If you’re on the hunt for the ultimate no-fuss, delightfully decadent dessert, look no further than this Oreo Dirt Pie. This stunning treat layers fudgy chocolate cake, rich hot fudge, silky dark chocolate pudding, clouds of Cool Whip, and heaps of crushed Oreo cookies for a show-stopping, crowd-pleasing centerpiece at any party or potluck. Kids and grown-ups alike are guaranteed to light up when they spot this irresistible pan—especially when you reveal all those beautiful cookie crumbles on top!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Oreo Dirt Pie comes together with simple supermarket favorites, but each ingredient adds something unique—deep cocoa flavor, smooth creaminess, or plenty of crunch and color. Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand before you start scooping and layering.

Chocolate Fudge Cake Mix: Forms the ultra-moist, chocolatey base that holds all the gooey layers together.
Eggs, Oil, and Water (from cake mix box): Essential for bringing that boxed cake to life—don’t skip any of the box instructions here!
Oreos (14.3 oz): The star of the show, offering classic cookie crunch and that unmistakable cookies-and-cream flavor.
Hot Fudge Sauce (12.8 oz): Provides a fudgy layer that seeps into the cake, making each bite rich and luscious.
Hershey’s Dark Chocolate Instant Pudding Mix (two 3.4 oz packages): Twice as much means double the pudding fun, creating those dreamy, silky layers.
Milk (1¾ cup, used twice): Chills and sets the pudding to perfection and keeps your layers ultra-smooth.
Cool Whip (one container): Makes the topping impossibly light and fluffy while mellowing the rich chocolate base.
Extra Hot Fudge & Oreos (optional): For extra garnish and a truly impressive final flourish—totally worth it!

How to Make Oreo Dirt Pie

Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Cake

Start by whipping up the chocolate fudge cake according to the directions on your cake mix box. Pour the batter into a 9×13-inch pan and bake for 22 to 28 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick poked into the center comes out clean. Let that chocolatey goodness cool for about 10 minutes—just enough so it’s still warm, but not piping hot.

Step 2: Poke Holes for Gooeyness

Grab the handle of a wooden spoon (or a similarly sized round object) and poke holes all over the top of your warm cake. Be generous with those holes—this is how all the fudgy magic seeps down into every bite of your Oreo Dirt Pie.

Step 3: Warm and Pour the Hot Fudge

Microwave your jar of hot fudge for 30 to 60 seconds until it’s pourable and glossy, then drizzle it all over the cake, making sure it soaks into those holes you just made. This is the secret to ultra-rich, fudgy layers. Reserve just a little hot fudge for your final topping.

Step 4: Make the First Pudding Layer

Once the cake is mostly cool, quickly mix one package of instant pudding mix with 1 3/4 cups of cold milk. Before it thickens, pour it evenly over the cake. Pop the whole pan into the fridge so that glorious pudding layer can set (about 15 minutes).

Step 5: Mix Up the Second Pudding Layer

While the first pudding sets on the cake, prepare your second package of pudding with the remaining 1 3/4 cups of milk. Let it chill in the refrigerator until thick and creamy—it will become part of your “dirt” layer soon.

Step 6: Crush the Oreos

For the ultimate “dirt pie” effect, slide about three-fourths of the Oreos into a sturdy zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin or another heavy tool. You want some pieces to be chunky, others fine—it’s this mix of textures that makes Oreo Dirt Pie irresistible.

Step 7: Make the Fluffy Oreo “Dirt”

Once the pudding has set, gently fold your container of Cool Whip into the second batch of pudding until smooth and fluffy. Sprinkle in your crushed Oreos and stir until combined—this becomes the glorious topping for your pie.

Step 8: Assemble and Finish the Pie

Spread your fluffy Oreo-Cool Whip-pudding mixture over the chilled cake. Pile it high and smooth it out for a dramatic mound of “dirt.” Finish off with drizzles of leftover hot fudge and scatter on extra Oreo pieces for maximum wow-factor. Chill before serving, and let the excitement build!

How to Serve Oreo Dirt Pie

Garnishes

The best part of serving Oreo Dirt Pie is piling on extra fun with toppings. Add more crushed Oreos and a generous drizzle of hot fudge right before you bring it to the table for that signature “dirt” look. For a pop of color, you could even scatter gummy worms for a playful twist that will thrill kids and the young-at-heart.

