Easter Dirt Cake

Easter Dirt Cake is a creamy and delicious Easter dessert filled with Oreos, pudding, and cool whip. Everyone will love to decorate and eat it!

We love this holiday version of our Oreo Dirt Cake! For more Easter desserts, try Carrot Cake Cookies or Easter Basket Cookie Cups.

Easter Dirt Cake topped with Oreo and colored peeps.

Our Go-to Easter Dessert

Easter is one of our favorite holidays to gather with friends and family and to have some of our favorite recipes. From Deviled Eggs to Carrot Cake, there are so many foods that we make for our Easter celebrations.

One of our favorite Easter desserts is today’s Easter dirt cake, which is a holiday version of our classic Oreo Dirt Cake recipe.

Using a few of our favorite holiday candies, we’ve made a few additions to this yummy dessert to make it an easy and delicious treat to make for Easter.

If you like PEEPS and Oreos, then you’ll love this Easter cake. It’s really easy and of course, the kids go nuts for it!

Making this Easter Cake Recipe

Easter dirt cake only takes about 15 minutes to make. It does need to chill and set in the fridge for a few hours, but it takes little work and the result is amazing.

OREO CRUST. Crush ⅔ package of Oreos and place it in the bottom of a 9×13 pan. Set aside.

CREAM LAYER. Mix cream cheese and margarine (or butter) until smooth. Mix in powdered sugar and fold in whipped topping. Set aside.

In a separate large bowl mix pudding, milk, and vanilla. Fold this mixture in with the cream cheese mixture. Pour over the crumb mixture.

TOPPING. Sprinkle with the reserve crushed Oreos. Let set for a few hours and keep refrigerated until ready to serve.

Top with the following candies right before serving:

  • Marshmallow PEEPS
  • Edible Grass
  • Easter-colored M&Ms (your favorite variety)

Variations

You can change any of the three components to this dessert to your liking! Whether it’s the pudding, the cookies, or the toppings you use.

  • Pudding. This cake can also be made using instant chocolate pudding mix if you are going for a more dirt-looking cake.
  • Oreo Cookies. There are always new Oreo varieties that come out during the holiday, change the flavor up just a bit based on which cookies you use.
  • Candies. Change out the candies, or add Carrot Strawberries on top instead of Easter candy.

Recipe Tips

Easter Dirt Cups. I normally make this dessert in a 9×13 baking dish, but it can also be divided into individual-sized portions – 8 oz plastic party cups, mini pie tins, and even dixie cups.

Simply fill the smaller serving containers with the pudding mixture, sprinkle on the Oreos, and top with festive decorations. Be sure to have spoons available as well. 

Homemade grass. I can usually find edible grass at Target during the Easter season. Cracker Barrel, World Market, and Amazon also tend to carry it. Use coconut to make edible grass:

  • In a separate bowl add ⅛ cup to ¼ cup of shredded coconut, add 1-2 drops of green food coloring, and stir.
  • Continue adding food coloring one drop at a time until you reach your desired color.
  • Sprinkle the coconut grass pieces over the dirt cake.
Edible grass spread out on a wood surface.

troubleshooting

Runny cream. I’ve made this recipe dozens and dozens of times and have a few tips to help make sure that the center turns out creamy and not runny.

  • Instant only: One major culprit behind runny cream is the pudding powder. Be sure to use INSTANT pudding as the cook-and-serve kind will not set. 
  • Ignore the box: Do not follow the pudding recipe on the box. Add both of the 3.4 oz pudding powder packets to 3 cups of cold milk. Mix until it resembles a creamy pudding texture.
  • Milk: Use whole milk or 2% milk for the creamiest texture. If you use skim milk it may be runnier than desired.
  • Mixing: Don’t over-mix the cream layer otherwise, it can lose its creamy texture and become runny. 
  • Chilling: Keep the creamy center cold. If your kitchen is warm I would suggest placing metal mixing bowls in the freezer before you start making the recipe just to help keep the ingredients chilled. 
  • Slightly soften: Do not let the butter or cream cheese soften too much and definitely do not melt them.
  • Scoop, don’t cut: This “cake” doesn’t cut or keep its shape like a regular cake. This should set like pudding. Scoop, serve, and eat with a spoon.
Bunny PEEPs on top of Easter Dirt Cake recipe.

