Easter Dirt Cake – No-Bake Oreo Pudding Dessert for Spring

If you’re looking for a sweet treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, this Easter Dirt Cake is the answer.

With its layers of crushed Oreos, tangy cream cheese, and fluffy vanilla pudding, it’s a no-bake dessert that delivers flavor, color, and cheer.

Topped with mini Oreos and pastel-colored candies, it’s the kind of dessert that makes your Easter table instantly more festive—and brings smiles to everyone’s faces.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

No-bake and stress-free – No oven needed

Festive and kid-friendly – Bright candies and creamy layers everyone loves

Perfect for holidays – Ideal for Easter brunch, spring birthdays, or potlucks

Creamy and crunchy – The best texture combo in every bite

Easy to customize – Switch up toppings or colors for any occasion

Great for make-ahead – Just chill and serve

What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)

Oreo cookies – Crushed for the “dirt” layers with chocolatey crunch

Cream cheese & butter – Add richness to balance the sweetness

Powdered sugar – Lightly sweetens the cream cheese layer

Vanilla pudding mix & cold milk – Forms the smooth, fluffy center

Whipped topping (Cool Whip) – Makes the filling light and airy

Pastel candy-coated chocolates – Like M&M’s, for Easter color and crunch

Mini Oreo cookies – For that adorable finishing touch

Pro Tips Before You Start

Soften the cream cheese and butter – This ensures a smooth, lump-free filling

Use a food processor – To quickly and evenly crush your Oreos

Reserve Oreos for topping – Adds texture and makes decorating easy

Chill the cake for at least 2 hours – This helps the layers set and flavors meld

Make it ahead – Perfect for prepping the night before your event

How to Make Easter Dirt Cake

Step 1: Crush the Oreos

Place 1 package (14 oz) of Oreo cookies in a food processor and pulse until finely crushed.

Alternatively, seal them in a zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin.

Set aside ½ cup of crushed Oreos for topping.

Spread the remaining crushed cookies into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to form the “dirt” base.

Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Layer

In a large mixing bowl, beat together 8 oz softened cream cheese, ¼ cup softened butter, and 1 cup powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.

Fold in 1 container (8 oz) thawed whipped topping until fully combined.

Step 3: Prepare the Pudding

In a separate bowl, whisk 1 package (3.4 oz) vanilla pudding mix with 2 cups cold milk until thickened (about 2–3 minutes).

Let sit for 5 minutes to set fully.

Gently fold the pudding into the cream cheese mixture until smooth and fluffy.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

Spoon the pudding mixture evenly over the Oreo base in the baking dish.

Smooth the top with a spatula. Sprinkle the reserved ½ cup of crushed Oreos over the surface.

Step 5: Decorate and Chill

Top the cake with 1 cup pastel-colored candy-coated chocolates and ½ cup mini Oreo cookies.

Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the layers to set.

What to Serve It With

Easter brunch spread – A sweet finish after savory dishes

Springtime cupcakes – Pair for a themed dessert table

Lemonade or iced tea – Bright and refreshing with the richness of the cake

Chocolate nests or bunny cookies – Add extra fun to the dessert buffet

Fruit skewers – A fresh, colorful contrast

Variations / Substitutions

Make it gluten-free – Use gluten-free chocolate sandwich cookies

Swap pudding flavors – Try chocolate or lemon pudding for a fun twist

Use homemade whipped cream – For a richer, less processed version

Add gummy worms – For a playful garden-inspired look

Try spring sprinkles – For extra festive color

Storage & Leftovers

Fridge – Store tightly covered for up to 5 days

Make ahead – Can be assembled 24 hours in advance

Freezing not recommended – The texture changes once thawed

Leftovers – Spoon into individual containers for grab-and-go treats

Don’t skip chilling – It’s essential for the right texture

FAQs

Can I make this Easter Dirt Cake the night before?

Yes! It actually tastes better when made ahead and chilled overnight.

Do I need to remove the cream from the Oreos before crushing?

Nope—use the whole cookie. The filling adds flavor and helps with the texture.

Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?

Yes, but make sure it’s stabilized (add powdered sugar or gelatin) so it holds up.

Can I use chocolate pudding instead of vanilla?

Absolutely! It becomes more of a traditional “dirt” look and is just as delicious.

How do I keep the cream cheese layer from being lumpy?

Make sure your cream cheese and butter are softened before mixing.

Is this recipe safe to serve at a picnic?

Yes—but keep it chilled in a cooler if it will be outside for a long time.

Can kids help make this recipe?

Definitely! They can crush cookies, layer ingredients, and decorate the top.

Final Thoughts

This Easter Dirt Cake is a no-fail dessert that delivers festive flair and creamy indulgence in every spoonful.

It’s a joyful centerpiece for your spring celebration—easy to make, fun to decorate, and always the first to disappear.

Whether you’re hosting a brunch or looking for a family-friendly treat, this one’s guaranteed to bring smiles.