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Oreo Dirt Cake

Featured in Indulgent Dessert Recipes to Satisfy Any Sweet Tooth.

This simple dessert features chocolate cake filled with hot fudge and topped with pudding and Oreos. Perfect for large crowds and quick to prepare using store-bought ingredients.

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Updated on Tue, 18 Mar 2025 05:32:37 GMT
A chocolate dessert made with Oreos and pudding on a white plate. Pin it
A chocolate dessert made with Oreos and pudding on a white plate. | chefmelt.com

Looking for a foolproof sweet treat that'll impress your guests? This Dirt Cake is my favorite chocolatey delight! My version combines tasty cake with gooey fudge, smooth pudding, and plenty of smashed Oreos. It looks fancy but comes together quickly - great for gatherings or when you're craving something chocolate!

A Brief Background

This delightful dessert has been putting smiles on children's faces since the eighties! My version resembles a playful spin on Mississippi Mud Pie, assembled trifle-fashion. The pulverized cookies actually resemble soil, and this version consistently wows people at gatherings.

Your Ingredients

  • The Foundation: Boxed chocolate cake mix keeps this version incredibly straightforward.
  • Cookie Wonder: Plenty of Oreos for our realistic "soil".
  • Chocolate Boost: Hot fudge gives this version extra decadence.
  • Smooth Elements: Instant pudding and milk for our layers.
  • Airy Component: Cool Whip makes the texture just right.

Creating Your Dirt Cake

Begin With Cake
First, bake your cake and poke several holes across the surface for added flavor absorption!
Pour The Fudge
Drizzle heated fudge over your cake, allowing it to soak into those holes.
Add Creamy Layer
Prepare pudding and spread it across the cake. Pop it in the fridge briefly.
Finish The Creation
Combine more pudding with Cool Whip for your topping, then cover with smashed Oreos.

Personalize It

This treat is so adaptable! Throw in some gummy worms, or experiment with different Oreo varieties. Let everything chill for at least two hours until perfect. Want to step it up? Try using scratch-made chocolate cake instead!

A slice of chocolate cake topped with creamy chocolate frosting and decorated with Oreos. Pin it
A slice of chocolate cake topped with creamy chocolate frosting and decorated with Oreos. | chefmelt.com

Storage Tips

Your dirt cake will stay fresh in the refrigerator for three days. It freezes wonderfully too - for up to three months! My children think it's amazing when I freeze it - it becomes somewhat like ice cream.

Common Questions

Wondering about this treat? Here's what I've discovered: Smash those Oreos in a plastic bag using a rolling pin, prepare everything up to 24 hours ahead, and don't miss adding the Cool Whip topping! This dish is totally flexible - try using mint Oreos or vanilla pudding for something different.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do holes in the cake help?

It lets the hot fudge soak right into the cake, giving it more flavor and keeping it moist.

→ Is it okay to make this the day before?

Yes! You can prepare it up to two days ahead. Just keep it in the fridge with a cover.

→ Why add pudding as a layer?

It keeps each layer separate, so you get distinct textures and flavors in every bite.

→ Can I swap Oreos with other cookies?

Absolutely! You can use chocolate wafers or any other chocolate cookie you’d like.

→ Should I chill between layers?

Yes, chilling makes sure the layers stay set and don’t mix together.

Oreo Dirt Cake

Rich layers of chocolate cake, fudge sauce, creamy pudding, and crunchy Oreos. Great for celebrations, gatherings, or casual get-togethers.

Prep Time
30 Minutes
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
55 Minutes

Category: Dessert Recipes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 16 Servings (1)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1 pack chocolate cake base mix, plus the extras it calls for.
02 30 Oreos, smashed into bits.
03 375 ml milk (around 1 3/4 cups).
04 240 g chocolate pudding mix (instant type).
05 360 g Nutella or any thick chocolate spread, warmed.
06 230 g Chantilly cream (or whipped cream), fully thawed.

Instructions

Step 01

Follow the steps on the cake mix box and bake your cake.

Step 02

Once the cake is slightly warm, poke holes into it using the back of a spoon.

Step 03

Gently pour warmed chocolate spread over the cake, making sure it soaks into the holes.

Step 04

Cool the chocolate-covered cake fully before moving to the next steps.

Step 05

Whisk the pudding mix with 1 3/4 cups of milk, then pour it over the cake.

Step 06

Refrigerate everything for 20 minutes.

Step 07

Prepare the second pudding mixture, then chill it for another 10 minutes.

Step 08

Fold most of the crushed Oreos into the Chantilly cream, then gently spread this mix over the cake.

Step 09

Add a final layer by sprinkling the rest of the Oreo bits on top.

Notes

  1. Perfectly fine to prepare in advance.
  2. Ideal dessert for gatherings.
  3. Kids love it!
  4. Can easily serve a big group.

Tools You'll Need

  • Rectangle baking dish, about 23x33 cm.
  • Bowls for mixing.
  • A large spoon.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Milk-based products (like pudding, cream).
  • Eggs (used in the cake mix).
  • Gluten (in Oreos and cake base).
  • Soy traces (common in processed items).

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