Storing info

Make ahead of time. Make this Peep Cake up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it with plastic wrap and keep it stored in the refrigerator. Keep the ⅓ Oreos (that you set aside in Step 1) in a Ziploc.

When you are ready to serve the dish, add the Oreo layer on top and decorate with Easter toppings. 

STORE. Easter Dirt Cake is best stored when covered tightly with Saran Wrap or foil and placed in the fridge for up to 3 days – you may need to remove some candies to do this.

FREEZE. Technically you can freeze this dish, but it does not thaw into its original state. For this reason, I do not recommend freezing it when you wish to make it ahead of time, only freeze leftovers.

Remove any Easter candies and divide the leftovers into individual serving containers. Freeze for 1 month. Thaw on the counter and eat like ice cream.

Easter Dirt Cake with peeps and M&Ms sprinkled on top.

Recipe FAQ

Why is it called dirt cake?

The layers of crushed up Oreos resemble dirt. This Easter version looks especially dirt-like with edible grass, bunnies, and candy eggs!

Why is my cream filling runny?

There are a few things that can cause a runny filling. Make sure you use at least 2% milk or creamier, don’t let the cream cheese and butter soften too much, and don’t overmix! For more tips, see the “Troubleshooting” section above.

What other toppings could I use on my Easter Cake?

You could use Cadbury eggs instead of M&M’s, green coconut grass, duck PEEPs, or even add Easter Chocolate Covered Strawberries that look like carrots on top!

For more Easter treats, try:

Easter Dirt Cake Recipe

4.91 from 82 votes
Easter Dirt Cake is a creamy and delicious Easter dessert filled with Oreos, pudding, and cool whip. Everyone will love to decorate and eat it!
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Chill 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 20 minutes
Servings 12
Calories 383 kcal
Author Lil’ Luna

Ingredients

  • 1 package Oreos
  • 1 8 oz. bar Cream Cheese softened
  • 1/2 cup butter or margarine softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 large container Cool Whip or 16 oz. whipping cream
  • 2 3.4 oz boxes Instant White Chocolate or Vanilla Pudding Mix
  • 3 cups milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Easter candy PEEP bunnies, edible grass, candy Easter eggs

Instructions
 

  • Crush ⅔ package of Oreos and place it in the bottom of a 9×13 pan. Set aside.
  • Mix cream cheese and margarine (or butter) until smooth. Mix in powdered sugar and fold in whipped topping. Set aside.
  • In a separate bowl mix pudding, milk, and vanilla. Fold this mixture in with the cream cheese mixture.
  • Pour over the crumb mixture.
  • Sprinkle with the reserve crushed Oreos. Let set for a few hours and keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
  • Right before serving, top with bunny Peeps, edible grass, and Candy Easter Eggs.

Video

Like this recipe?

Pin it now to remember it later! Share it with your Facebook friends (you know they’ll love it). Or tweet it to the world. Maybe even email it to your favorite cousin!

Related Posts

Chiffon Cake

Chiffon cake is a moist and airy-like sponge cake with a delicate flavor. Our version is topped with a citrusy frosting and berries. This chiffon cake pairs perfectly with this…

1 hour 30 minutes

5 from 8 votes

Coconut Cake

Tropical coconut cake is topped with a scrumptious cream cheese frosting. It’s a tasty dessert to enjoy all year long! The coconut flavor in this cake is to die for!…

55 minutes

5 from 11 votes

Lemon Sheet Cake

Bright Lemon Sheet Cake with creamy lemon buttercream frosting is a sunny dessert perfect for feeding a crowd! Of all the Lemon Cakes I have recipes for, this Lemon Sheet…

35 minutes

4.75 from 31 votes

Cream Cheese Pound Cake

Easy Cream Cheese Pound Cake is out of this world delicious! It’s soft, flavorful, and perfect topped with fruit and cream. Cream Cheese Pound Cake is one dessert that pleases…

2 hours 10 minutes

5 from 9 votes

About Kristyn

My name is Kristyn and I’m the mom of SIX stinkin’ cute kids and the wife to my smokin’ hot hubby, Lo. My mom’s maiden name is Luna, and I’m one of the many crafty “Lil’ Lunas” in the fam. On this site I like to share all things creative - from recipes to home decor to gifts and home decor ideas. Welcome!

