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Easy Easter Dirt Cake Recipe with Homemade Chocolate Pudding
Easter is a time for celebration, family gatherings, and of course, delicious desserts. One of the most beloved Easter treats is Easter Dirt Cake, a creamy, rich, and indulgent dessert layered with Oreo cookies, homemade chocolate pudding, and a luscious cheesecake filling. This fun and festive dessert is not only delicious but also easy to make, making it perfect for family gatherings, parties, or even just a special treat at home.
In this article, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to prepare the best Easter Dirt Cake, complete with homemade chocolate pudding, a creamy cheesecake layer, and festive decorations. Plus, we will share tips and tricks to make this recipe even more delightful and unique for your Easter celebration.
Why You’ll Love This Easter Dirt Cake Recipe
- Simple Ingredients – This recipe uses pantry-friendly ingredients that are easy to find.
- Kid-Friendly – Children will love helping decorate with colored coconut and Easter candies.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – You can prepare it a day in advance, making it a stress-free Easter dessert.
- Homemade Chocolate Pudding – The rich, homemade pudding takes this dessert to the next level.
- Customizable – Easily swap ingredients or add unique toppings for a personal touch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Homemade Chocolate Pudding
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/8 tsp sea salt
- 3 cups milk
- 2 tbsp butter (at room temperature)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Cheesecake Layer
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 4 oz heavy cream
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
To the Top
- 1 package crushed Oreo cookies
- 1/2 cup colored coconut (green for a grass effect)
- Easter candies (M&Ms, mini chocolate eggs, Peeps, etc.)
How to Make Easter Dirt Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Homemade Chocolate Pudding
- In a medium saucepan, stir together the sweetened condensed milk, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt until smooth.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and gradually add the milk while stirring continuously.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring constantly until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Remove from heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Pour the pudding into a 9×13 baking dish and refrigerate to cool while you prepare the next layers.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Layer
- In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Add the heavy cream and vanilla extract, then continue beating until fluffy and well incorporated.
- Once the chocolate pudding has cooled, gently spread the cheesecake layer evenly over it.
Step 3: Assemble the Easter Dirt Cake
- Crush the package of Oreo cookies in a food processor or place them in a ziplock bag and crush them using a rolling pin.
- Sprinkle the crushed Oreos evenly over the cheesecake layer.
- Dye shredded coconut with green food coloring to resemble grass, then sprinkle it on top.
- Decorate with colorful Easter candies such as M&Ms, mini chocolate eggs, or Peeps for a festive touch.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the layers to set properly.
- Serve chilled and enjoy this delightful Easter treat!
Tips for the Perfect Easter Dirt Cake
- Use Fresh Ingredients – For the best flavor, ensure your dairy products are fresh.
- Make It Ahead – This cake tastes even better when made the night before, as the flavors meld together.
- Get Creative with Decorations – Add gummy worms, edible flowers, or a white chocolate drizzle for an extra special touch.
- Use a Trifle Dish – For a more elegant presentation, layer the ingredients in a large glass trifle bowl.
- Substitutions – Swap Oreos for graham crackers or vanilla wafers for a different texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Store-Bought Pudding Instead of Homemade?
Yes, you can use instant chocolate pudding mix if you’re short on time. However, the homemade version adds a richer, deeper flavor.
Can I Make This Dessert Gluten-Free?
Yes! Use gluten-free Oreos or substitute them with gluten-free cookies to make this dessert suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
How Long Does Easter Dirt Cake Last?
It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Can I Freeze Easter Dirt Cake?
While you can freeze it, the texture of the cheesecake and pudding layers may change. It’s best enjoyed fresh.
Easy Easter Dirt Cake Recipe with Homemade Chocolate Pudding
Easter is a time for joy, family, and, of course, delicious desserts! This Easter Dirt Cake is the perfect way to bring everyone together—kids and adults alike will love decorating (and eating) this creamy, chocolatey masterpiece. With layers of homemade chocolate pudding, cheesecake, crushed Oreos, and colorful coconut, it’s a festive treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat! Get ready to impress your guests with this easy, no-fail dessert.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 10
Ingredients
➡️ Homemade Chocolate Pudding:
• 1 can sweetened condensed milk
• 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/8 tsp sea salt
• 3 cups milk
• 2 tbsp butter (room temperature)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
➡️ Cheesecake Layer:
• 8 oz cream cheese
• 4 oz heavy cream
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
➡️ Toppings:
• 1 package crushed Oreo cookies
• 1/2 cup colored coconut
Instructions
1️⃣ Make the Chocolate Pudding
• In a saucepan, mix sweetened condensed milk, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt.
• Place over medium heat and gradually add milk, stirring constantly.
• Bring to a boil and cook until thickened.
• Remove from heat, stir in butter and vanilla, and pour into a 9×13 pan. Let cool in the fridge.
2️⃣ Make the Cheesecake Layer
• In a bowl, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar together.
• Add heavy cream and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
3️⃣ Assemble the Cake
• Spread the cheesecake layer over the chilled chocolate pudding.
• Top with crushed Oreos and sprinkle with colored coconut.
• Decorate with your favorite Easter candies (M&M’s, jelly beans, or chocolate eggs)!
• Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
Notes
✔️ For a fun twist, use Peeps, mini chocolate eggs, or gummy worms for decoration!
✔️ You can swap gluten-free Oreos for a GF version.
✔️ Add a little coconut extract to the cheesecake layer for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Calories: 350-400 kcal Per Serving – Approximate
- Sugar: 35g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Protein: 6g
Final Thoughts
This Easter Dirt Cake is a delightful and festive dessert that brings both flavor and fun to your holiday celebrations. With layers of homemade chocolate pudding, creamy cheesecake, and crunchy Oreo cookies, this no-bake treat is sure to be a hit at any gathering. Plus, the colorful decorations make it an Easter showstopper that kids and adults alike will enjoy.
So, gather your ingredients, follow this easy Easter Dirt Cake recipe, and impress your family and friends with a dessert that looks as good as it tastes. Happy Easter and happy baking!
Don’t Forget to Share!
If you love this recipe, share it with your friends and family on social media using #EasterDirtCake and let us know how you decorated yours!