This no-bake Oreo dessert has been beloved by children for decades! Layers of cookies, pudding, cream cheese, and gummy worms come together to make the delicious cake.
Refrigerator cakes are a classic American dessert and perfect for when you are craving a bit of nostalgia.
This Oreo dirt cake (sometimes called a Kansas City dirt cake) is one of the all-time most popular versions. I remember eating it when I was kid around both Halloween and Easter. It’s also common to serve at children’s birthday parties.
If you’d like something a little more “grown-up”, try the similar yet slightly more sophisticated cookies and cream pie.
Ingredients
Oreos – You can use regular or double stuffed Oreos.
Butter – Salted or unsalted butter both work.
Cream cheese – I recommend using full-fat cream cheese for the best flavor. Be sure to set it out ahead of time to soften!
Powdered sugar – For best results, sift the powdered sugar. This will ensure a smooth mixture.
Instant Pudding – I prefer to use vanilla or French vanilla pudding mix, but if you’re a chocolate lover feel free to substitute that instead.
Cool Whip – Use regular or extra creamy. Thaw in advance.
Milk – I use both whole milk and heavy cream. You can sub all milk, though I think the cream helps it set up better.
Vanilla – Any vanilla extract will work, though my preference is Madagascar Bourbon.
Gummy worms – These are optional, but if serving to kids I highly recommend adding them. You could also use gummy bugs.
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How To Make
Step 1
Place the Oreos in a food processor and pulse until they are fine crumbs.
If you don’t have a processor, place them in a Ziploc bag and crush them with a rolling pin or mallet.
Step 2
Reserve approximately 1/3 of the Oreo crumbs for topping. Add the other 2/3 of crumbs to a bowl and mix with 2 tablespoons of melted butter.
Press the crumb mixture into the bottom of a 9×13 dish to make a crust.
Step 3
In a large mixing bowl, add the cream cheese and 6 tablespoons of softened butter. Beat with a hand mixer until smooth and creamy.
Add the powdered sugar and mix again until combined, then add the Cool Whip and fold in with a spatula.
Step 4
In a separate large bowl add the pudding, milk, heavy cream, and vanilla. Mix until thick. Allow it to sit for 10 minutes.
Fold the cream cheese mixture into the pudding until all the ingredients are incorporated.
Step 5
Pour the pudding and cream cheese into the baking dish.
Place in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 hours or until fully set.
Step 6
Before serving sprinkle the remainder of the crushed Oreo crumbs and place the gummy worms on top.
Tips
Instead of a large cake, you can prepare this recipe in individual cups. This transforms it into an easy grab and go dessert to serve to a crowd.
This is a great make ahead dessert. I always make it the day before an event.
Have extra cookies? Use them to make chocolate covered Oreos – they only take a few minutes!
How to store leftovers
You can store the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Please note that the Oreos will get soft over time, so this dessert is best within 24 hours.
FAQs
Why is it called dirt cake?
The name comes from the appearance of the crushed Oreos, which look a bit like dirt. Some people even serve it in mini flower pots.
Can I freeze it?
I don’t recommend freezing this cake because of the cream cheese. When frozen then thawed, the texture changes and can become gritty.
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