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!)
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!
What were your favorite childhood desserts?
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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
Watch How to Make Dirt Dessert:
Dirt Dessert
Ingredients
- 14.3 ounce (405.4 g) Oreo Cookies
- 7.8 ounce (221.13 g) instant chocolate pudding
- 4 cups (976 ml) milk
- 8 ounces (226.8 g) cream cheese, at room temperature
- ¼ cup (56.75 g) butter, at room temperature
- 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
- 8 ounce (226.8 g) container Cool Whip
- Gummy worms, optional
Instructions
- 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.
Notes
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This recipe was originally published on May 20, 2013.
This is very sweet, and as a trife-lover I would definitely go for that! My childhood favourite though was always my aunts sherry roll – chocolate chip cookies dipped in sweet sherry, sandwiched together into a roll with whipped cream, at which point the whole thing was covered in more cream and sprinkled with grated chocolate! Unsurprisingly maybe, I wasn’t able to eat it much!
Ahhh classic! We call these “mud cups” the gummy worm is the best part! :)
The last time I had this was probably in elementary school. I’m looking forward to introducing it to my kids! They will love it!
This is super fun. We made these for a get together last year and they were a huge hit!
I forgot to mention I use the Vanilla pudding.
I have made Dirt pudding several times. I use different types of gummies at different times. I once used gummy strawberry’s in June and laid them on top like a strawberry bed. I also use the Golden Oreos and put it in a beach pail with gummy fish. The golden Oreos make it look like sand. My brothers family sometimes requests I make it. It is really good.
I LOVE your adaptations! So creative!
Such a classic! We called them “Cups of Dirt” :) I forgot how simple it is to make!
This looks awesome!
My kids would go absolutely nuts if I made this!
“Worms in dirt”!! That’s what we called it when I was little. Such great memories of eating this!
Just made it for my daughters birthday dessert tonight and it turned out adorable. I’m sure after it sets for the 4 hours it will taste delish! Thanks for posting!
OMG. My college roommate used to make it and I’ve requested it for every get-together. Can’t wait to make this!! Love the worms!
Love this dessert! My roommate in college introduced it to me but we always used vanilla pudding mix instead of chocolate. Next time I make it I’ll have to give it a try with the chocolate pudding mix like you did!
Oh I just love this! Even us adults can appreciate the fun dirt dessert. Gummy worms are still a favorite of mine.
Oh, gosh… the perfect dessert for our summer family picnic for all the little ones! Thanks for the memory, and thanks for the recipe!
I remember this dessert! One of my other favorite desserts from my childhood is broken glass. Nothing like jello and whipped cream.
I haven’t had this dirt dessert since I was in elementary school. My friend’s mom also served it in a flower pot, and I thought it was the coolest thing ever! What a fun trip down memory lane.
My grand-daughters have fun ordering this when they eat at their favourite Italian restaurant. They would be so surprised if I served this to them one time when they are here for a sleepover.
I remember this from when I was a kid! So cute! Thanks for bringing back fun memories! :)
I used to love this as a kid! for one it is so good, but two? Hello gummy worms!
I have to make this soon!!
Love your photos too!
This looks like a lot of fun! A family friend of mine used to make something very similar so this recipe brings back a lot of good memories. Thanks for sharing!
This is such a fun dessert! It tastes soooo delicious!
I haven’t made this dessert in years! For a Steeplechase party one year I went out and bought new 3″ clay pots and put sprigs of silk flowers in the top of the “Dirt”…huge hit! Thanks for bringing back memories!
This dessert looks so fun, and I love how you made it trifle style! My kids have gotten this dessert in the past with their kids meals at a restaurant and I was jealous. Chocolate pudding and Oreos is more than I can stand! Looks delicious!
I love this dessert. My Mom made this when I was a kid and in an effort to help her make I went outside and got a bucket of dirt and brought it to the kitchen for her to use! :)
What a super idea! This is so cute :)
This looks delicious! I love the added worms on top. Pinning :)
The pics are awesomely convincing! I think my 6 year old would even think it looks almost TOO real :) You did a great job on this one!
I love how simple foods that aren’t all high-falutin’ can be so very delightful. I’ll take some dirt, please:)
OMG.. Sounds really interesting.. great captures !!