Side Dishes

While Oreo Dirt Pie easily steals the show on most dessert tables, it pairs beautifully with a tall glass of cold milk, hot coffee, or even an iced mocha for a truly decadent finish to any meal. If you’re hosting a party, a simple bowl of fresh strawberries or sliced bananas can add a burst of fruity contrast to all that chocolatey richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Let your imagination run wild: serve Oreo Dirt Pie in individual mason jars for party favors, in fancy dessert glasses layered parfait-style, or in a trifle bowl for a dramatic centerpiece. You can even use mini terra cotta pots (well washed and food-safe!) for a garden-inspired look—just don’t forget the gummy worms for full effect!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Oreo Dirt Pie stores like a dream. Simply cover your baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and stash it in the refrigerator. The pie stays delicious for up to four days. If anything, the layers meld together even more, making those next-day slices extra luscious.

Freezing

Want to save your Oreo Dirt Pie for another day? You can freeze it! Cut into slices or store the whole pan (well-wrapped) in the freezer for up to two months. Let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving. Note that the texture may become softer, but the flavors will still sing.

Reheating

You won’t need to reheat this rich, creamy dessert—it’s meant to be served cold, straight from the fridge. If you’ve frozen your pie, just thaw it thoroughly in the fridge before digging in. If you prefer a contrasting warm sauce, drizzle on a bit of heated hot fudge just before serving for a delightful hot-and-cold combo.

FAQs

Can I make Oreo Dirt Pie in advance?

Absolutely! Oreo Dirt Pie is a fantastic make-ahead dessert. In fact, making it the night before allows the flavors and textures to meld perfectly. Just wait to add any final garnishes until right before serving.

What kind of Oreos work best?

The classic chocolate Oreos are the gold standard for this recipe, but feel free to experiment with Double Stuf, flavored varieties, or even gluten-free Oreos if needed. The key is the unmistakable cookie crunch and cocoa flavor they bring.

Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?

Yes, homemade whipped cream is a fantastic option if you prefer it. Just whip 2 cups of chilled heavy cream with a little powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form. Use it exactly as you would the Cool Whip in your Oreo Dirt Pie.

Do I have to use chocolate cake mix, or can I substitute another flavor?

Chocolate fudge cake is classic for this treat, but if you’re feeling creative, try swapping in devil’s food, dark chocolate, or even a vanilla cake for a twist. Just keep the rest of the decadent Oreo Dirt Pie layers the same!

How do I keep my “dirt” layer from getting soggy?

Crumble and scatter your Oreos into the Cool Whip-pudding mixture just before you’re ready to serve. This keeps those classic cookie chunks from getting too soft, preserving all the delicious crunch that makes Oreo Dirt Pie so fun to eat.

Final Thoughts

This Oreo Dirt Pie is one of those nostalgic desserts that brings smiles with every bite—rich, playful, and a guaranteed hit for any chocolate lover. If you try just one no-fuss crowd-pleaser this season, let it be this one. Grab your cake pan, gather your Oreos, and dig in!

Oreo Dirt Pie Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 13 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in a decadent and delicious Oreo Dirt Pie that combines layers of chocolate fudge cake, rich hot fudge, creamy dark chocolate pudding, and crunchy Oreos topped with whipped cream. This no-bake dessert is a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake Layer:

1 Box Chocolate Fudge Cake Mix, prepared according to package instructions

For the Hot Fudge Layer:

14.3 oz Hot Fudge, divided

For the Pudding Layer:

3.4 oz Hershey’s Dark Chocolate Instant Pudding Mix, divided
1 3/4 cups Milk, divided

For the Dirt Topping:

1 Cool Whip
14.3 oz Oreos, crushed

Optional Toppings:

Additional Hot Fudge
Oreo Crumbs

Instructions

Cake Layer: Prepare chocolate fudge cake mix according to package instructions. Bake in a 9×13” pan for 22-28 minutes. Allow to cool for 10 minutes.
Hot Fudge Layer: Warm and thin out a portion of the hot fudge in the microwave. Pour over the warm cake, allowing it to soak in.
Pudding Layer: Mix one package of dark chocolate pudding with 1 3/4 cups of milk. Pour over cake and refrigerate until set. Repeat with the second package of pudding.
Dirt Topping: Crush Oreos in a Ziploc bag. Mix Cool Whip with the pudding and fold in crushed Oreos. Spread over the cake.
Top with remaining hot fudge and Oreos. Chill before serving.

Notes

This dessert can be prepared a day in advance for even better flavor.
Feel free to customize by adding nuts or extra toppings.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking, No-Bake
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 380 kcal
Sugar: 28g
Sodium: 420mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 52g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 5mg

Keywords: Oreo Dirt Pie, Chocolate Fudge Cake, Dessert Recipe