Dirt pudding is a tasty and simple dessert you and the kids will love.
It’s a great Halloween dessert with those gummy worms. But it’s yummy all year long!
So this no-bake Oreo dessert won’t win awards for its looks.
But once you get past that appearance, you’ll realize it’s oh-so-good.
Made with sweetened cream cheese and crushed cookies, it couldn’t be more straightforward.
Better yet, there’s no baking involved! So there’s no need to turn on the stove or preheat the oven.
Just whisk the filling and assemble the layers.
And no, you don’t have to wait until October 31st to have a cup of dirt pudding.
Dirt Pudding Recipe
Dirt pudding is also known as Oreo dirt dessert and dirt cake.
It’s a layered dessert made with a crust made of crushed Oreos. The filling is made of pudding and cream cheese frosting.
The crushed Oreo topping makes it an excellent showpiece to serve at Halloween!
Garnish it with a few wriggly gummy worms to give it extra hair-raising appeal.
No matter how frightening it looks, though, it doesn’t take away from the fact that it’s so ridiculously delicious.
It’s so good, you’ll want to lick the dish!
Ingredients
Bottom and Top Layers:
Oreos – Crushing chocolate Oreos turns them into a dark, dirt-like substance that goes at the bottom and on top of the dessert.
It creates fudgy, chocolate cake-like layers and gives the dessert its macabre feel.
Vanilla Cream Cheese Filling:
Instant French Vanilla Pudding – Some recipes call for either chocolate or fudge pudding to make the pudding even more creepy-looking.
However, I like French vanilla for 2 reasons. One, it gives the dessert a different flavor dimension. Two, I like the color contrast it creates against the dark Oreos.
Cream Cheese, Butter, and Powdered Sugar – Beaten together, this mixture creates a creamy and fluffy cream cheese frosting.
Whipped Topping – You can use homemade whipped cream here.
But since it doesn’t really make a difference either taste or texture-wise, there’s really no point in making the extra effort.
How Do You Make Dirt Pudding?
1. Crush the Oreos in a food processor.
I like to just give them a quick blitz because I want some coarse bits of cookies in my pudding.
If you want your “dirt” to be completely fine, give the cookies a longer pulse.
If you don’t have a food processor or just don’t want another item to wash, there’s an alternative.
Place the cookies in a Ziploc bag and pound them with a meat mallet or rolling pin.
2. Make the filling.
First, prepare the instant pudding by whisking it with milk. Set it aside for a few minutes to allow it to thicken.
Next, beat together the cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar to make a smooth and creamy frosting.
Keep in mind the cheese and butter should be softened, but not melted.
Combine the pudding and frosting and beat until smooth and spreadable.
3. Layer the dirt pudding.
Pour half of the crushed Oreos into the bottom of a baking dish. Pack it firmly with the bottom of a measuring cup or glass.
Next, spread the filling evenly.
Last, sprinkle the remaining crushed Oreos on top.
4. Refrigerate.
This dessert has to chill for at least 30 minutes to allow the layers to set. It also tastes better when cold.
If you don’t mind eating a messy, room-temperature pudding, though, go ahead and have a slice.
It’s not like this dessert has to look clean and elegant!
Tips for the Best Dirt Pudding
- Use pre-crushed sandwich cookies. It’ll speed up the prep, and you’ll know they’re nice and even. Then add a few extra crumbles for texture.
- Make the dessert at least 2 hours ahead. It’s best after chilling and can be made up to 2 days in advance. Just be sure it’s covered tightly with plastic wrap to protect it from outside odors and flavors.
- Serve in glass so you can see the layers. This is especially fun when you add the gummy worms!
Dirt Pudding Variations
Dirt pudding is not a dessert that requires specific ingredients and exact measurements.
So, let your creative juices flow and experiment with different cookies and pudding flavors. The possibilities are endless.
I actually think it’s a terrific pistachio pudding dessert. The nutty flavor pairs especially well with dark chocolate cookie crumbs.
That said, here’s some inspiration for other variations:
- Lemon pudding with shortbread cookies
- Strawberry pudding with whipped cream and Oreos
- Chocolate pudding with chopped cherries and Oreos
- Banana pudding with crushed vanilla wafers
- Coconut pudding with crushed Samoas
- Butterscotch pudding with chopped Reese’s and Golden Oreos
How to Serve Dirt Pudding
Now, for the fun part! If you look at it closely, dirt pudding is just a simple dessert.
What makes it appear so intricate is the presentation. It’s all about those bells and whistles!
Decorate your dirt pudding with any or all of these toppings:
- Chocolate rocks for pebbles
- Flower-shaped fruit chews
- Shredded coconut dyed in green coloring for grass
- Gummy worms
More Pudding-Based Desserts You’ll Love
Robert Redford Dessert
Easy Chocolate Delight Recipe
Nilla Wafer Banana Pudding
Heaven on Earth Cake
Trisha Yearwood Banana Pudding
Dirt Pudding
12
servings15
minutes1
hour15
minutes472
kcalTry this recipe for dirt pudding, which is always a crowd-pleaser! With just 7 ingredients and 15 minutes of prep time, this Oreo dessert is a guaranteed winner.
Ingredients
2 (3.5-ounce) packages of instant French vanilla pudding mix
3 cups milk
1/4 cup butter, softened
1 (8-ounce) package of cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 (12-ounce) container of frozen whipped topping, thawed
1 (14-ounce) package of chocolate cream-filled sandwich cookies, crushed, divided
Instructions
- Combine the French vanilla pudding mix and milk in a large bowl. Whisk the ingredients until smooth and well-combined. Allow it to set and thicken for about 2 minutes.
- In a separate large bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until it’s light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Gradually add the powdered sugar and beat until it’s smooth and creamy.
- Pour the pudding into the cream cheese mixture and beat to combine. Gently mix in the thawed whipped topping with a rubber spatula, just until well-combined.
- Assemble the pudding. Place 1/2 of the crushed cookies into the bottom of a 9×12-inch baking dish. Spread the cream cheese pudding mixture evenly on top of the cookies. Sprinkle the remaining crushed cookies on top. Refrigerate for 30 minutes. Serve and enjoy!
