Easy Dirt Cake with Oreos and Vanilla Pudding Recipe
This classic Dirt Cake recipe combines a rich Oreo crust with a creamy, luscious filling made from instant vanilla pudding, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and whipped heavy cream. Refrigerated until perfectly set, this no-bake dessert is an easy, crowd-pleasing treat that mimics the playful look of ‘dirt’ with crushed Oreos on top.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Total Time: 3 hrs 15 mins
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Oreo Crust
- 1 (14.3-oz.) package Oreos
- 4 Tbsp. butter, melted
Filling
- 1 (3.4-oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 1/2 cups cold milk
- 1 (8-oz.) block cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Prepare Oreo Crust: Finely crush the Oreos using a food processor until sandy and fine. Reserve ¾ cup of the crushed Oreos for garnish. Transfer the remaining crushed Oreos into a large mixing bowl, add the melted butter, and stir until the mixture holds together when pressed. Firmly press this mixture into an even layer at the bottom of a 9”x9” baking dish to form the crust.
- Make Pudding: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk until the mixture thickens. Place the bowl in the refrigerator for 10 minutes to allow the pudding to set and firm up.
- Mix Cream Cheese & Sugar: Using a hand mixer, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together in a large bowl until smooth and free of lumps, creating a creamy base.
- Whip Cream: In a separate large bowl, whip the heavy cream using an electric mixer until stiff peaks form, making fluffy whipped cream.
- Combine Filling: Gently fold the chilled vanilla pudding into the cream cheese mixture, ensuring it is well incorporated without deflating it. Then carefully fold in the whipped cream until just combined to keep the mixture light and airy. Pour the creamy filling over the Oreo crust layer in the baking dish and smooth the surface with an offset spatula. Sprinkle the reserved crushed Oreos evenly on top for decoration and added texture.
- Chill: Refrigerate the assembled dirt cake for a minimum of 3 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the dessert to fully set and flavors to meld before serving.
Notes
- For best results, allow the cream cheese to soften completely at room temperature before mixing to prevent lumps.
- You can substitute light whipped cream or use a dairy-free alternative to reduce calories or for dietary restrictions.
- The reserved crushed Oreos on top not only add texture but also create the iconic ‘dirt’ look of the cake.
- This dessert is best served chilled and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