Join the Conversation

Rate and Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Comments:

    1. 5 stars
      You can make it with shredded coconut and food coloring. I mixed the two and spread it on a large baking sheet to dry. It turned out great!

  1. My cream cheese mixture came out kinda runny. 🙁 I mixed everything together and went to pour it on the crushed oreos and it was runny and not thick like in the pic above. Wonder what I did wrong?!

    1. Not sure what happened. Did you melt the butter? You mix the softened cream cheese and softened butter, then mix in the powdered sugar and fold in whipped topping. Also, you mix the pudding mix with the vanilla and milk. Some make the pudding, then add the milk and vanilla, which would make it runny. I hope that helps. Let me know if you try it again!

  2. I found my grass in the Easter candy section at Walgreens if that helps anyone. The only issue was that it was flavored and green happens to be green apple. I think with so little it won’t be too overpowering though. I also know the Joann Fabrics by house carries it.

  3. 5 stars
    I love your dirt cake. You have inspired me to make it for dessert for Easter this year. Thanks for sharing. Jnetti

    1. Thank you and we love to make it year round, just not adding the Easter treats. It’s a hit anytime of the year for us!!

    1. You will just use the pudding mix, but it will get mixed with the milk and vanilla, so it’s like making the pudding. You can make this year round, without adding the treats on top..we love it!!

      1. Do you use the pudding mix, milk and vanilla and whisk it until it is set like pudding or do you just whisk it until is mixed, but still runny and then fold it into cream cheese mix?

        1. I whisk until it starts getting thick like pudding, then fold it in. I hope that helps you 🙂 Good luck!

    1. Did you give it a try? I have a recipe for Dirt Cake that we eat all year long, that is so good! It’s our go-to dessert and it’s just scooped out:)

    2. Hi I’m from Australia and want to know what cool whip is..or what I can use as a substitute and it says a container, how much is that…?

      1. It’s whipped cream and a 16 ounce container. You can make your own, using heavy whipping cream. Just google how to make homemade whipped cream/topping. Hope that helps!!

  4. 5 stars
    I couldn’t find the edible grass, so we used some food coloring to dye shredded coconut. Turned out great!

  5. 5 stars
    The Easter Dirt Cake was a hit! So much fun to make, and eat! Thank you for sharing this! (For anyone planning on making the portion size in the photo, make sure you half the recipe.)

    1. Softened:) Thanks for stopping by!! I know it’s passed Easter, but I have the recipe for our regular Kansas City Dirt Cake on the blog, that we enjoy all year long:)

    1. That’s totally ok:) I will check it out!! Thanks so much for sharing and I’m glad you liked it!!

  6. Would like to know what you used for the grass, please. I’d love to make this with my 8-year old granddaughter!

  7. 5 stars
    I’m wondering what you used for the grass? Would love to try this recipe with my 8-year old granddaughter!

    1. You can usually find it by jello or in the baking aisle. It’s in a box and is powder in vanilla or white chocolate flavor. Hope that helps!! Hope you find it 🙂

    1. I personally haven’t tried. It’s a pretty important ingredient for this recipe. You can google some cream cheese substitutes, if you can’t have it. Hope that helps 🙂

    1. I use food coloring to dye my coconut then mix it up and sprinkle on the cake to however much grass you want on it.

  8. Can you tell me where you purchased the “grass” candy and what the name of it is? I haven’t seen anything like it. This is such a cute idea! I’m making it for Easter!! Thank you for sharing!

