Description
This Easter Dirt Cake Casserole is a fun and festive no-bake dessert featuring a chocolate cookie crumb crust, creamy vanilla pudding filling, and topped with gummy worms and sprinkles for a playful look perfect for Easter celebrations.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 package (14-16 oz) chocolate sandwich cookies (Oreos or similar)
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Pudding Filling
- 1 package (3.4 oz) vanilla instant pudding mix
- 2 cups milk
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 8 oz whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
Toppings
- 1 cup gummy worms (or other candy like Easter jelly beans or chocolate eggs)
- 1–2 tablespoons sprinkles (optional, for extra color)
- Additional crushed chocolate cookies (for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Place the chocolate sandwich cookies in a food processor and pulse until they become fine crumbs, or crush them in a plastic bag with a rolling pin until finely ground.
- Combine crumbs and butter: In a medium bowl, mix the crushed cookie crumbs with the melted butter until the crumbs are evenly coated.
- Form crust: Press the buttery cookie crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch casserole or baking dish. Refrigerate for about 15 minutes to set.
- Make pudding: In a large bowl, whisk together the vanilla instant pudding mix and milk, then let it stand for 2 minutes to thicken.
- Prepare cream cheese mixture: Beat the softened cream cheese in a separate bowl until smooth, then add powdered sugar and continue beating until fully combined.
- Fold in whipped topping: Gently fold the whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture until smooth and homogeneous.
- Combine pudding and cream cheese mixtures: Add the thickened pudding mixture to the cream cheese and whipped topping mixture and stir until fully incorporated.
- Assemble cake: After the crust has set, spread the pudding filling evenly over the cookie crust.
- Smooth the top: Use a spatula to smooth the surface evenly.
- Add topping: Sprinkle crushed chocolate cookies generously over the top to create the appearance of dirt.
- Decorate: Arrange gummy worms or other Easter-themed candies on top, and optionally add sprinkles for extra color and festivity.
- Chill: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to set the dessert and blend the flavors.
- Serve: Cut into squares or scoop out servings to enjoy this fun and creamy Easter Dirt Cake Casserole.
Notes
- This dessert is best served chilled and can be prepared a day ahead for convenience.
- You can substitute the gummy worms with other Easter candies like chocolate eggs or jelly beans.
- For a firmer crust, ensure the butter is evenly mixed and press the crumbs tightly into the pan.
- If you prefer a less sweet dessert, reduce the powdered sugar slightly.
- Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in the filling.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
