Dirt Cake Recipe

Introduction

Dirt Cake is a fun and delicious dessert that combines rich chocolate cake, creamy pudding layers, and crunchy Oreo cookies for a decadent treat. It’s perfect for parties or whenever you crave a sweet, chocolatey indulgence.

Ingredients

• 1 box chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box)
• 12.8 oz hot fudge
• 3.4 oz chocolate instant pudding mix (divided)
• 3 1/2 cups milk (divided)
• 30 Oreos, crushed
• 8 oz Cool Whip, thawed

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the chocolate cake according to the instructions on the box and bake as directed.
2. Step 2: Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes.
3. Step 3: Use the end of a spoon to poke holes evenly all over the cake.
4. Step 4: Warm the hot fudge in the microwave until it is thin enough to pour, then drizzle it evenly over the cake, allowing it to seep into the holes.
5. Step 5: Let the cake cool completely.
6. Step 6: In a medium bowl, whisk together half of the chocolate pudding mix with 1 3/4 cups milk. Pour this pudding layer over the cooled cake before it sets fully.
7. Step 7: Refrigerate the cake for about 20 minutes to allow the pudding to chill.
8. Step 8: In another bowl, combine the remaining pudding mix with 1 3/4 cups milk and refrigerate until fully set, about 10 minutes.
9. Step 9: Once set, fold the thawed Cool Whip into the pudding mixture gently.
10. Step 10: Mix in about three-quarters of the crushed Oreos into the pudding and Cool Whip mixture, then spread this evenly over the pudding layer on the cake.
11. Step 11: Sprinkle the remaining crushed Oreos on top as a final decoration.
12. Step 12: Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to enjoy.

Tips & Variations

• For extra fudgy flavor, warm the hot fudge with a bit of milk to make it more pourable and easier to soak into the cake.
• Substitute the Cool Whip with whipped cream for a fresher taste.
• Try adding a layer of chopped nuts or chocolate chips for extra texture.
• Use different flavored pudding mixes, like vanilla or mocha, to customize the dessert.

Storage

Store the Dirt Cake in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days. This dessert tastes best when chilled and enjoyed within that time. When ready to serve, you can eat it cold or let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes for a softer texture. Avoid freezing to maintain the best texture and flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make Dirt Cake ahead of time?

Yes, Dirt Cake can be made a few hours or even a day in advance. Just keep it refrigerated and covered until serving to maintain freshness and texture.

Can I use homemade cake instead of box mix?

Absolutely! Homemade chocolate cake works great and adds a personal touch, but make sure it’s fully cooled before continuing with the recipe.

Dirt Cake Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 141 reviews

This Dirt Cake recipe features a moist chocolate cake base that’s infused with hot fudge, layered with creamy chocolate pudding, and topped with a luscious whipped pudding mixture and crushed Oreos for a deliciously playful dessert.

• Author: Sienna
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cake

• 1 box chocolate cake mix (including ingredients required on back of box)
• 12.8 oz hot fudge

Pudding Layers

• 3.4 oz chocolate instant pudding mix (first package)
• 1 3/4 cups milk (for first pudding mix)
• 3.4 oz chocolate instant pudding mix (second package)
• 1 3/4 cups milk (for second pudding mix)

Topping

• 8 oz Cool Whip, thawed
• 30 Oreos, crushed (approximately divided 3/4 for pudding mixture, 1/4 for topping)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cake. Prepare the chocolate cake as directed on the box, then bake it according to the instructions.
2. Cool and Poke Holes. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes. Use the end of a spoon to poke holes evenly across the top of the warm cake.
3. Pour Hot Fudge. Warm the hot fudge in the microwave until it becomes thin enough to pour easily. Evenly pour over the cake, allowing it to seep into the holes.
4. Cool Completely. Allow the cake to cool fully to room temperature before proceeding.
5. Make First Pudding Layer. In a medium bowl, mix the first package of chocolate pudding mix with 1 3/4 cups of milk until combined but before it sets fully, pour it over the cooled cake.
6. Chill Cake. Place the cake in the refrigerator and chill for about 20 minutes to allow the pudding to set.
7. Prepare Topping Pudding. In another medium bowl, combine the second package of chocolate pudding mix with another 1 3/4 cups milk and refrigerate for about 10 minutes until it fully sets.
8. Mix Whipped Topping. Remove the pudding from the fridge and gently fold in the thawed Cool Whip until well incorporated.
9. Add Oreo Crumbs. Mix approximately three-quarters of the crushed Oreos into the pudding and Cool Whip mixture.
10. Top the Cake. Spread this creamy pudding mixture evenly over the chilled cake.
11. Finish with Oreos. Sprinkle the remaining crushed Oreos evenly on top of the pudding layer.
12. Serve or Store. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve. Enjoy your rich, chocolatey Dirt Cake!

Notes

• Ensure the hot fudge is warmed until pourable but not too hot to avoid melting the cake further.
• Use full-fat milk for best pudding texture and flavor.
• Allow adequate chilling times for pudding layers to ensure the dirt cake holds its structure.
• For a fun variation, consider using mint or peanut butter Oreos.
• This cake is best consumed within 2-3 days when refrigerated.

Keywords: Dirt Cake, chocolate cake, hot fudge, chocolate pudding, Oreo, dessert, layered cake