    1. I found it at Target or you can find it at Walmart. It is also online. Hope you find it and thanks so much!!

  9. I love this May I ask what did you use for the grass. I will be definitely making this for Easter. Thank you so much

    1. Thank you!! It is edible grass, found in the Easter aisle or Easter candy. You could also use the green apple, Pull-n-Peel (licorice). Hope that helps!!

  10. On the dirt cake, can this be made the day before, and when do you decorate it with the bunnies,candy,grass? Do you just refrigerate it and cover with foil everything, or what is the best way to do this? Can’t wait to try.

    1. It can be made the day before. I would wait until right before you serve it, to add the candies & grass. We love this recipe and hope you will too!

    1. I found mine at Target. I think I’ve seen it at Walmart too. Hope you find it! Thanks for stopping by!

  11. 5 stars
    We loved your cake! I don’t care much for the edible grass so I added a few drops of green food coloring to some coconut. The t turned out lovely and made that delicious cake taste even better!

  12. 5 stars
    I made this with my niece and nephew last year and it was a total hit!
    Instead of putting on the peeps and eggs and grass on immediately I had them take “magic beans” and plant them carefully into the cake. I told them that they had to get ready for bed and sleep so the Easter bunny could make it grow….
    He arrived around midnight and carefully took out the beans and placed the peeps and grass in those spots! It was such a hit everyone talked about it all year and we are getting it ready to make one for Easter.
    The EB also left them each a pack of magic beans for this year and amazingly they kept them so safe!
    Thank you and happy Easter!

  13. Fun version is to mix the yellow Oreos with black, use reg. choc pudding and put tootsie rolls in it (some on top, some partially buried). Serve in new small kitty litter pan with scoop. 😀 Tip – Tootsie rolls get hard if you leave in fridge. I made this & took it into work years ago – people were hesitant to try it! 😀 😀 😀

  14. I’ve visited your website and LOVE it. I see where you can sign up for free ebook, but do you send out emails that I can get?
    Thanks, happy Friday and hope you have a blessed day!!

    1. Thank you so much!! Down at the bottom of the home page, you can subscribe to emails. Also, if you are looking for the e-books, click on the shop tab at the top. There are many different ones 🙂 I hope you like the recipes you try!!

    1. You mix the powder in with the other ingredients. So, don’t make the pudding, then follow instructions. Hope that makes sense 🙂 Hope you like it!!

    1. I’ve seen it at Target, possibly Walmart. I wonder if a Michaels or a Hobby Lobby would have it? I hope that helps 🙂

          1. My local Target is not stocking the “grass” this year, however, I went next door and WORLD MARKET stocked it for Easter this year. Score 🙂

    1. I have found it at Target. You could always google it & locations may pop up around you. Hope you find it! 🙂

    1. It’s actually called edible grass. I found it at Target. They may have it at Walmart. If you have troubles finding it, you could always dye coconut green 🙂 Good luck!

  15. Hello Lilly, I have a question, in the Easter dirt recipe, is it 10x sugar or granulated sugar, love ur ideas; Thank you so much;

  16. 5 stars
    Hi Kristyn… I was just looking fore Easter Cake recipes and found this page.. Your blog is amazing! I am going to try this recipe. Are these original recipes? They look wonderful! Amazing job on your website. I wish you continued success.

    1. Thank you so much!! I am glad you found it! Yes, a lot of them are & some are from contributors or copycat recipes from restaurants 🙂

  17. Hello! I can’t wait to try this with my family! I noticed in the recipe it states Sugar but in the directions it states powdered sugar. Which one do I use?

    1. Sorry, I changed it. It should read powdered sugar. Let me know what you think! Hope you like it!

    1. Leave out the butter? I wouldn’t leave it out, but if you don’t want it or can’t have it, I would google suggestions for butter substitution 🙂

  18. Hi, can you please tell me what size cool whip? I know the recipe says a large container but how many ounces in the container?

    Thanks in advance!

  19. I am planning to prepare the Easter Dirt Cake next Sunday.
    It is not clear what size box of pudding I should use.
    Could you please specify .

