Description
This Dirt Cake recipe is a fun and delicious layered dessert featuring moist chocolate cake, a rich hot fudge pudding layer, and a cool whipped topping mixed with crushed Oreos. Perfect for parties and gatherings, this no-bake twist uses simple ingredients to create a decadent treat with a crunchy Oreo topping.
Ingredients
Scale
CAKE:
- 1 box chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients as directed on the box)
PUDDING LAYER:
- 12.8 oz hot fudge
- 3.4 oz chocolate instant pudding mix
- 1 ¾ cups milk
TOPPING:
- 30 Oreos, crushed
- 8 oz cool whip, thawed
Instructions
- Prepare Cake: Prepare the chocolate cake mix according to the instructions on the box and bake it as directed.
- Cool Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes on a wire rack.
- Poke Holes: Using the end of a spoon, poke holes evenly throughout the warm cake to allow the fudge to seep in.
- Warm Hot Fudge: Warm the hot fudge in the microwave until it becomes thin enough to pour easily.
- Pour Hot Fudge: Evenly pour the warmed hot fudge over the cake, letting it seep into the holes created earlier.
- Cool Completely: Allow the cake with fudge to fully cool to room temperature.
- Make Pudding Layer: In a medium bowl, combine the chocolate instant pudding mix with 1 ¾ cups of milk and stir well until slightly thickened.
- Layer Pudding: Before the pudding sets fully, pour it over the cooled cake to form the pudding layer.
- Chill Cake: Place the cake into the refrigerator to chill for about 20 minutes to set the pudding layer.
- Prepare Topping Mixture: In a separate medium bowl, combine the remaining package of pudding mix (if any) with some milk and refrigerate for 10 minutes until fully set.
- Fold in Cool Whip: Remove the pudding from the refrigerator and gently fold in the thawed cool whip until combined.
- Add Oreos to Topping: Mix in about three-quarters of the crushed Oreos into the pudding and whipped topping mixture.
- Spread Topping: Evenly spread this mixture over the pudding layer on the cake.
- Garnish: Sprinkle the remaining crushed Oreos on top for a crunchy finish.
- Serve or Refrigerate: Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients for best mixing results.
- Warm the hot fudge carefully to avoid burning; stirring halfway through warming helps.
- If desired, substitute cool whip with homemade whipped cream for a fresher topping.
- Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This cake can be made a day ahead to allow flavors to meld.
- You can add gummy worms or other decorations for a fun ‘dirt’ cake presentation.
Keywords: Dirt Cake, Chocolate Cake, Pudding Dessert, Oreo Dessert, Layered Cake, Party Dessert