Description
Easter Dirt Cake Casserole is a fun and festive no-bake dessert featuring a crunchy chocolate cookie crust layered with creamy vanilla pudding, cream cheese, and whipped topping. Topped with gummy worms and sprinkles, this easy-to-make treat is perfect for spring celebrations and Easter gatherings, providing a whimsical dirt-and-worms-inspired delight that kids and adults will love.
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.
- Combine crumbs and butter: In a medium bowl, mix the crushed cookie crumbs with the melted butter, stirring until the crumbs are evenly coated.
- Form the crust: Press the cookie and butter mixture into the bottom of a 9×13-inch casserole or baking dish to form an even crust. Refrigerate for about 15 minutes to set.
- Make the pudding: In a large bowl, whisk together the vanilla instant pudding mix and milk, then let it sit for 2 minutes to thicken.
- Prepare cream cheese mixture: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth, then add powdered sugar and beat until combined.
- Fold in whipped topping: Gently fold the whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture until smooth and well incorporated.
- Combine puddings and cream cheese mixture: Add the thickened pudding mixture to the cream cheese and whipped topping, stirring until fully combined.
- Assemble cake: Remove the crust from the refrigerator and spread the pudding filling evenly over the cookie crust.
- Smooth top: Use a spatula to smooth the surface evenly.
- Add toppings: Sprinkle crushed additional chocolate cookies generously on top to mimic dirt.
- Decorate: Arrange gummy worms or other Easter-themed candies on top, and optionally add sprinkles for a festive touch.
- Chill: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the dessert to fully set and flavors to blend.
- Serve: Once chilled, cut into squares or scoop out portions and enjoy your Easter Dirt Cake Casserole.
Notes
- For best results, soften the cream cheese completely before mixing to avoid lumps.
- You can substitute the gummy worms with other Easter candies like jelly beans or chocolate eggs.
- Make sure to chill the dessert for at least 4 hours to ensure it sets properly.
- The dessert can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This no-bake recipe is excellent for preparing ahead of time for holiday gatherings.