    1. I have found it at Target. I think Walmart might have it & probably even Amazon! Hope that helps you 😉

    2. My only other question is that you use 2 3.4 oz pudding mix but don’t follow the directions on the box? Because then you would use 4 cups milk and not 3?

      1. Right, do not make the pudding according to directions on the box, but on the recipe only 🙂 It will be too soupy if you do.

  20. Had a question for the the Easter dirt cake. For the 2 boxes of instant white chocolate or pudding mix, is it the small box or larger box of pudding mix? Also is there is there a white chocolate pudding mix or would I buy vanilla pudding mix?

    Thank you
    Marissa

  21. So I made a silly mistake and accidentally only did one small container of whip topping and I wondered why it was so soupy. Will putting it in the freezer help at all?

    1. Hmmm..I don’t know. You didn’t make the pudding, then add more milk, did you? I know some make that mistake, which makes it super soupy. You will just have to see if that helps. I know it needs that bigger amount, so it might change it up a little.

    1. Yes, you can make ahead 🙂 I have not used a blender. I’m thinking that might mix it too much, but honestly I’m not sure. Hope that helps!

    1. I’m not really sure what you did? Did you make the pudding according to the box, then add the milk in the recipe? I know some do & that would make it runny, because of the extra milk.

        1. I am sorry. I try not to work on the weekends, especially since it was Easter weekend & I was out of town.

  22. 5 stars
    That is really cute and festive. I remember doing this when my kids were young. Thank you for the memory.

  23. This was fun to make and delicious! My husband doesn’t care for cool whip and had two servings. Couldn’t find the grass so used green sprinkles.
    Thank You!

    1. Love to hear that your hubby had two servings! It’s hard to just have one! Sprinkles are a great option 🙂 Thank you so much!

  24. This went over well at Easter with my family!! And my boyfriend lived it so much he made .e make more a few days later for home.

    1. Love to hear that!!! We make it year round, minus the Easter toppings 🙂 Thank you for letting me know!

  25. 5 stars
    I absolutely loved this dessert! Do you have any suggestions on how to make this cute for any time of year? Thanks!

    1. Thank you!! We make it year round! Just leave off everything Easter on top 🙂 It’s a family favorite all year!

    1. I’ve seen it at Target, sometimes at Walmart. I would google it & maybe stores near you will pop up.

  26. Don’t understand the ingredient saying…2 boxes instant white chocolate or pudding mix. Can someone tell me what this means?

  27. This looks so good!
    I love how it’s simple to make!
    Definitely making this for Easter for my kids!
    Thanks for sharing ??

  28. Hi, In the RECEIPE it says put the peeps and Easter eggs on just before serving. Could this be done a few hours before?

  29. Do you u small or large box of pudding? If you use small box how many bOxes? If you use large boX of pudding how many? Thank you!

  30. 5 stars
    I made this this afternoon with my daughter, followed directions, and the 3 cups of milk has made mine soupy and not whipped and Fluffy.. will it set up?

    1. It shouldn’t be soupy at all. Did you make the pudding according to directions on box, then add the milk & other ingredients? I know some have, but it’s just the pudding mix. That’s the only thing I can think of that would make it that way. Let me know if you need more help 🙂

      1. 3 stars
        I followed recipe to a T and did not make the pudding beforehand or add any extra milk and it was still extremely soupy.

  31. Re The dirt cake – Why wouldn’t you put in what size vanilla pudding pagkage to use? Small or the large size and the oz?

      1. 5 stars
        Thanks! We halved the recipe to make an 8×8 pyrex. The kids enjoyed putting on the eggs and peeps. Happy easter!

  32. If i want to make this with chocolate PUDDING do i still use al the other INGREDIENTS? I want to make for my kids for easter

  33. 5 stars
    This cake is everything! We call it Oreo fluff and it’s my husband’s absolute fave!! I’ve made it for every holiday so far!!!

      1. Target usually carries edible grass in their stores during the Easter season. I would try there first and if they don’t have it you could check at Wal-Mart. Hope this helps!

