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Cream Cheese Dirt Cake Recipe

Cream Cheese Dirt Cake Recipe

Usman Malik
This cream cheese dirt cake recipe is a delightful no-bake dessert featuring creamy layers of pudding, tangy cream cheese, and crunchy chocolate cookie crumbs. It’s perfect for parties or family gatherings, with a fun “dirt” look that kids love, especially when topped with gummy worms. The recipe is simple, using everyday ingredients, and comes together in just 20 minutes. It chills in the fridge, making it a stress-free, crowd-pleasing treat.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12 Servings
Calories 460 kcal

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer or whisk
  • Food processor or zip-top bag
  • 9x13-inch dish
  • Spatula

Ingredients
  

  • Chocolate sandwich cookies 36-40, like Oreos: For the “dirt” layers and crust.
  • Cream cheese 8 oz: Softened for a smooth, tangy layer.
  • Butter 1/4 cup: Melted to bind the cookie crust.
  • Powdered sugar 1 cup: Sweetens the cream cheese mixture.
  • Instant vanilla pudding mix 2 boxes, 3.4 oz each: Forms the creamy filling.
  • Milk 3 1/2 cups: Cold, to set the pudding.
  • Whipped topping 12 oz, like Cool Whip: Thawed for a light, fluffy texture.
  • Gummy worms optional: For a fun, decorative touch.

Instructions
 

Step 1: Crush the Cookies

  • Pulse chocolate sandwich cookies in a food processor until they form fine crumbs. Alternatively, place them in a zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin. Reserve 1 cup of crumbs for the topping.

Step 2: Form the Crust

  • Combine 2 cups of cookie crumbs with melted butter in a bowl. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9x13-inch dish to create a solid crust.

Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer

  • Beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Fold in 1 cup of whipped topping and spread evenly over the crust.

Step 4: Make the Pudding Layer

  • Whisk instant vanilla pudding mix with cold milk for 2 minutes until thickened. Fold in the remaining whipped topping and layer over the cream cheese mixture.

Step 5: Add Cookie Layers

  • Sprinkle a generous layer of cookie crumbs over the pudding. Gently press them down to form an even “dirt” layer.

Step 6: Finish with Topping

  • Spread the reserved cookie crumbs over the top for the final layer. Add gummy worms or other decorations for a playful look, if desired.

Step 7: Chill to Set

  • Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. This allows the layers to firm up and flavors to blend.

Notes

For the best cream cheese dirt cake, use cold milk to set the pudding properly and fully soften the cream cheese to avoid lumps. Crush cookies finely for smooth layers and chill for at least 4 hours. Making it a day ahead enhances the flavors significantly.
Keyword Cream Cheese Dirt Cake, Cream Cheese Dirt Cake Recipe