OREO Dirt Cake No-Bake Favorite is one of those nostalgic desserts that feels playful yet irresistibly delicious. With layers of silky pudding, sweetened cream cheese, whipped topping, and plenty of crushed OREOs, this dessert delivers creamy richness and unmistakable chocolate crunch in every bite. The best part is that it requires no oven at all—just simple mixing, layering, and chilling. I once tried making this with chocolate sandwich cookies from a different brand, and while it worked, nothing compares to the flavor and texture of classic OREOs. Whether you are preparing it for birthday parties, potlucks, or as a fun make-ahead treat for family gatherings, this dessert always excites both children and adults. It is versatile, easy to assemble, and effortlessly impressive despite its simplicity.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This no-bake dirt cake is quick to prepare and perfect for warm days when turning on the oven is the last thing you want to do. Its layers create beautiful contrast—smooth, fluffy cream against crunchy OREO crumbs. It is highly adaptable; you can serve it in a large trifle dish or portion it individually in cups. The recipe is beginner-friendly, requires only pantry staples, and tastes even better after chilling. It is sweet, creamy, nostalgic, and wonderfully shareable.
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OREO Dirt Cake No-Bake Favorite – Creamy, Chocolatey, Crowd-Pleasing Fun
- Total Time: 20 mins + chilling
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy, no-bake dessert made with crushed OREO cookies, luscious pudding, and a light whipped filling—layered to resemble classic ‘dirt cake’ and perfect for parties.
Ingredients
- 1 package (14–15 oz) OREO cookies, crushed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 2 packages (3.4 oz each) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 3 cups cold milk
- 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping, thawed
- Optional: gummy worms or chocolate shavings for decoration
Instructions
- Crush OREO cookies in a food processor or by hand until fine crumbs form. Reserve 1 cup for topping.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together softened butter, powdered sugar, and cream cheese until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk instant pudding mixes with cold milk until thickened.
- Fold the pudding mixture into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined.
- Gently fold in the whipped topping to create a light, fluffy filling.
- In a 9×13-inch dish, layer half of the crushed OREOs on the bottom.
- Spread the creamy filling evenly over the cookie layer.
- Top with the remaining crushed OREOs.
- Refrigerate for at least 2–4 hours (or overnight) before serving. Add gummy worms for decoration if desired.
Notes
- For extra chocolate flavor, use chocolate pudding instead of vanilla.
- Chill overnight for the best texture and flavor.
- Make individual servings in cups or jars for parties.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins (no-bake)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
OREO cookies
The star of the dessert, bringing chocolate flavor and signature crunch when crushed.
Cream cheese
Adds tang and richness, balancing the sweetness of the pudding and cookies.
Butter
Helps bind the cookie crumbs for the base layer or topping.
Powdered sugar
Sweetens the cream cheese mixture without creating graininess.
Instant chocolate or vanilla pudding mix
Creates a thick, silky middle layer that adds volume and creaminess.
Milk
Used to prepare the pudding mixture and keep the texture velvety and smooth.
Whipped topping
Lightens the filling and gives the dessert a smooth, fluffy consistency.
Vanilla extract
Adds depth and enhances the overall flavor of the cream layer.
Directions
Start by crushing most of the OREOs into fine crumbs, leaving some slightly larger pieces for added texture. Reserve a portion for topping. If you prefer a firmer base, mix some of the crumbs with melted butter and press lightly into the bottom of your dish. Otherwise, you can simply layer them loosely.
In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth, then incorporate the powdered sugar, vanilla, and softened butter until the mixture becomes fluffy and well blended. Fold in part of the whipped topping to create a light, creamy layer.
Prepare the instant pudding in a separate bowl by whisking it with cold milk until it thickens. Gently fold the remaining whipped topping into the pudding to create a lush, mousse-like texture.
To assemble, layer cookie crumbs at the bottom of your serving dish, followed by the cream cheese mixture, then the pudding mixture. Repeat the layers if using a deeper dish. Top generously with the reserved crushed OREOs to create the signature “dirt” appearance. Chill for at least 2–3 hours so the layers can set and the flavors meld.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
Serves 10–12 people.
Prep time: 15 minutes.
Chill time: 2–3 hours.
Total time: approximately 2 hours 20 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store the dirt cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The texture actually improves during the first 24 hours as the layers settle. Freezing is possible, though the texture becomes slightly softer once thawed. Since this is a no-bake, chilled dessert, do not heat or rewarm it; serve chilled for best results.
Variations and Customizations
Gummy Worm Dirt Cake
Add gummy worms on top for a playful, kid-friendly presentation.
White Chocolate Dirt Cake
Use white chocolate pudding and golden OREOs for a fun twist.
Peanut Butter Layer
Mix a few tablespoons of peanut butter into the cream cheese mixture for added richness.
Mint Chocolate Dirt Cake
Use mint OREOs and add a splash of peppermint extract for a refreshing twist.
Layered Parfait Cups
Assemble the dessert in individual clear cups for parties or picnics.
Double Chocolate
Use chocolate whipped topping and dark chocolate pudding for deeper intensity.
Creamy Cheesecake Style
Add extra cream cheese for a thicker, tangier middle layer.
Strawberry Dirt Cake
Layer sliced strawberries between the cream and pudding layers.
Gluten-Free
Use gluten-free chocolate sandwich cookies; the rest of the recipe remains the same.
Lightened-Up Version
Use reduced-fat cream cheese and light whipped topping to make it slightly lighter while maintaining flavor.
FAQs
Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Yes, it’s even better when prepared a day in advance.
Can I use homemade whipped cream?
Yes, but stabilize it with a little powdered sugar for best texture.
Do the OREOs become soggy?
They soften slightly as the dessert chills, creating the classic dirt cake texture.
Can I use different pudding flavors?
Absolutely—vanilla, chocolate, or even cookies-and-cream pudding works well.
Should I remove the cream from the OREOs?
No, the cream adds sweetness and helps bind the crumbs.
Can this be made gluten-free?
Yes, simply use gluten-free sandwich cookies.
Is this dessert kid-friendly?
Very much—kids love assembling and eating it.
Can I freeze dirt cake?
Yes, though thawing slightly softens the texture.
What dish works best?
A 9×13 dish or deep trifle bowl shows the layers beautifully.
Can I reduce the sweetness?
Use fewer OREOs or choose pudding flavors with lower sugar content.
Conclusion
OREO Dirt Cake No-Bake Favorite is a nostalgic, creamy dessert that combines ease, flavor, and fun in every layer. With its rich pudding, fluffy cream cheese filling, and irresistible cookie crunch, it satisfies every chocolate lover while staying incredibly simple to prepare. Whether made for holidays, parties, or casual gatherings, this classic treat brings joy, convenience, and delicious results every time.
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