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Dirt Cake Parfaits are just like a classic dirt cake, but in single servings made from alternating layers of crushed Oreos and a light cream filling.
Dirt Cake is a favorite family dessert, but this parfait version is even better for serving at parties! They pair well with other individual desserts like Pretzel Rods or Vanilla Cupcakes for a dessert table spread.
Individual Dirt Cakes
Hi, it’s me – Lily! AGAIN!
One of our favorite treats is Dirt Cake. My mom and I thought it would be fun to make a parfait version of it. It has all the same ingredients as regular dirt cake, but it’s layered in a jar instead of one big pan.
I think this is a fun way to serve the dessert for parties. Then everyone can have their very own personal dirt cake!
Speaking of parties, we actually made a pink version of these dirt cake parfaits so they could be used for a Valentine’s party. You could make them any color for any occasion!
How to Make Them
OREOS. Begin by smashing up Oreos. I use a food processor to crush up the cookies, but you can also put them in a ziplock bag and roll them with a rolling pin until they are finely crushed. Do not remove the cream center before crushing.
CREAM. Mix cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar with mixer in a medium bowl. Fold in cool whip until well blended. In a separate bowl mix pudding mix and milk with a whisk. Once combined well, add pudding to cream cheese mixture.
LAYER. Place a few tablespoons of Oreo crumbs in your container of choice. Add some of the creamy mixture, and a few more tablespoons of Oreo Crumbs. Top off with some more cream mixture and sprinkle on a few more crumbs. Top off with a whole Oreo on top.
*Note: We used small jars because we thought they would look really pretty, but if serving to little kids I suggest using clear plastic cups. With jars, you can make about 6-7 parfaits. Using the smaller plastic cups will allow you to make more.
SERVE. Refrigerate until ready to serve, and serve cool.
Recipe Tips:
- Add the creamy mixture to a gallon bag and cutting off the corner so it goes in the jar more easily.
- To get any bubbles out of the cream mixture, bang the bottom of the jar down on a wash cloth on the table.
- Be sure that you buy INSTANT pudding mix and not the pudding that you need to cook.
- Whole milk makes a creamier pudding
- It’s super important that the butter and cream cheese are soft so they mix together well with the other ingredients.
Making Ahead & Storing
Make these the night before and cover the individual cups with plastic wrap or foil and store them in the fridge until ready to serve. You could also prepare the Oreos and pudding and store separately until you’re ready to assemble it the day it will be served.
The Oreo dirt parfaits will last several days STORED in the fridge, but the Oreos may start to get a little soggy after the first 24 hours.
To FREEZE, seal the individual servings with lids and store them in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. Serve frozen or let them thaw for a couple hours in the fridge before serving.
festive Dirt Cake Parfaits
We made a Valentine’s version by adding pink food coloring to the cream mixture, and topping the trifles with Valentine’s themed sprinkles.
You could easily switch up this recipe for any holiday or occasion by using any color or festive topping!
For more parfaits, try:
Dirt Cake Parfait Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 oz cream cheese softened
- 1/4 cup butter softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 8 oz cool whip
- 1 box instant white chocolate pudding mix or vanilla
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 2 sleeves oreos
- extra oreos for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by smashing up Oreos. I put mine in my food processor and blended until they were crumbs. Set aside.
- Mix cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar with mixer in a medium bowl. Fold in cool whip until well blended. In a separate bowl mix pudding mix and milk with a whisk. Once combined well, add pudding to cream cheese mixture.
- Place a few tablespoons of oreo crumbs in your cup or small jar. Add some of the creamy mixture (I do this by adding the creamy mixture to a gallon bag and cutting off the corner so it goes in the jar more easily.) Bang down on a wash cloth on the table to get all bubbles out. Add a few more tablespoons of oreo Crumbs. Top off with some more cream mixture and sprinkle on a few more crumbs. Top off with a whole Oreo on top.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Many comments are saying they are using mini jars. How many ounces are the mini jars? Thanks!
I’m not exactly sure which size readers are referring to. But I have seen mini jars range from 2 – 4 oz, depending on the brand you get.
People always love this dessert whenever I make it and ask for the recipe. It’s pretty rich so I love the use of these mini jars. It’s the perfect size and it looks so pretty.
Whenever I make this for people they always want the recipe. I love the use of the smaller jars. It’s the perfect size for such a decadent dessert.
Cutest little dessert ever! Perfect for any occasion.