Homemade Dirt Cake

Homemade Dirt Cake is a nostalgic dessert I love making when I want something fun, creamy, and playful. It’s made with layers of homemade vanilla pudding, a fluffy cream cheese filling, crushed Oreo “dirt,” and gummy worms on top for a whimsical finish. It’s always a hit with kids, but I’ve found that adults can’t resist it either.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it takes the classic dirt cake I grew up with and elevates it using homemade pudding instead of a boxed mix. The texture is creamy, smooth, and rich, while the Oreo crumbs give the perfect crunchy contrast. It’s fun to serve in a big dish or even in individual cups, and it’s one of those desserts that always brings a smile.

Ingredients

(Note: All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.)

For the pudding
▢¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
▢¼ cup (32 g) cornstarch
▢½ teaspoon table salt
▢1 ½ cups (354 ml) whole milk
▢1 ½ cups (354 ml) heavy cream
▢4 large egg yolks
▢2 teaspoons vanilla extract
▢3 Tablespoons (42 g) unsalted butter cut into 3 pieces

For the cake
▢8 oz (226 g) cream cheese softened
▢1 ½ cups (354 ml) heavy cream
▢½ cup (65 g) powdered sugar
▢30 Oreo cookies finely crushed (see note!)
▢Gummy worms for topping (optional)

Directions

1. I begin by making the pudding. In a medium saucepan, I whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, and salt. I slowly whisk in the milk and cream until smooth.
2. I cook the mixture over medium heat, whisking constantly, until it thickens and begins to bubble.
3. In a separate bowl, I whisk the egg yolks. I slowly pour some of the hot mixture into the yolks while whisking to temper them, then return everything to the saucepan.
4. I cook for another 1–2 minutes until thickened, then remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla and butter. I let the pudding cool completely.
5. For the cake layer, I beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. In another bowl, I whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form. I fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture.
6. Once the pudding has cooled, I fold it into the cream cheese mixture until smooth and creamy.
7. To assemble, I layer crushed Oreos at the bottom of a trifle dish or glass cups, then add the pudding mixture. I repeat the layers, finishing with Oreos on top.
8. I decorate with gummy worms for a playful touch, then refrigerate for at least 2–3 hours before serving.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 10–12 servings. It takes me around 30 minutes to prepare, plus at least 2–3 hours of chilling time for the layers to set properly.

Variations

I sometimes serve this in individual clear cups for parties. If I want a chocolate version, I add cocoa powder to the pudding base. For a fruity twist, I like to add strawberries or raspberries between the layers. Crushed chocolate chip cookies or graham crackers also make a tasty substitute for Oreos.

Storage/Reheating

I store dirt cake in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days. It doesn’t need reheating since it’s served chilled. I don’t recommend freezing it because the pudding and whipped cream layers can separate once thawed.

FAQs

Can I make dirt cake ahead of time?

Yes, I usually make it the day before and let it chill overnight so the flavors meld.

Do I need to use homemade pudding?

No, I can use instant pudding mix if I want a quicker version, but I love the homemade flavor.

Can I make this without cream cheese?

Yes, I can skip it, but the filling will be lighter and less tangy.

How do I crush the Oreos?

I use a food processor for fine crumbs or place them in a bag and crush them with a rolling pin.

Do I need to remove the Oreo cream?

No, I leave the filling in because it adds flavor and helps the crumbs stick together.

Can I use different cookies?

Yes, I sometimes use graham crackers, chocolate chip cookies, or vanilla wafers.

How long does dirt cake need to chill?

At least 2–3 hours, but overnight gives the best flavor and texture.

Can I serve this in cups instead of a dish?

Yes, I like to portion it into small cups for easy serving at parties.

How do I keep the whipped cream stable?

I make sure to whip it until soft peaks form and fold gently into the cream cheese mixture.

Can kids help make this recipe?

Yes, kids can help layer the crumbs, pudding, and gummy worms—it’s a fun activity.

Conclusion

Homemade Dirt Cake is a creamy, fun, and nostalgic dessert I love to make for both kids and adults. The combination of homemade pudding, fluffy cream cheese filling, and crushed Oreos makes every bite irresistible. It’s easy to prepare ahead of time, and it’s always a conversation starter at gatherings.

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