I’m really excited about today’s post. I remember Dirt Cakes from when I was younger so I’m feeling a bit nostalgic. Plus I’m a sucker for cute stuff and this Dirt Cake is too cute! Dirt Cakes are a great dessert not only for adults, but for kids too. Just add some gummy worms or maybe a little trowel or spade! It’s a great opportunity to have fun and be creative.
This was another recipe Kara and I prepared for Mother’s Day dinner and they were a hit. The Dirt Cake gave my mom the best of both worlds: flowers AND cake! It’s the type of recipe you can do on the quick but still impress your guests. We wanted to serve ours in small flower pots, but you could also serve it in an 8×8 baking dish too.
Note: The yield depends on the size pots you use. I would suggest using fairly small ones so that each person get’s their own cake. We ended up with a total of 6 Dirt Cakes.
Here's what you'll need
Start by crushing 1 package of Oreos
Then beat together cream cheese and butter
You want it smooth...like this!
Once the pudding has cooled you can combine it with the cream cheese and butter
Then fold in the Cool Whip
Now it's time to start layering. First goes the Oreos
And pudding next. Alternate pudding and 'dirt'. End with the 'dirt'
Stick the straw in if you're going to include a flower
This is the final pudding layer
Last layer of Oreos. Then stick in the flower
So pretty!!!
Ingredients
12 ounces chocolate pudding
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
16 ounces whipped topping (I used cool whip)
16 ounces crushed Oreos
Directions
Make pudding according to package directions. Set aside to cool.
In the bowl of a stand mixer combine cream cheese and butter. Mix until creamy. Add pudding. Mix to combine. Then fold in whipped cream.
To assemble your dirt cakes: {use whatever dish you prefer} alternate layers of oreo crumbs and filling. Beginning and ending with Oreos. Chill cake for a minimum of four hours or until it sets up.
To add flowers (optional), tape the bottom on a straw and push into center of cake. Choose a flower with a stem thin enough to fit in the straw. Gently place the flower into the straw. Cut the excess straw so it doesn’t show above the “dirt.”
Source: adapted from The Family Kitchen
These are adorable!!!
Thanks Jen! 🙂
These look fantastic! Growing up in Georgia, these were staples at block parties. Have you ever tried embedding gummy worms in the dirt? I highly recommend it.
looks fabulous and perfect of this time of the year
I just want to make a teeny note that you should be careful that the pots you’re using are safe to eat out of. It would not surprise me if most of the painted flower pots sold are coated in lead-based paint or glaze – definitely not safe. That said though, these are really cute! 🙂
I love the straw idea to put the flowers in! So creative. Dirt is one of my all-time favorite desserts, so LOVE this post!
I was wondering how you put the flower in there. The straw is a great idea! My kids and I will have to try this out! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Have fun! And thanks for the comment!
I remember “Dirt ‘n’ Worms” or “Mud & Bugs” (this goes by so many names) fondly from childhood. It was always a favorite of mine, and I loved when my after school program served them, though they always used small clear cups so we could see the layers and the gummi worms.
I’m not a big fan of Cool Whip, so I’ll have to give this a shot with regular home made whipped cream. Have you tried that?
No, I’ve never tried Dirt Cake with home made whipped cream. As long as you’re careful folding in the whipped cream I don’t see why it wouldn’t work. Hope it’s a success!
This is a great dirt recipe, delicious, and love the addition of a live flower. I always use gummy worms, but the flowers are so much more elegant.