Description
A classic, kid-friendly no-bake dessert featuring layers of crushed chocolate sandwich cookies and a rich, creamy vanilla pudding filling. It is often decorated with gummy worms to look like ‘dirt’, making it a fun and delicious treat for parties and potlucks.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 package (16 oz) chocolate sandwich cookies
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 packages (3.4 oz each) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 12 oz whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
- Gummy worms for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a food processor, pulse the chocolate sandwich cookies until finely crushed.
- In a bowl, combine the cookie crumbs with melted butter, mixing until well combined.
- Press the cookie mixture into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to form the ‘dirt’ layer (crust). (Tip: You can reserve some crumbs to sprinkle on top later).
- In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and mix until creamy.
- In a separate large bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix, whole milk, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Add the cream cheese mixture to the pudding mixture and stir to combine. Gently fold in the whipped topping until smooth.
- Pour the pudding mixture over the cookie crust, spreading it evenly.
- Refrigerate the Dirt Cake for at least 4 hours or overnight to set.
- Before serving, garnish the top with additional cookie crumbs and gummy worms if desired.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened to room temperature to avoid lumps in the filling.
- If you don’t have a food processor, you can place the cookies in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin.
- This dessert is best made a day in advance to allow the layers to set and the flavors to meld.
- For a fun presentation, you can assemble this in a clean flower pot or individual clear cups.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square (approx. 1/12 of pan)
- Calories: 400-450
- Sugar: 35-40 g
- Sodium: 350-400 mg
- Fat: 20-25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12-15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50-55 g
- Fiber: 1-2 g
- Protein: 4-6 g
- Cholesterol: 40-50 mg
