Easter Dirt Cake (no-bake) Recipe
Easter Dirt Cake is one of those whimsical desserts that never fails to bring a smile. It’s nostalgic, playful, and ridiculously easy to make. I first stumbled upon this recipe when I was tasked with bringing a dessert to an Easter potluck, and boy, was it a hit. What I love most about it is the no-bake factor—it’s perfect for when you don’t want to fuss with the oven but still need something show-stopping. Plus, the layers of crushed Oreos, creamy pudding, and festive toppings make it feel like a little party in every bite!
The best part? It’s kid-friendly in both preparation and presentation. My little ones love helping me assemble the layers, and they take their jobs of placing the Peeps and sprinkling M&Ms very seriously. It’s become a fun family tradition we look forward to every spring. And honestly, can you go wrong with a dessert topped with marshmallow Peeps and candy? I don’t think so.
A little backstory: why we love dirt cakes
Dirt cakes have been around for decades, and their charm is hard to resist. Traditionally, they’re layered with crushed cookies (to mimic “dirt”), pudding, and whipped topping. They’re often garnished with gummy worms for that playful garden theme. Over time, they’ve become a canvas for creative variations—like this Easter-themed version with colorful candies and marshmallow Peeps. No matter how you dress it up, it’s a dessert that brings a sense of fun and nostalgia. Plus, it’s a breeze to prepare and serves a crowd, making it perfect for holidays or casual get-togethers.
Let’s talk ingredients: the stars of this no-bake dessert
This Easter dirt cake relies on a handful of simple, easily available ingredients. Each plays an important role in creating the ultimate creamy, chocolatey dessert.
- Oreo cookies: These are your “dirt”! Crushing the cookies into fine crumbs creates the signature layered look. If you’re out of Oreos, graham crackers or chocolate wafer cookies are good substitutes. Want to make it extra festive? Use the spring-themed Oreos with pastel-colored filling.
- Butter, cream cheese, and powdered sugar: These combine to create a rich and slightly tangy base for the pudding layer. Make sure the butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
- Instant chocolate pudding mix: The heart of the creamy filling. You could swap this for vanilla pudding if you prefer, but chocolate really gives that “dirt” vibe.
- Milk: To prepare the pudding. Use whole milk for a richer texture, but 2% works fine too.
- Cool Whip: This adds that light, fluffy texture that makes the dessert so irresistible. If you prefer, you can use freshly whipped cream instead.
- Easter M&Ms: These pastel candies are perfect for the Easter theme. Swap them for regular M&Ms or another candy if you’d like.
- Peeps marshmallows: These colorful marshmallow chicks are iconic for Easter and make the cake extra festive. If you’re not a Peeps fan, you can skip them or replace them with another garnish.
- Edible green grass: This is optional, but it’s a cute way to make the cake look like a springtime garden. You can find edible grass in the candy aisle or make your own using dyed shredded coconut.

What you’ll need in the kitchen
This recipe is low-maintenance when it comes to tools, which makes it even better. You’ll need a few basics:
- A 9×13 dish: The perfect size for this layered dessert. If you don’t have one, a large trifle dish or individual cups would work.
- Mixing bowls: At least two—one for the cream cheese mixture and one for the pudding.
- Hand mixer or stand mixer: This will save you time when mixing the cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar. If you don’t have one, a sturdy whisk and some elbow grease will work!
- Spatula: To fold in the Cool Whip and smooth out the layers.
- Food processor or plastic bag with rolling pin: For crushing the Oreos. I prefer using a food processor for a finer crumb, but smashing them in a bag can be oddly satisfying.
Step-by-step: building your Easter dirt cake
- Start with the creamy base: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, cream cheese, and powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy. Set this aside—it’s the rich, tangy backbone of your filling.
- Make the pudding: In a separate bowl, whisk the milk and instant chocolate pudding mix until it’s smooth and thickened. This only takes about 2-3 minutes. I’ve learned the hard way not to skimp on whisking—it ensures the pudding sets properly.
- Combine the two: Gradually pour the pudding mixture into the cream cheese mixture. Beat until fully combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. At this point, it’ll smell heavenly, but hold off on taste-testing too much!
- Fold in the Cool Whip: Gently fold the thawed Cool Whip into the pudding mixture. This step keeps the filling light and airy.
- Assemble the layers: In your 9×13 dish, press half of the crushed Oreos into an even layer on the bottom. Spoon the pudding mixture over the cookies and spread it evenly. Top with the remaining Oreos, pressing gently to pack them down.
- Chill and decorate: Refrigerate the dirt cake for at least 2 hours (longer is fine) to let the layers set. Just before serving, sprinkle the top with Easter M&Ms and edible green grass. Add a Peep marshmallow to each slice for the ultimate festive touch.

