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Delicious Oreo Layer Dessert

Featured in: Desserts to Satisfy Every Craving

This playful stacked treat mixes chocolate cake with warm fudge, creamy chocolate pudding and broken Oreos. Simple to create using ready-made items, it's great for feeding many guests.

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Updated on Sun, 13 Apr 2025 16:04:22 GMT
A chocolate cake topped with chocolate frosting and decorated with Oreo cookies is served on a white plate. Pin it
A chocolate cake topped with chocolate frosting and decorated with Oreo cookies is served on a white plate. | cookingkitchn.com

Looking for a simple DIY sweet treat that'll impress everyone? This Dirt Cake tops my list when I need a chocolatey creation! My version stacks yummy cake with warm chocolate sauce, smooth pudding, and plenty of smashed Oreos. Though it looks fancy, this dessert comes together so quickly - great for gatherings or when chocolate cravings hit!

A Brief Background

This tasty dessert has been bringing joy to children since the '80s! My quick version resembles a playful spin on Mississippi Mud Pie, built up in trifle fashion. The broken cookies truly resemble soil, and this DIY treat always gets compliments at get-togethers.

What You'll Need

  • The Foundation: Box cake mix keeps this quick dessert super straightforward.
  • Cookie Wonder: Plenty of Oreos for our DIY "soil".
  • More Chocolate: Hot fudge sauce gives this version incredible richness.
  • Smooth Components: Boxed pudding and milk for this quick dessert.
  • Airy Element: Whipped topping makes our DIY layers just right.

Let's Make Dirt Cake

Begin With Cake
This quick dessert starts with a freshly made cake - poke several holes across the surface for extra flavor absorption!
Pour The Sauce
Drizzle hot fudge over your DIY cake, allowing it to drop into those holes.
Layer of Goodness
Prepare pudding for this quick dessert and spread it across the cake. Let it cool briefly.
Finish It Up
Combine additional pudding with whipped topping for your DIY finish, then dust with crushed Oreos.

Make It Unique

This quick dessert can be tweaked so many ways! Toss in some gummy worms to your DIY version, or experiment with different Oreo varieties. Let this sweet treat cool for at least two hours to set properly. Want something extra special? Try using scratch-made chocolate cake in this quick dessert!

A slice of chocolate cake topped with creamy chocolate frosting and decorated with Oreos. Pin it
A slice of chocolate cake topped with creamy chocolate frosting and decorated with Oreos. | cookingkitchn.com

Storage Tips

Your DIY dirt cake will stay fresh in the refrigerator for three days. This quick dessert freezes wonderfully too - for up to three months! My children adore when I freeze this version - it transforms into something similar to ice cream.

Fast Facts

Wondering about this quick dessert? Here's what I've figured out while making this DIY treat: Smash those Oreos in a plastic bag using a rolling pin, put your version together up to 24 hours ahead, and don't miss adding the whipped topping! This quick dessert works with many changes - try mint Oreos or vanilla pudding for something different.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why poke holes in cake?

It lets the warm fudge soak through the cake making every bite moist and flavorful.

→ Can I make this ahead?

Absolutely, you can fix it up 1-2 days early and keep it wrapped in your fridge.

→ Why layer the pudding?

It builds different texture zones and stops everything from blending together.

→ Can I use different cookies?

Sure, swap in any chocolate sandwich cookies or plain chocolate wafers instead of Oreos.

→ Do I need to let layers set?

Yep, cooling between layers gets you the right feel and keeps everything separate.

Creamy Oreo Layer Dessert

An indulgent multilayered treat featuring chocolate cake, warm fudge, smooth pudding and crumbled Oreos. Ideal for gatherings and shared meals.

Prep Time
30 Minutes
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
55 Minutes
By: Sophia

Category: Sweet Delights

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 16 Servings (1)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1 package chocolate cake mix with required ingredients.
02 12.8 oz jar of hot fudge sauce.
03 3.4 oz box of instant chocolate pudding mix.
04 1 3/4 cup cold milk.
05 30 Oreo cookies, smashed up.
06 8 oz tub of Cool Whip, defrosted.

Instructions

Step 01

Mix and bake the cake following package instructions.

Step 02

While cake is still warm, use the handle of a spoon to make holes throughout.

Step 03

Heat the fudge sauce and drizzle it over the cake, letting it sink into the holes.

Step 04

Wait for the cake to cool down completely.

Step 05

Whip up the first pudding layer and spread it on the cake.

Step 06

Put in fridge for 20 minutes.

Step 07

Make the second pudding layer and cool for 10 minutes.

Step 08

Gently mix Cool Whip with most of the crushed Oreos.

Step 09

Layer the topping on cake and sprinkle leftover Oreos on top.

Notes

  1. Can be made a day ahead.
  2. Perfect for gatherings.
  3. Children love it.
  4. Serves many people.

Tools You'll Need

  • 9x13 cake dish.
  • Several mixing bowls.
  • Wooden spoon.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Milk products in pudding and Cool Whip.
  • Egg content in cake mix.
  • Wheat found in Oreos and cake mix.
  • Might contain soy in various components.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 382
  • Total Fat: 9 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 70 g
  • Protein: 6 g