1. Home
  2. Recipes
  3. Oreo Dirt Chocolate Cake

Oreo Dirt Chocolate Cake

Category: Quick & Simple Sweet Treats

This dessert pairs moist chocolate cake with a luscious layer of warmed fudge, soaked right into the cake’s surface. After cooling, a creamy mixture of instant chocolate pudding and Cool Whip is spread on top, providing a velvety contrast. Finely crushed Oreo cookies add a delightful dirt-like crunch, while gummy worms offer a playful, colorful finish kids and adults enjoy. Easy to assemble with a boxed cake mix and simple toppings, this treat is perfect for gatherings and stays fresh in the fridge. For best results, refrigerate before serving to enhance both flavor and presentation.

Pin It Share Share Print Jump to Recipe
A woman with a chef's hat holding a plant.
Updated on Sat, 19 Jul 2025 00:07:10 GMT
A slice of Oreo dirt cake with green and red worms on top. Pin
A slice of Oreo dirt cake with green and red worms on top. | quickdinnerfix.com

Oreo Dirt Cake brings instant fun to any party table and is about as easy as it gets for a nostalgic kid-approved treat. A fluffy chocolate cake is covered with hot fudge, slathered with the creamiest chocolate pudding and Cool Whip topping, then scattered with those signature crumbled Oreos and wriggly gummy worms. It is a guaranteed hit for birthdays, potlucks, or just a random Tuesday when you want a reason to smile.

When I first made this for my nephew’s party, I had to shoo away all the grown-ups who insisted they needed an extra worm for good luck. This cake disappears so fast at gatherings it has become my “bring it or be in trouble” dessert.

Ingredients

  • Chocolate cake mix: gives you a soft base with rich cocoa flavor use any favorite chocolate cake mix
  • Eggs oil and water: to prepare the cake choose fresh eggs and a mild oil like canola for best results
  • Hot fudge sauce: brings luscious chocolate depth gently warm for easy pouring
  • Half & half: makes the pudding extra creamy use the real deal for best texture
  • Instant chocolate pudding: thickens without cooking grab the instant variety for a smooth finish
  • Cool Whip: delivers airy creaminess thaw fully for easy blending
  • Oreo cookies: create that classic dirt look and crunch pulse in a processor for fine crumbs
  • Gummy worms: add fun color and whimsy go for soft chewy ones for best texture

Step-by-Step Instructions

Bake the Cake:
Prepare the chocolate cake according to the directions on the box using fresh eggs and oil for the softest crumb. Bake in a greased nine by thirteen inch pan at three hundred fifty degrees until a toothpick in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool slightly but do not allow it to cool all the way before the next step.
Poke and Fill:
While the cake is warm use the rounded end of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the top spacing them about half an inch apart. The holes should go most of the way to the bottom but avoid poking clean through so the fudge stays in.
Pour Hot Fudge:
Microwave the hot fudge sauce until pourable but not boiling. Pour it slowly over the entire surface focusing on getting some into every hole. Let sit while you make the pudding layer so the fudge soaks in deeply.
Mix and Spread the Pudding Topping:
In a big bowl whisk the half & half with the instant chocolate pudding mix until very smooth about two minutes. Let this mixture thicken for several minutes before folding in fully thawed Cool Whip. Spread the finished pudding mixture all over the cooled cake in an even layer.
Finish with Oreo Crumbs and Gummy Worms:
Pulse Oreos in a processor to create fine crumbs or smash in a sealed bag with a rolling pin. Sprinkle crumbs all over the pudding topping and gently press in gummy worms wherever you like. Refrigerate the cake for at least two hours to let everything set before cutting into squares.
A slice of Oreo dirt cake with green and yellow candies on top. Pin
A slice of Oreo dirt cake with green and yellow candies on top. | quickdinnerfix.com

My favorite part is that thick hot fudge middle layer which turns each bite into gooey magic. Last Easter my niece added extra “worms” to her piece then ceremoniously handed one to Grandpa who pretended it was real. Now it is a running family joke to “hide” an extra worm in someone’s serving.

