Halloween Dirt Cake
This chocolate dirt cake stands out among Halloween desserts for adults because it balances rich flavors with a whimsical presentation.
Equipment
- Mixing bowls (2–3)
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
- 9x13-inch baking dish or trifle bowl
- Food processor or zip-top bag + rolling pin
- Spoon or small scoop
Ingredients
- 1 16 oz package of Oreo cookies, crushed
- 1 8 oz package cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 3.9 oz packages instant chocolate pudding mix
- 3 1/2 cups cold milk
- 1 8 oz container whipped topping, thawed
- Gummy worms about 12–15
- Chocolate or candy tombstones for decoration optional
Instructions
Step 1: Crush the Oreos
- Place the Oreos in a food processor and pulse until they resemble fine dirt.
- No food processor? Toss the cookies into a zip-top bag and gently crush with a rolling pin.
- Pro tip: Leave a few slightly larger pieces for texture—it makes your dirt cake look more realistic.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Mixture
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Pro tip: Scrape down the sides of the bowl to avoid lumps and get a smooth, silky texture.
Step 3: Prepare the Chocolate Pudding
- In a separate bowl, whisk together instant chocolate pudding mix and cold milk.
- Whisk continuously for 2–3 minutes until it thickens.
- Pro tip: Use cold milk straight from the fridge—it helps the pudding set faster and stay thick.
Step 4: Fold in the Whipped Topping
- Gently fold half of the whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture.
- In another bowl, fold the remaining whipped topping into the chocolate pudding.
- Pro tip: Use a spatula and fold carefully to keep the mixture light and fluffy.
Step 5: Layer the Dirt Cake
- In your 9x13-inch dish or trifle bowl, start with a layer of crushed Oreos.
- Add a layer of the cream cheese mixture, spreading evenly.
- Follow with a layer of chocolate pudding, then another layer of crushed Oreos.
- Repeat until all ingredients are used, finishing with a top layer of Oreo “dirt.”
Step 6: Add the Spooky Decorations
- Nestle gummy worms in the top layer of Oreo crumbs, letting them peek out for that graveyard effect.
- Add chocolate or candy tombstones for extra spook factor.
- Pro tip: Chill the cake for at least 2–3 hours before serving so the layers set perfectly.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
- Scoop into individual bowls or serve directly from the dish.
- Watch your guests’ faces light up as they dig into this creepy, chocolatey treat!
Notes
Nutritional Value (per serving, approximate)
- Calories: 380–400
- Total Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Sugar: 33g
- Protein: 5g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 320mg