Variations and adaptations to try
- Make it gluten-free: Swap regular Oreos for gluten-free ones, and double-check that your pudding mix is gluten-free.
- Go vegan: Use dairy-free cream cheese, plant-based butter, and coconut milk for the pudding. Dairy-free whipped topping or whipped coconut cream works beautifully here.
- Switch up the flavors: Try vanilla or white chocolate pudding for a twist. You could also use Golden Oreos instead of the classic ones.
- Seasonal swaps: This dirt cake can easily adapt to other holidays. For Halloween, use orange and black candies with gummy worms. For a summer BBQ, top it with crushed graham crackers and mini marshmallows.
- Single-serve cups: Instead of making one large cake, layer the ingredients into clear cups or jars for individual servings. It’s adorable and eliminates the need for slicing.
How to serve and garnish your dirt cake
This dessert is meant to be fun and festive, so don’t overthink it! For a dinner party, serve it directly from the dish and let guests admire the colorful layers. If you’re feeling fancy, you can sprinkle extra Oreo crumbs around the edges of the plate for a “soil” effect. A dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of pastel sprinkles add even more flair. Serve alongside fresh strawberries or a fruit salad for a pop of freshness.
Drinks that pair perfectly
Since this is a rich, creamy dessert, I love pairing it with something light and refreshing. A cold glass of milk is the classic choice, but a sparkling rosé or fruity sangria adds a grown-up twist. For the kids (or non-drinkers), try lemonade or a fizzy orange soda.
Storing and reheating tips
Leftovers (if there are any!) can be stored in the refrigerator, covered tightly with plastic wrap or a lid, for up to 3 days. Since this is a chilled dessert, there’s no need to reheat it—just scoop and enjoy straight from the fridge. If the toppings start to lose their crunch, you can sprinkle on a few fresh M&Ms before serving again.
Adjusting for different serving sizes
This recipe easily scales up or down depending on your needs. For a smaller gathering, halve the recipe and assemble it in an 8×8 dish. For a larger crowd, double it and use a bigger pan—or make it in two separate dishes. Just keep in mind that thicker layers might need a little more chilling time to set.
Common issues and how to avoid them
- Soggy Oreos: If the cake sits too long, the cookies can get overly soft. Serve it within a day or two for the best texture.
- Lumpy pudding mix: Be sure to whisk the pudding thoroughly before combining it with the cream cheese mixture.
- Runny filling: Use cold milk and allow enough chill time to let the dessert set properly.
Ready to dig into this Easter dirt cake?
This no-bake Easter dirt cake is a delightful treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Whether you’re hosting a family brunch or just want an excuse to enjoy Peeps, this dessert is sure to be a hit. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the toppings or make it your own—it’s hard to go wrong with layers of Oreos, pudding, and candy. Let me know how yours turns out, and happy Easter!

FAQs
1. Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble it the night before and decorate just before serving.
2. What’s the best way to crush Oreos?
A food processor works great for fine crumbs. If you don’t have one, place the cookies in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin.
3. Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?
Yes! Just whip about 1 ½ cups of heavy cream with a little sugar until soft peaks form.
4. Are there other candies I can use besides M&Ms?
Of course! Try Reese’s Pieces, jelly beans, or chopped mini chocolate bars.
5. What can I substitute for Peeps?
If you’re not a fan of Peeps, marshmallow bunnies, chocolate eggs, or even gummy worms work well.

Easter Dirt Cake (no-bake) Recipe
This no-bake Easter dirt cake is layered with Oreos, creamy pudding, and festive Peeps for a fun, easy dessert.
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 slices 1x
Ingredients
- 1 15.5 oz package Oreo cookies crushed
- 1/2 cup butter softened
- 1 8 oz package cream cheese softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 3 cups milk
- 2 boxes 3.4 oz each instant chocolate pudding mix
- 12 oz Cool Whip thawed
- 1 cup Easter M&M’s
- 20 PEEP marshmallows
Instructions
- Start with the creamy base: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, cream cheese, and powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy. Set this aside—it’s the rich, tangy backbone of your filling.
- Make the pudding: In a separate bowl, whisk the milk and instant chocolate pudding mix until it’s smooth and thickened. This only takes about 2-3 minutes. I’ve learned the hard way not to skimp on whisking—it ensures the pudding sets properly.
- Combine the two: Gradually pour the pudding mixture into the cream cheese mixture. Beat until fully combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. At this point, it’ll smell heavenly, but hold off on taste-testing too much!
- Fold in the Cool Whip: Gently fold the thawed Cool Whip into the pudding mixture. This step keeps the filling light and airy.
- Assemble the layers: In your 9×13 dish, press half of the crushed Oreos into an even layer on the bottom. Spoon the pudding mixture over the cookies and spread it evenly. Top with the remaining Oreos, pressing gently to pack them down.
- Chill and decorate: Refrigerate the dirt cake for at least 2 hours (longer is fine) to let the layers set. Just before serving, sprinkle the top with Easter M&Ms and edible green grass. Add a Peep marshmallow to each slice for the ultimate festive touch.
Notes
How to serve and garnish your dirt cake
This dessert is meant to be fun and festive, so don’t overthink it! For a dinner party, serve it directly from the dish and let guests admire the colorful layers. If you’re feeling fancy, you can sprinkle extra Oreo crumbs around the edges of the plate for a “soil” effect. A dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of pastel sprinkles add even more flair. Serve alongside fresh strawberries or a fruit salad for a pop of freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Dessert