. Pour this pudding over the cooled cake layer.
6. Chill Cake: Place the cake with pudding layer in the refrigerator and chill for about 20 minutes to set the pudding layer.
7. Prepare Topping Pudding: In another bowl, mix the second package of pudding mix with 1 3/4 cups cold milk. Refrigerate this mixture for about 10 minutes until it fully sets.
8. Add Cool Whip: Remove the set pudding from the fridge and gently fold in the thawed Cool Whip until smooth and creamy.
9. Assemble Topping: Mix in about three-quarters of the crushed Oreos into the pudding and Cool Whip mixture, then spread this topping evenly over the chilled cake layer.
10. Finish and Serve: Sprinkle the remaining crushed Oreos on top of the cake for garnish. Chill the dessert further if desired or serve immediately.

Notes

• For best results, use cold milk when preparing the pudding mix to ensure it sets properly.
• You can substitute Cool Whip with homemade whipped cream if preferred.
• Make sure the hot fudge is warm but not hot when pouring over the cake to avoid melting the cake too much.
• This dessert is best served chilled and can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Use a 9×13 inch pan for baking the cake to achieve the right thickness for layering.

Keywords: Dirt cake, chocolate pudding dessert, Oreo dessert, layered cake, no-bake pudding topping