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Dirt Cake Recipe

Dirt Cake Recipe

4.9 from 30 reviews

This Dirt Cake recipe is a fun and delicious dessert that combines rich chocolate cake, creamy pudding layers, and crunchy Oreo cookies to create a nostalgic treat that resembles a ‘dirt’ dessert. It’s perfect for parties, family gatherings, or anytime you want a decadent chocolate dessert with a playful twist.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake

  • 1 box chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box, typically eggs, oil, and water)
  • 12.8 oz hot fudge

Pudding Layers

  • 3.4 oz chocolate instant pudding mix (first package)
  • 1 3/4 cup milk (for first pudding)
  • 3.4 oz chocolate instant pudding mix (second package)
  • 1 3/4 cup milk (for second pudding)
  • 8 oz Cool Whip, thawed

Topping

  • 30 Oreos, crushed (divided: about 3/4 for pudding mixture, remainder for topping)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Cake: Preheat the oven according to the cake mix instructions. Prepare the chocolate cake mix as directed on the box, including eggs, oil, and water. Pour the batter into a baking pan and bake as instructed.
  2. Cool and Poke Holes: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool for 10 minutes. Using the end of a spoon, evenly poke holes all over the surface of the warm cake. This helps the hot fudge seep in.
  3. Pour Hot Fudge: Warm the hot fudge in the microwave until it becomes thin enough to pour easily. Pour it over the cake evenly, allowing it to seep into the holes you created. Let the cake cool completely.
  4. Make First Pudding Layer: In a medium bowl, whisk together the first package of chocolate instant pudding mix with 1 3/4 cups of milk. Before the pudding sets fully, pour this mixture evenly over the cooled cake layer. Place the cake in the refrigerator and chill for about 20 minutes to set.
  5. Prepare Second Pudding Mixture: In another medium bowl, combine the second package of chocolate instant pudding mix with 1 3/4 cups milk. Refrigerate this mixture for about 10 minutes until it sets fully.
  6. Fold in Cool Whip: Remove the second pudding mixture from the fridge and fold in the thawed Cool Whip gently until combined.
  7. Add Oreo Crust and Spread: Mix about 3/4 of the crushed Oreos into the pudding and Cool Whip mixture. Spread this creamy Oreo pudding mixture evenly on top of the chilled cake and pudding layer.
  8. Top and Serve: Sprinkle the remaining crushed Oreos over the top of the cake to create the ‘dirt’ look. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve. Enjoy!

Notes

  • You can substitute Cool Whip with homemade whipped cream for a fresher taste.
  • For an extra chocolate punch, add a layer of chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate on top.
  • This dessert tastes best when refrigerated overnight to let flavors meld.
  • Use gluten-free cake mix and gluten-free Oreos for a gluten-free version.
  • Be sure to poke holes evenly and thoroughly to allow the hot fudge to seep into the cake throughout.

Nutrition

Keywords: Dirt Cake, Chocolate Cake, Oreo Dessert, Pudding Cake, No-bake Topping Dessert