Easter Dirt Cake Recipe

There’s something about Easter that makes me crave fun, playful desserts that bring out my inner kid. This Easter Dirt Cake is the perfect blend of nostalgia, sweetness, and whimsy. It’s the kind of dessert that gets everyone talking, thanks to the colorful PEEPs and pastel M&M’s decorating the top. Plus, it’s ridiculously easy to make—no baking required! If you’ve ever had dirt cake growing up, this holiday version is like a cheerful upgrade, perfect for celebrating spring with family and friends.

Easter Dirt Cake Recipe

A childhood memory turned Easter tradition

I vividly remember the first time I had dirt cake as a kid—it was at a friend’s birthday party, and I was mesmerized by the crushed cookie “dirt” and gummy worms peeking out of the top. It felt like magic on a plate. Fast forward to today, and I’ve turned that classic dessert into a festive Easter treat. The pastel M&M’s and marshmallow PEEPs give it a pop of springtime fun, while the creamy pudding filling still delivers the rich, chocolatey flavor I fell in love with years ago. My kids love helping with this recipe, especially when it comes to adding the decorations—it’s messy, chaotic, and so much fun!

A little backstory on dirt cake

Dirt cake has been a beloved no-bake dessert for decades. Traditionally, it’s made with layers of crushed cookies, creamy pudding, and sometimes gummy worms for a fun, edible “garden.” Its origins are rooted in the Midwestern United States, where simple, crowd-pleasing desserts reign supreme. Over time, people have adapted the recipe for different holidays and occasions—like this Easter version! What’s great about dirt cake is its versatility. Whether you’re making it for a birthday, Halloween, or Easter, it’s endlessly customizable, and you can’t go wrong with its creamy, crunchy goodness.

Let’s talk ingredients: what makes this dessert shine

  1. Oreo cookies: The star of the show! The crushed Oreos create that classic “dirt” layer, adding crunch and chocolate flavor. You can use any variety of Oreos, but the original kind is my go-to. If you’re out of Oreos, try graham crackers or chocolate wafer cookies—they work surprisingly well.
  2. Cream cheese: This adds a tangy richness to the filling that balances the sweetness. Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing. If you’re in a pinch, mascarpone is a luxurious substitute.
  3. Powdered sugar: A little sweetness goes a long way here. Regular granulated sugar won’t work as well, so stick to powdered for that smooth texture.
  4. Instant chocolate pudding: This is where the chocolatey magic happens. The pudding gives the filling its silky, creamy texture. If you prefer vanilla pudding, that works too—it’ll just change the overall flavor.
  5. Cool Whip: This makes the filling light and fluffy. You can substitute homemade whipped cream if you’re feeling ambitious, but I love the simplicity of Cool Whip.
  6. M&M’s and PEEPs: These cheerful toppings make the cake Easter-ready. If PEEPs aren’t your thing, you can swap them for mini chocolate bunnies or jellybeans for a different twist.
Easter Dirt Cake Recipe

Kitchen gear: what you’ll need

You don’t need much for this no-bake dessert, which is part of the reason I love it so much! Here’s what you’ll need:

  • A 13×9-inch dish: Perfect for layering the dirt cake. You can also use a trifle dish for a fancier presentation.
  • A food processor or zip-top bag and rolling pin: To crush the Oreos. I often opt for the zip-top bag because it’s oddly satisfying to smash the cookies with a rolling pin!
  • Mixing bowls: One large for the cream cheese mixture and one medium for the pudding.
  • An electric mixer: This makes it easier to cream the butter, cream cheese, and sugar. If you don’t have one, a sturdy whisk will do the job with a little extra effort.

Step-by-step: how to make Easter dirt cake

  1. Prepare the creamy filling
    Start by creaming the softened butter, cream cheese, and powdered sugar together in a large bowl until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. (Pro tip: If your cream cheese is still a bit cold, pop it in the microwave for 10 seconds to soften it up.) Set this mixture aside for now.
  2. Make the pudding
    In a separate bowl, whisk the instant pudding mix with the milk. Whisk until no lumps remain, and the mixture starts to thicken slightly. This step is quick, but be sure to whisk well to avoid any clumps in the pudding.
  3. Combine the mixtures
    Slowly add the pudding mixture to the cream cheese mixture, beating as you go. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to make sure everything is fully incorporated. Once it’s blended, gently fold in the Cool Whip until the filling is light, creamy, and irresistibly fluffy.
  4. Assemble the layers
    In your 13×9 dish, spread half of the crushed Oreos on the bottom, pressing them down slightly to create an even layer. Pour the pudding mixture over the cookie crumbs and spread it out evenly. Top with the remaining crushed Oreos to create the “dirt” layer.
  5. Chill and decorate
    Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the cake to set. When you’re ready to serve, sprinkle pastel M&M’s over the top and place one PEEP on each slice for a festive touch.
Easter Dirt Cake Recipe

Fun variations and twists to try

  • Gluten-free: Swap regular Oreos for gluten-free ones, and double-check your pudding mix to ensure it’s gluten-free.
  • Vegan: Use plant-based cream cheese, dairy-free pudding, almond or oat milk, and coconut whipped topping. You can even find vegan marshmallows to replace the PEEPs.
  • Seasonal swaps: Turn this into a summer dirt cake by using gummy worms and fresh berries. Or, for a winter version, decorate with crushed candy canes and chocolate snowflakes.
  • Add a layer: If you want to get fancy, add a layer of sliced bananas or strawberries between the pudding and cookie layers for a fruity twist.