    1. Target usually carries edible grass around Easter time. If Target doesn’t have it you can try Wal-Mart as well. Good luck! Hope this helps!

    1. It sure will! Just half all of the ingredients from the ingredient list and place everything in an 8×8 pan instead of a 9×13. 🙂

  34. 5 stars
    Yum 🐰
    Looks delicious 😋
    Unfortunately I am OBESE and trying to lose weight ~ so I will stay away from this.
    Thanks for sharing 🐰

  35. 5 stars
    Super delicious and easy. A crowd pleaser. I used peanut butter oreos for a chocolate peanut butter taste…yum!

  36. 5 stars
    I love this, my grand-daughter and I made this, only thing different was we made in small individual pies. The kids love having their own.
    Thank you

  37. 5 stars
    My question refers to the oreos…befor crushing them, did you leave or remove the cream from the oreos?

    1. You sure can! The only thing I wouldn’t do yet is put the toppings of PEEPS, edible grass or M&M’s on the cake until just before serving. That way the toppings will stay fresh. 🙂

      1. This will be my first time making! Would it be ok if I make it Saturday evening and leave it in the fridge over night? Would it still be good?

    1. You can but it’s usually best when stored in the fridge. You can cover it tightly with Saran Wrap or foil and place it in the fridge for up to 3 days – you may need to remove some candies to do this. 🙂

  38. 5 stars
    The best ever!!! My whole family loves it! I make it every holiday and change your the top part to match it!!

  39. 5 stars
    This is such a cute, colorful, and fun dessert. I made it for Easter one year and it was a HUGE hit!! Everyone loved it and requested that I make it again. Usually there’s leftover dessert, but I went home with an empty dish so I know this one was a winner.

      1. I make this recipe every year . My best friend and I discovered it a few years back (2019). The entire pan was gone within a few hours . Everyone loved it . Great for sharing/hosting events . Thank you so much.

    1. 5 stars
      Delicious! My Mom made this for all of us first and it is routinely requested by the family throughout the year. Live it!

  40. 5 stars
    How festive!! I didn’t think your dirt cake could get better, but when you add colorful treats, it does! This is a family, Easter favorite!

  41. 5 stars
    Thank you so much for sharing this amazing recipe! Will surely have this again! It’s really easy to make and it tasted so delicious! Highly recommended!

  42. Looking forward to making this for the family this Easter! Do you include the filling with the Oreos or seperate them? Thanks!

    1. Yep, I keep the filling there. Just put them in a bag a crush, filling and all. Hope you enjoy the cake!

  43. 5 stars
    I love this recipe! I’ve made it several times and it’s always a hit! And it’s such an easy recipe to alter for someone with gluten and dairy allergies! In my opinion dairy free cool whip tastes so much better than regular cool whip that I think it gives it a better flavor!

    1. Oh that’s good to know about the flavor! And yes, so glad that it is easy to adjust for different dietary needs. So glad you enjoyed the cake! 🙂

    1. Yes you could! Certain candies (depending on what you choose to put on) you may want to add the day of.

  44. 2 stars
    Runny pudding i don’t know why I did everything it said hopefully letting it set in the fridge will make it thick

  45. 3 stars
    Had a good taste. My husband liked it but I think it tasted like there was to much cool whip and not pudding. Followed directions as stated but it never really set.

  46. 5 stars
    This recipe feeds a crowd and everyone loved the edible grass and peeps. Mt SIL has celiac and this is an easy recipe to set some cream center aside and use gluten free Oreos for her.

  47. 5 stars
    I love these! There so good and I my kids loved them too! It was so easy to make the first time so my kids helped the second time.

  48. I noticed a couple differences in the easter version vs regular recipe. The original instructs to use hand mixer to blend smooth directly before pouring over cookie crumble base. I’m thinking this step would help thicken the pudding mixture as opposed to only folding everything together. Also, original says refrigerate 3 to 4 hours instead of 2. Mine is in the fridge now waiting to decorate. 🙂