Storage Tips

Wrap leftovers tightly or cover the pan before refrigerating to keep everything soft and the cookies crunchy. I find the flavor develops even more the second day. This is a great make-ahead dessert if you need to prep for a busy weekend.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you cannot find hot fudge sauce try using a thick chocolate syrup. No Cool Whip no problem just whip up one and a half cups of heavy cream with a little powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Any kind of chocolate cake mix will work including devil’s food or triple chocolate.

Serving Suggestions

Serve cold straight from the refrigerator in big squares. Oreo Dirt Cake is perfect for birthday parties school gatherings or backyard barbecues. For an extra touch I sometimes add sprinkles on top or tuck in little edible flowers for garden parties.

A slice of Oreo dirt cake. Pin
A slice of Oreo dirt cake. | quickdinnerfix.com

Cultural or Historical Context

This cake borrows from old-fashioned Southern poke cakes and adds a playful twist from classic Midwestern “dirt cake” desserts. Kids everywhere know the thrill of finding a “worm” in their slice and adults seem to get just as big a kick out of it.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I ensure the cake is moist?

Poke holes in the warm cake and pour warmed fudge sauce over it so the sauce soaks in, keeping the cake extra moist.

→ Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble the cake and fudge in advance. Add the pudding and toppings just before serving to maintain freshness and texture.

→ What type of cake mix works best?

Use any chocolate variety such as milk chocolate, chocolate fudge, or devil’s food based on your preference.

→ How do I crush the Oreo cookies efficiently?

A food processor works well. If unavailable, seal cookies in a bag and crush with a rolling pin or mallet until fine.

→ Are gummy worms necessary?

Gummy worms add fun but can be omitted or replaced with other candies to suit personal taste or occasion.

Oreo Dirt Chocolate Cake

Decadent chocolate cake with fudge, fluffy pudding, cookie crumbs, and gummy worms for a whimsical, kid-friendly dessert.

Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
35 min
Total Time
50 min

Category: Desserts

Skill Level: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 18 Servings (18 portions)

Dietary Preferences: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Cake Base

01 1 box (432 g) chocolate cake mix, plus additional ingredients as directed on the package

→ Filling and Topping

02 1 jar (333 g) hot fudge sauce
03 2 cups (480 ml) half & half
04 1 box (110 g) instant chocolate pudding mix
05 227 g whipped topping, thawed
06 12 Oreo cookies, finely crushed
07 1 cup (approximately 80 g) gummy worms

Steps

Step 01

Preheat oven to 175°C. Grease a 23 x 33 cm baking pan with non-stick spray. Mix the chocolate cake batter according to package instructions.

Step 02

Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the centre comes out clean.

Step 03

While warm, use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes across the surface at 1.5 cm intervals. Warm the hot fudge sauce in the microwave for 45 seconds or until thinned. Pour evenly over the cake, ensuring hot fudge fills the holes.

Step 04

Set cake on a cooling rack and cool completely before proceeding to the next step.

Step 05

In a bowl, whisk half & half and instant chocolate pudding mix for 2 minutes until smooth and thickened. Let stand 5 minutes to fully set.

Step 06

Fold in the thawed whipped topping until well combined with the pudding mixture.

Step 07

Spread pudding and whipped topping mixture evenly over cooled cake.

Step 08

Sprinkle finely crushed Oreo cookies evenly over the surface. Gently press gummy worms into the cookie crumbs.

Step 09

Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing into 18 portions to ensure clean cuts. Store covered in the refrigerator up to 4 days.

Notes

  1. For a cleaner presentation, chill the dessert for at least 2 hours before slicing.
  2. Top with crushed Oreos and gummy worms just before serving if refrigerating for several hours or overnight.
  3. Instant pudding must be used for optimal texture; do not use cook-and-serve types.
  4. Oreo cookies crumble best using a food processor, or crush in a sealed bag with a rolling pin for a classic 'dirt' effect.

Required Equipment

  • 23 x 33 cm baking pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Wire whisk
  • Food processor or rolling pin
  • Measuring cups

Allergy Information

Double-check each ingredient to identify potential allergens and consult a healthcare professional if unsure.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, milk, and soy. May contain traces of nuts and peanuts depending on brand ingredients.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

These details are for informational purposes and don’t replace medical advice.
  • Calories: 323
  • Fat: 11 g
  • Carbs: 54 g
  • Protein: 5 g