There’s something magical about Easter desserts—bright, pastel colors, playful decorations, and a touch of whimsy that never fails to make everyone smile. This Easter dirt cake is one of my go-to recipes when I want a no-fuss dessert that brings joy to the table. With layers of creamy pudding, crushed Oreos, and cheerful garnishes like pastel M&M’s and PEEPs marshmallows, it’s impossible not to love this sweet treat. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or just looking for a festive dessert to brighten the holiday, this cake will steal the show.

Let me tell you, the first time I made this dessert, it was a last-minute addition to Easter dinner. I had my nieces and nephews helping me “decorate” the cake with candy, and watching their faces light up as they placed PEEPs and scattered M&M’s was a moment I’ll always treasure. It was messy (hello, chocolatey fingerprints on everything!) but so worth it. Now it’s become a tradition, and I think I love making it just as much as I love eating it.

Where did dirt cake come from?

The concept of “dirt cake” has been around for a while, often served with gummy worms to resemble soil for a fun, kid-friendly dessert. It’s believed to have originated in the United States in the 1980s, and its playful presentation quickly made it a favorite for birthday parties and other celebrations. This Easter version is a colorful twist on the classic dirt cake, swapping the usual “worms” for seasonal candies and marshmallow PEEPs. It’s proof that sometimes, a little creativity is all you need to turn a nostalgic dish into something festive and new.

Let’s talk ingredients: the stars of the show

Oreo cookies: These serve as the “dirt” in your cake, providing a crunchy, chocolaty layer that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling. I recommend sticking with classic Oreos, but if you’re out, chocolate sandwich cookies from other brands work well too. Want to make it extra indulgent? Try double-stuffed Oreos!
Cream cheese: This adds a tangy richness to the filling, balancing out the sweetness of the pudding and Cool Whip. If needed, you can substitute mascarpone for a milder flavor, but cream cheese is my personal favorite.
Instant chocolate pudding: The heart of the creamy layers! This is what gives the dessert its luscious, chocolatey flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could try swapping one box for instant vanilla pudding to create a marbled effect.
Cool Whip: Light and fluffy, Cool Whip is key to the airy texture of the filling. You can use homemade whipped cream if you prefer, but it might slightly change the consistency.
Pastel M&M’s and PEEPs marshmallows: These are purely for decoration, but they bring the Easter theme to life. Feel free to swap the M&M’s for jellybeans or other colorful candies if that’s what you have on hand.

Kitchen gear: what you need (and what you can skip)

You don’t need much to make this recipe, which is one of the reasons I love it. Here’s what I recommend:

Mixing bowls: You’ll need at least two—one for the cream cheese mixture and one for the pudding.
Electric mixer: This will make whipping the cream cheese and butter together a breeze. If you don’t have one, a sturdy whisk and some elbow grease will do the trick!
13×9-inch dish: This is the perfect size for assembling the cake. A glass dish works well since you can see the layers, but any casserole dish will work.
Rubber spatula: Great for folding in the Cool Whip and scraping down the sides of the bowl.

Step-by-step: my foolproof method for Easter dirt cake

Whip up the cream cheese mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, cream cheese, and powdered sugar. Use an electric mixer to beat the mixture until it’s smooth and fluffy. Trust me, this step sets the tone for the entire dessert, so make sure there are no lumps.
Make the pudding: In another bowl, whisk the milk and instant pudding mix together until smooth. It’ll thicken pretty quickly, so don’t take too long!
Combine the two: Gradually pour the pudding mixture into the cream cheese mixture, beating until everything is well combined. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl as you go so you don’t miss any hidden pockets of cream cheese.
Fold in the Cool Whip: This part is so satisfying! Use a spatula to gently fold the Cool Whip into the pudding mixture. You’ll end up with a light, fluffy filling that’s hard not to taste-test (go ahead—no judgment here!).
Assemble the layers: Start by spreading half the crushed Oreos in the bottom of your 13×9 dish. Pour the pudding mixture over the cookie crumbs, smoothing it out with your spatula. Top with the remaining Oreos, pressing them down lightly to create an even layer.
Chill and decorate: Pop the dish in the fridge for at least two hours to let everything set. When you’re ready to serve, sprinkle pastel M&M’s on top and add a PEEP marshmallow to each slice for the cutest Easter touch.

Variations and twists: make it your own

Gluten-free: Use gluten-free chocolate sandwich cookies and check the labels on your pudding mix and candies to ensure they’re gluten-free.
Dairy-free: Substitute dairy-free cream cheese, plant-based milk, and a whipped topping like CocoWhip.
Spring-themed dirt cake: Swap the PEEPs and pastel M&M’s for edible flowers or crushed pastel-colored candy for a more sophisticated vibe.
Layered parfaits: Instead of using a 13×9 dish, layer the ingredients in individual mason jars for an easy grab-and-go dessert.
Extra chocolatey: Add a drizzle of chocolate syrup between the layers or mix mini chocolate chips into the pudding mixture for even more chocolate goodness.

Serving ideas: how to make it extra special

When serving this Easter dirt cake, I like to keep things playful and festive. Slice it into squares and plate each piece with a colorful PEEP sitting on top. For a bit of extra flair, you can scatter some M&M’s or crushed Oreos around the plate. Want to go all out? Add a dollop of whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce for a truly indulgent presentation.

Drinks to pair with your Easter dirt cake

A rich dessert like this pairs beautifully with light, refreshing drinks. My top pick is a cold glass of milk (because Oreos + milk = perfection!). For the adults, a sparkling Moscato or a sweet rosé adds a fun, celebratory touch. Coffee or tea also work well if you’re serving this after a big Easter meal.

Storing and reheating tips

Leftovers (if there are any!) can be stored in the fridge for up to three days. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer slices to an airtight container. Since this dessert is best served cold, there’s no need to reheat it—just grab a fork and enjoy straight from the fridge!

Adjusting for different serving sizes

This recipe is super flexible. If you’re making it for a smaller group, simply halve the ingredients and use an 8×8 dish instead of a 13×9. For a larger crowd, you can double the recipe and use a deeper dish or make it in two 13×9 pans. Just keep in mind that thicker layers might take a little longer to set in the fridge.

Potential issues and how to avoid them

Runny filling: Make sure the pudding sets properly before adding it to the cream cheese mixture. Whisking the pudding until no lumps remain is key!
Oreos getting soggy: Don’t let the cake sit too long before serving—this dessert is best within the first couple of days after assembling.
Crumbly slices: For cleaner slices, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts.

Try it and let your creativity shine!

This Easter dirt cake is the ultimate fun and festive dessert for the holiday season. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or put your own spin on it, I guarantee it’ll be a hit with kids and adults alike. Gather your family, get decorating, and enjoy the delicious chaos that comes with making this joyful treat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?
A: Absolutely! Just make sure to whip it until stiff peaks form for the best texture.

Q: How far in advance can I make this dessert?
A: You can make it up to 24 hours ahead. Just add the decorations right before serving to keep them looking fresh.

Q: Can I freeze Easter dirt cake?
A: Freezing isn’t ideal for this recipe, as the texture of the pudding and Cool Whip can change.

Q: Can I use a different type of cookie?
A: Sure! Graham crackers or chocolate chip cookies could work, though the flavor will be slightly different.

Q: What can I use instead of PEEPs?
A: Try bunny-shaped cookies, edible flowers, or even chocolate eggs for a fun alternative.

Easter Dirt Cake Recipe