Easter Dirt Cake Casserole is a fun, festive, and delicious no-bake dessert that’s perfect for springtime celebrations. Made with layers of crushed cookies, creamy pudding, and fluffy whipped topping, this dessert is both decadent and playful. The best part? It’s decorated with colorful candies, edible grass, and chocolate eggs to resemble a spring garden!
This casserole-style dessert is easy to prepare and great for parties, Easter brunch, or family gatherings. Kids love the hidden “dirt” and candy surprises, while adults enjoy its rich, creamy texture. If you’re looking for a unique and crowd-pleasing Easter dessert, this is the one!
Ingredients
For the Dirt Cake Layers:
- 1 package (14 oz) Golden Oreos or vanilla sandwich cookies (crushed)
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping (Cool Whip), thawed
- 2 boxes (3.4 oz each) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 3 cups cold milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Easter Decoration:
- 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
- Green food coloring (for edible “grass”)
- 1 package chocolate eggs or jelly beans
- 1 package Peeps marshmallow bunnies or chicks
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips or crushed chocolate cookies (optional, for extra “dirt”)
Preparation
Step 1: Make the Cookie Crust
- Place the Golden Oreos in a food processor and pulse until they become fine crumbs. If you don’t have a food processor, place the cookies in a sealed plastic bag and crush them using a rolling pin.
- In a bowl, mix the crushed cookies with melted butter until well combined.
- Press half of the mixture into the bottom of a 9×13-inch casserole dish to form a crust. Set the remaining cookie crumbs aside for later.
Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Pudding Layer
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy.
- Add the whipped topping (Cool Whip) and mix until well combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together the vanilla pudding mix, cold milk, and vanilla extract until thickened.
- Gently fold the pudding mixture into the cream cheese mixture until smooth and fluffy.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
- Spread the pudding mixture evenly over the cookie crust in the casserole dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining crushed cookies over the top, pressing them gently into the pudding layer to create a “dirt” effect.
Step 4: Make the Edible Easter Grass
- Place the shredded coconut in a small bowl.
- Add a few drops of green food coloring and mix with a spoon or your hands until the coconut turns green, resembling grass.
Step 5: Decorate Your Easter Dirt Cake
- Sprinkle the green coconut grass over the top of the dirt cake.
- Place chocolate eggs, jelly beans, or candy carrots on top to resemble an Easter egg hunt.
- Add Peeps marshmallow bunnies or chicks around the cake for a festive touch.
- For extra texture, sprinkle chocolate chips or crushed chocolate cookies to create realistic “soil” patches.
Step 6: Chill and Serve
- Cover the casserole dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve chilled and enjoy this fun Easter treat!
Variations
- Chocolate Version: Use chocolate sandwich cookies instead of Golden Oreos and substitute vanilla pudding with chocolate pudding for a rich, chocolatey twist.
- Bunny Burrow Design: Add small chocolate bunny figurines poking out of the “dirt” to make it look like a bunny burrow.
- Carrot Patch Theme: Use candy carrots or pipe small frosting carrots on top to make it look like a carrot garden.
- Healthier Option: Use Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese and a light whipped topping for a lower-calorie version.
Cooking Note
- For the best texture, let the dirt cake chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving. This allows the pudding and cookies to set properly.
- You can make this one day in advance—just add the decorations right before serving to keep them fresh.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this Easter dirt cake cold straight from the refrigerator.
- Pair it with a glass of cold milk or hot coffee for a delightful treat.
- Use small cups or mason jars to create individual servings for easy grab-and-go desserts.
Tips
- If you don’t have a food processor, crush the cookies using a rolling pin and a plastic bag.
- Let kids help! They will love decorating with candies, Peeps, and edible grass.
- To make cutting easier, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean after each slice.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Prep Time
15 minutes
Chilling Time
2 hours
Total Time
2 hours 15 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – 1 slice)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 4g
- Sodium: 180mg
FAQs
1. Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?
Yes! You can substitute 1 cup of heavy cream whipped with 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar for a homemade version of Cool Whip.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Cover and store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The decorations may soften, so add fresh toppings before serving.
3. Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the layers a day in advance, but it’s best to add the Easter decorations right before serving.
4. Can I make a gluten-free version?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free cookies in place of Oreos to make this dessert gluten-free.
Conclusion
Easter Dirt Cake Casserole is the ultimate springtime dessert that brings joy and sweetness to your holiday table. With its creamy pudding layers, crunchy cookie “dirt,” and festive decorations, it’s sure to be a hit with both kids and adults. The best part? It’s easy to make, no-bake, and fully customizable! Whether you’re hosting an Easter brunch or just want a fun treat, this casserole is guaranteed to impress.
Try this recipe, get creative with the decorations, and enjoy a delicious Easter dessert that will become a family tradition
Print
Easter Dirt Cake Casserole,
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Ingredients
Ingredients
For the Dirt Cake Layers:
- 1 package (14 oz) Golden Oreos or vanilla sandwich cookies (crushed)
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping (Cool Whip), thawed
- 2 boxes (3.4 oz each) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 3 cups cold milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Easter Decoration:
- 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
- Green food coloring (for edible “grass”)
- 1 package chocolate eggs or jelly beans
- 1 package Peeps marshmallow bunnies or chicks
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips or crushed chocolate cookies (optional, for extra “dirt”)
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Cookie Crust
- Place the Golden Oreos in a food processor and pulse until they become fine crumbs. If you don’t have a food processor, place the cookies in a sealed plastic bag and crush them using a rolling pin.
- In a bowl, mix the crushed cookies with melted butter until well combined.
- Press half of the mixture into the bottom of a 9×13-inch casserole dish to form a crust. Set the remaining cookie crumbs aside for later.
Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Pudding Layer
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy.
- Add the whipped topping (Cool Whip) and mix until well combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together the vanilla pudding mix, cold milk, and vanilla extract until thickened.
- Gently fold the pudding mixture into the cream cheese mixture until smooth and fluffy.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
- Spread the pudding mixture evenly over the cookie crust in the casserole dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining crushed cookies over the top, pressing them gently into the pudding layer to create a “dirt” effect.
Step 4: Make the Edible Easter Grass
- Place the shredded coconut in a small bowl.
- Add a few drops of green food coloring and mix with a spoon or your hands until the coconut turns green, resembling grass.
Step 5: Decorate Your Easter Dirt Cake
- Sprinkle the green coconut grass over the top of the dirt cake.
- Place chocolate eggs, jelly beans, or candy carrots on top to resemble an Easter egg hunt.
- Add Peeps marshmallow bunnies or chicks around the cake for a festive touch.
- For extra texture, sprinkle chocolate chips or crushed chocolate cookies to create realistic “soil” patches.
Step 6: Chill and Serve
- Cover the casserole dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve chilled and enjoy this fun Easter treat!
Notes
- For the best texture, let the dirt cake chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving. This allows the pudding and cookies to set properly.
- You can make this one day in advance—just add the decorations right before serving to keep them fresh.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
Nutrition
- Calories: 320
- Sodium: 180mg
- Protein: Protein: 4g