Themes⚙
Oreo Dirt Cake with Chocolate Pudding and Gummy Worms
Make an easy Oreo dirt cake layered with chocolate pudding and topped with gummy worms for a spooky graveyard dessert. Try this recipe tonight.
Haunted Graveyard Dirt Cake is a no-bake, Halloween-themed dessert constructed from alternating layers of chocolate pudding, sweetened cream-cheese filling, and whipped topping, all concealed beneath a generous coating of finely crushed chocolate sandwich cookies that resemble freshly turned soil. The “graveyard” effect is completed with gummy worms burrowed into the crumb layer and cookie or candy shapes decorated as tombstones, pumpkins, or fences. Typically prepared in a rectangular baking dish for easy scooping, the cake delivers a contrasting blend of creamy, crunchy, and chewy textures and is most often served at children’s parties, school events, and fall gatherings throughout the Halloween season.
Oreo Dirt Cake with Chocolate Pudding and Gummy Worms
Built for busy hosts, this make-ahead dessert relies on pantry staples and actually improves in flavor and texture after an overnight chill. Its simple, no-cook assembly lets kids jump in on the layering and decorating, turning prep time into part of the Halloween fun.
Prep Time
25 minutes
25 minutes
Cook Time
0 minutes
0 minutes
Total Time
145 minutes
145 minutes
Ingredients
Oreo cookies, finely crushed 14.3 oz (about 36 cookies)
- Instant chocolate pudding mix 2 × 3.9 oz boxes
- Cold whole milk 3 ½ cups
- Cream cheese, softened 8 oz
- Unsalted butter, softened 4 tbsp
- Powdered sugar 1 cup
- Whipped topping (Cool Whip), thawed 12 oz
- Gummy worms 2 cups (20–25 pieces)
- Pure vanilla extract (optional) 1 tsp
- Candy pumpkins or cookie “tombstones” for decoration (optional) 1–2 cups total
- Halloween sprinkles or mini chocolate chips (optional) ¼ cup
Method
Pulse the Oreo cookies in a food processor until they resemble loose soil
- Whisk the instant chocolate pudding mix with cold milk in a bowl until thickened, then set aside
- Beat softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and fluffy
- Blend powdered sugar into the cream-cheese mixture until no lumps remain
- Fold thawed whipped topping into the cream-cheese mixture to create a light filling
- Stir the prepared chocolate pudding into the cream-cheese filling until completely combined
- Spread a generous layer of Oreo crumbs over the bottom of a trifle dish or 9-x-13-inch pan
- Spoon half of the pudding filling over the cookie layer and smooth the surface with a spatula
- Add another layer of Oreo crumbs, reserving enough to finish the top
- Spread the remaining pudding filling evenly over the second cookie layer
- Sprinkle the last portion of Oreo crumbs over the surface to resemble fresh dirt
- Tuck gummy worms partially into the crumb layer so they appear to crawl out of the cake
- Refrigerate the assembled dessert for at least 2 hours, or until thoroughly chilled and set
- Serve chilled, scooping through all layers to capture the “dirt” and worms in each portion
Nutrition (whole recipe)
Calories
6515 kcal Protein
69 g Fat
295 g Carbs
906 g Fiber
14 g Sugar
645 g
6515 kcal Protein
69 g Fat
295 g Carbs
906 g Fiber
14 g Sugar
645 g
Notes
Chef’s Note: For sharper “dirt” contrast, pulse the cookies in short bursts—too fine and you’ll lose the crumbly soil effect; too coarse and the topping stays gritty. Swap half the instant pudding mix for chocolate-fudge or dark-cocoa varieties to deepen both color and flavor, or use vanilla pudding tinted with green gel for a “mossy” layer if you want extra creep factor.
why this recipe
An Oreo dirt cake with gummy worms is pure Halloween magic, layering velvety chocolate pudding and whipped cream beneath a crumble that looks eerily like fresh soil, then crowning the whole creation with wiggly, colorful “worms” that make kids squeal and adults grin. The playful presentation transforms an already nostalgic dessert into a show-stopping centerpiece, and the familiar cookies-and-cream flavor ensures every spoonful is as crave-worthy as it is Instagram-ready. Easy to assemble ahead of time yet dramatic enough to anchor a festive spread, this haunted graveyard treat brings together texture, taste, and theatrical flair in one delightful pan.
FAQs
FAQ acf
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the Haunted Graveyard Dirt Cake ahead of time, and if so, how far in advance?
Yes—this dessert is ideal for advance prep. Assemble it up to 24 hours ahead (even 48 hours is fine) and keep it tightly covered in the refrigerator; the chill time actually deepens the flavors and helps the layers set. For the crispiest “dirt” and perky gummy worms, add the worms and any decorative tombstones the day you plan to serve.
What ingredient swaps will let me make this dirt cake gluten-free or dairy-free?
To go gluten-free, swap the Oreos for certified gluten-free chocolate sandwich cookies and double-check that your pudding mix, gummy worms, and decorations are labeled GF. For a dairy-free version, use a dairy-free instant chocolate pudding and plant-based milk, then replace the cream cheese, butter, and whipped topping with vegan cream cheese, margarine (or coconut oil), and coconut- or almond-based whipped topping.
Can I freeze leftover Haunted Graveyard Dirt Cake, and how should I thaw it for serving?
Yes—tightly cover the pan (or portion into airtight containers), then freeze for up to one month; the creamy layers hold up, but the cookie “dirt” will soften slightly. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, uncover, add fresh cookie crumbs or decorations if desired, and serve well-chilled.