Dirt Cake

Kids and adults alike will absolutely love this decadent dirt cake. Whether you make it for a birthday party, a holiday celebration, or just as a quick and easy pick-me-up, you'll come back to this dirt cake recipe time and time again.

Dirt Cake Ingredients

This fun dirt cake recipe is easy to make with these convenient ingredients: Oreos, cream cheese, butter, confectioners' sugar, milk, frozen whipped topping, and instant vanilla pudding mix.

How to Make Dirt Cake

You'll find the full, step-by-step recipe below — but here's a brief overview of what you can expect when you make this kid-friendly dirt cake:

1. Crush the Oreos.
2. Beat the cream cheese, butter, and confectioners' sugar.
3. In a separate bowl, mix the remaining ingredients. Fold in the cream cheese mixture.
4. Layer the dirt cake according to the recipe.

How to Decorate Dirt Cake

We love how recipe creator Tammy Hooper served her cakes in flower pots but, if you don't have any flower pots laying around, it'll be just as delicious in a cake pan. Need a little decoration inspiration? We've got you covered:

· For birthday parties and playdates throughout the year, decorate your dirt cake with gummy worms.
· For a Halloween-themed dessert, opt for candy pumpkins and sandwich cookie "gravestones."
· For Easter, try Peeps and candy eggs.

Can You Make Dirt Cake Ahead of Time?

Yes! Since dirt cake is served chilled, it's a perfect make-ahead dessert. Make it one to two days in advance for the most delicious results.

How to Store Dirt Cake

Cover the dirt cake tightly with storage wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to four days. We don't recommend freezing dirt cake, as the cream cheese layer may separate as it thaws. Luckily, it's easy enough to whip up whenever you like!

Allrecipes Community Tips and Praise

"I've made one of these for my son's birthday for several years now," says Jen. "He's 21 :) Don't be like me and think you can skip the step where you make the pudding mixture separately. I did that and it didn't thicken."

"The pudding mixture is just sweet enough and it was creamier than when I have made it in the past," according to martha. "Very excited to eat it for our birthday celebration."

"This recipe is my go to potluck dish," says mrsdavisann. "I get so many compliments every time I make this one co-worker once called it the 'heavenly chocolate dessert' ... but no matter what you call it, it is certainly one of my favorite dessert recipes."

Editorial contributions by Corey Williams