Serving ideas to make it pop

When serving, I like to scoop the dirt cake into small dessert bowls or glasses for individual portions—it makes the layers look extra impressive. Garnish each serving with a sprinkle of crushed Oreos, a few extra M&M’s, and a PEEP for a festive presentation. Pair this dessert with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you want to take it over the top.

Drinks that pair perfectly

For kids, a glass of cold milk is a no-brainer. For adults, this dessert pairs wonderfully with coffee, a chocolate stout, or even a glass of Bailey’s on the rocks for a grown-up indulgence. If you’re hosting an Easter brunch, serve this alongside a bubbly mimosa or a fruity sangria.

Storing and reheating tips

This dessert stores beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days—just keep it covered to prevent it from drying out. If you have leftovers, you can freeze individual portions in airtight containers for up to a month. To enjoy frozen leftovers, just let them thaw in the fridge for a few hours. (Spoiler alert: It’s also delicious eaten slightly frozen, like an ice cream cake!)

Scaling the recipe for any crowd

Need to feed a bigger group? Double the ingredients and layer the dirt cake in a large trifle bowl or disposable aluminum pan for easy serving. For a smaller gathering, halve the recipe and use an 8×8 dish instead. Keep in mind that a thicker filling might take a little longer to set when scaling up.

Troubleshooting tips

  • If the pudding layer isn’t setting, make sure you’re using instant pudding (not cook-and-serve) and that you’ve chilled the cake long enough.
  • For clumpy pudding, whisk it thoroughly before adding it to the cream cheese mixture.

Give this Easter dirt cake a try!

This Easter dirt cake is everything a holiday dessert should be—easy, fun, and irresistibly delicious. Whether you’re making it for an Easter gathering or just because, it’s sure to bring smiles all around. Don’t be afraid to put your own twist on it and make it your own. Happy Easter and happy baking!

Easter Dirt Cake Recipe

FAQs

1. Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?
Absolutely! Just whip up about 2 cups of heavy cream with a little powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.

2. How far in advance can I make this?
You can make this up to a day ahead. Just wait to add the decorations until right before serving so they stay fresh.

3. Can I use different pudding flavors?
Yes! Vanilla or even white chocolate pudding can work for a lighter twist.

4. What if I don’t have a food processor to crush the Oreos?
Place them in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin—it’s oddly satisfying!

5. Are there other candies I can use for decoration?
Of course! Jellybeans, mini chocolate eggs, or even candy-coated almonds would look beautiful.

Print
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Easter Dirt Cake Recipe

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This Easter dirt cake is an easy no-bake dessert layered with Oreos, pudding, and festive candies—perfect for spring!

  • Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 package Oreo cookies, crushed (with filling) 15.5 ounce
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 package cream cheese, softened 8 ounce
  • ¾ cup powdered sugar
  • 2 ¾ cup milk any variety
  • 2 boxes instant chocolate pudding mix 3.4 ounce each
  • 12 ounce Cool Whip thawed
  • 1 cup pastel M&M’s for garnish
  • 20 PEEP marshmallows for garnish

Instructions

  • Prepare the creamy filling
    Start by creaming the softened butter, cream cheese, and powdered sugar together in a large bowl until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. (Pro tip: If your cream cheese is still a bit cold, pop it in the microwave for 10 seconds to soften it up.) Set this mixture aside for now.
  • Make the pudding
    In a separate bowl, whisk the instant pudding mix with the milk. Whisk until no lumps remain, and the mixture starts to thicken slightly. This step is quick, but be sure to whisk well to avoid any clumps in the pudding.
  • Combine the mixtures
    Slowly add the pudding mixture to the cream cheese mixture, beating as you go. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to make sure everything is fully incorporated. Once it’s blended, gently fold in the Cool Whip until the filling is light, creamy, and irresistibly fluffy.
  • Assemble the layers
    In your 13×9 dish, spread half of the crushed Oreos on the bottom, pressing them down slightly to create an even layer. Pour the pudding mixture over the cookie crumbs and spread it out evenly. Top with the remaining crushed Oreos to create the “dirt” layer.
  • Chill and decorate
    Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the cake to set. When you’re ready to serve, sprinkle pastel M&M’s over the top and place one PEEP on each slice for a festive touch.

Notes

Serving ideas to make it pop

When serving, I like to scoop the dirt cake into small dessert bowls or glasses for individual portions—it makes the layers look extra impressive. Garnish each serving with a sprinkle of crushed Oreos, a few extra M&M’s, and a PEEP for a festive presentation. Pair this dessert with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you want to take it over the top.

  • Author: Soraya
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes (chill for 2 hours)
  • Category: Dessert

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