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Dirt Cake (from scratch!)

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  • Author: Molly Yeh
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (including chilling)
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Chilling
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This homemade Dirt Cake is a rich, creamy dessert made from scratch with layers of chocolate pudding, whipped topping, and crushed chocolate cookies, perfect for kids and nostalgic gatherings.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 30 chocolate sandwich cookies (like Oreos), crushed
  • Gummy worms (optional, for decoration)

Instructions

  1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together milk, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened and bubbling. Remove from heat and let cool.
  2. In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.
  3. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
  4. Fold the cooled chocolate pudding into the cream cheese mixture until smooth.
  5. Fold the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture until fully incorporated.
  6. In a serving dish or individual cups, layer crushed cookies, chocolate mixture, and repeat, finishing with a layer of crushed cookies on top.
  7. Decorate with gummy worms if desired. Chill for at least 2 hours before serving.

Notes

  • Use high-quality cocoa powder for a richer chocolate flavor.
  • Make a day ahead for the best texture.
  • Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 28g
  • Sodium: 220mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 13g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 55mg