Dirt Cake Recipe

Introduction

This Dirt Cake is a fun and indulgent dessert that combines rich chocolate flavors with a creamy pudding topping and crunchy Oreos. Easy to make and perfect for parties or family gatherings, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

• 1 box chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box)
• 12.8 oz hot fudge
• 3.4 oz chocolate instant pudding mix
• 1 3/4 cups milk (divided)
• 30 Oreos, crushed
• 8 oz Cool Whip, thawed

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the chocolate cake according to the box instructions and bake it. Once baked, allow the cake to cool for about 10 minutes.
2. Step 2: Use the end of a spoon to poke holes evenly all over the warm cake.
3. Step 3: Warm the hot fudge in the microwave until it’s thin enough to pour, then drizzle it evenly over the cake, letting it seep into the holes. Let the cake cool completely.
4. Step 4: In a medium bowl, whisk together one package of chocolate instant pudding mix with 1 3/4 cups milk. Before the pudding sets, pour it evenly over the cooled cake. Refrigerate for about 20 minutes to set.
5. Step 5: For the topping, combine the second package of pudding mix with 1 3/4 cups milk in a bowl. Refrigerate until fully set, about 10 minutes.
6. Step 6: Remove the pudding from the fridge and gently fold in the thawed Cool Whip.
7. Step 7: Mix about three-quarters of the crushed Oreos into the pudding and spread this mixture evenly over the pudding layer on the cake.
8. Step 8: Sprinkle the remaining crushed Oreos on top as a garnish. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crunch, add a layer of chopped nuts or chocolate chips between the pudding and Cool Whip layers.
• Use double-stuffed Oreos for a richer, creamier topping.
• Try swapping the chocolate pudding for vanilla or mint flavor for a twist.
• Letting the cake chill overnight enhances the flavors and texture.

Storage

Store the Dirt Cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before serving, you can let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes for easier slicing. Avoid freezing as it may affect the pudding texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use homemade cake instead of boxed mix?

Absolutely! A homemade chocolate cake will work just as well and can add a personal touch to the dessert.

How do I prevent the pudding from becoming watery?

Make sure to prepare the pudding according to package instructions and allow it to set properly in the refrigerator before layering. Folding in the Cool Whip after the pudding sets helps maintain a creamy, stable topping.

Dirt Cake Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 108 reviews

This delicious Dirt Cake recipe features a moist chocolate cake base soaked with rich hot fudge, layered with creamy chocolate pudding and topped with a fluffy Cool Whip and Oreo cookie crumble, creating a fun and indulgent dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.

• Author: Leo
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cake

• 1 box chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the back of the box)
• 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)

Topping

• 8 oz Cool Whip, thawed
• 30 Oreos, crushed (about 3/4 for pudding layer, remaining for topping)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cake: Follow the instructions on the chocolate cake mix box to prepare the batter and bake the cake as directed. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool for 10 minutes.
2. Poke Holes in Cake: Using the end of a spoon, evenly poke holes all over the warm cake. This will allow the hot fudge to seep into the cake for extra moisture and flavor.
3. Add Hot Fudge: Warm the hot fudge in the microwave until it becomes thin enough to pour easily. Evenly pour the hot fudge over the cake, letting it seep into the holes. Allow the cake to cool completely.
4. Make First Pudding Layer: In a medium bowl, combine the first package of chocolate instant pudding mix with 1 3/4 cups of milk. Stir until the pudding begins to set but is not fully firm yet.
5. Pour Pudding over Cake: Pour the partially set pudding evenly over the cooled cake. Place the cake in the refrigerator and chill for about 20 minutes to allow the pudding to firm up.
6. Prepare Topping Pudding Mixture: In another medium bowl, combine the second package of chocolate instant pudding mix with 1 3/4 cups of milk. Refrigerate the mixture for approximately 10 minutes until it fully sets.
7. Mix with Cool Whip and Oreos: Remove the second pudding mixture from the fridge and gently fold in the thawed Cool Whip. Then, mix in about three-quarters of the crushed Oreos.
8. Layer Topping on Cake: Spread the Cool Whip and pudding mixture evenly over the first pudding layer on the cake.
9. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the remaining crushed Oreos on top of the cake as garnish. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.

Notes

• Ensure the hot fudge is warmed enough to seep into the cake but not too hot to melt the cake layers.
• Chilling the pudding layers properly helps maintain the structure and enhances flavor blending.
• You can substitute Cool Whip with any whipped topping of your choice.
• For an extra twist, consider adding crushed candy or nuts in the topping layer.

Keywords: Dirt cake, chocolate cake, hot fudge, pudding, Oreo dessert, layered cake, no-bake topping