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Dirt Dessert Recipe
A recipe for classic dirt dessert! This easy summer dessert features alternating layers of crushed Oreos and a chocolate pudding mixture. It is made to look like dirt, complete with (gummy) worms!
I tend to think I’m a “regular Joe” when it comes to the type of desserts that I enjoy. I am more a “handful of chocolate chips” type of girl than a spun sugar, fancy cake kind of girl. Many times, I crave what I loved when I was a kid.
This dirt dessert is one that I remember fondly. I distinctly remember eating it while visiting my parents’ friends during the summer. They had two daughters roughly the same age as me and my sister, and we all got together very often when I was little. My mom’s friend Karen would serve this in individual cups or faux flower pots to all of the kids. I thought it was the coolest thing, and I still appreciate all of the wonderful flavors as an adult. (I even secretly enjoy eating the gummy worms!)
Watch How to Make Dirt Dessert
The old-fashioned dirt dessert recipe consists of alternating layers of crushed Oreo cookies and a chocolate pudding mixture that has been lightened up with cream cheese and Cool Whip. You can make this dessert as quick and easy as you’d like, or you can substitute homemade versions of the Oreo cookies, chocolate pudding and Cool Whip for a 100% from-scratch dessert. I have written the dessert as it was made by my family, but feel free to make any of those substitutions if you’d like. The combination of flavors is bound to be delicious no matter what!
MY OTHER RECIPES What were your favorite childhood desserts?
One year ago: Chocolate Dump-It Cake
Two years ago: Top 10 List: Favorite Side Dishes
Five years ago: Sausage, Mozzarella & Basil Stuffed Peppers
Eight years ago: Pizzelles
Did you make this recipe?
Dirt dessert alternates layers of crushed Oreo cookies and a lightened chocolate pudding mixture that is made to look like "dirt", complete with (gummy) worms!
Crush the Oreo cookies into fine crumbs using a food processor (or, place the cookies in a resealable plastic bag and crush with a rolling pin); set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk together both boxes of the instant pudding with the milk for about 2 minutes. Let sit for 5 minutes.
Meanwhile, beat together the cream cheese and butter on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Reduce the speed to low, add the powdered sugar, then gradually increase the speed back to medium until a fluffy texture is reached.
Using a rubber spatula, fold the cream cheese mixture into the chocolate pudding, then fold in the Cool Whip until completely combined.
The dessert can be assembled in a number of ways - in a rectangular or square serving dish, in a trifle dish, or in individual cups. However you plan to serve it, layer the dessert with alternating layers of the crushed Oreos and pudding mixture, beginning and ending with the crushed Oreos. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight) before serving. Decorate the top with gummy worms before serving, if desired.
Nutritional values are based on one serving
Calories: 332kcal
Fat: 15g
Saturated fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 31mg
Sodium: 421mg
Potassium: 202mg
Carbohydrates: 44g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 32g
Protein: 4g
Vitamin A: 8.1%
Calcium: 10.6%
Iron: 13.6%
Did you make this recipe?
Leave a review below, then snap a picture and tag @thebrowneyedbaker on Instagram so I can see it!
This recipe was originally published on May 20, 2013.
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Doesn’t come out good! The pudding is so runny..definitely needs less milk or more time to set. My 6 year old was very upset this didn’t come out right…she wanted to make it for the Easter bunny
I make this with the vanilla Oreos and vanilla instant pudding, sooo so good.
Hi, first of all thank you for this amazing recipe
Since It is hard to find cool whip in my country , what can i use instead of it?
You can make homemade whipped cream and it will work just fine.
Wow, what a creation. I love the idea of it and it looks delicious too!
I made a slightly different version of this for my grandson’s Birthday…. mixed the Oreo cookie crumbs together with the pudding, whipped cream
and other ingredients mixing in gummy worms and candy rocks. Put the whole thing in a clean new clay pot, stuck a plastic flower and a spade in the top. My daughter took it into his preschool and the kids all loved it! Just adorable!!!!
SAVED! look at those pictures.. I want it, right now!
Wow, this brings back memories. My mom used to make this when I was a kid; it was one of my little brother’s top requests for birthdays! :)
This looks like fun for the little ones, perfect, thank you!
Don’t forget to bury small tootsie rolls in the dirt. Kitty droppings!
Your dirt dessert makes me laugh. I must make it for my children, they’d love it. And yes, I would also eat some of the gummy worms myself! Thanks for sharing. So much fun.
It looks yummy.I’m gonna try it right now
This came out SO good! Thank you for posting this recipe. I’m making it for tomorrow’s Halloween party. It brings back good old memories :) I needed more Oreos and I’m thinking I want to top it off with something else crunchy. Like maybe a crunchy candy, any suggestions? Thank you!