Spring is finally here and the garden is starting to bloom. Looking for a dish that wows your guests without stressing you out? This Easter Dirt Cake is the perfect answer for your holiday table.
It is creamy, crunchy, and totally adorable. Your kids will love helping you decorate the “grass” on top. This recipe delivers a fun and festive treat every single time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a winner because it requires zero time in the oven. It is completely no-bake and uses simple pantry staples. You can whip it up in just thirty minutes.
The layers of chocolate and cream cheese are pure comfort food. It is budget-friendly and feeds a large crowd easily. Your holiday guests will love the playful and nostalgic flavors.
How It Comes Together
Making this dessert is as easy as layering a parfait. You start by crushing cookies to look like dark soil. Then, you mix a rich pudding and cream cheese filling. No fancy equipment is needed for these simple steps.
Even if you have never made a dessert before, you can do this. The layers set beautifully in the fridge while you relax. It is a stress-free way to handle holiday baking.
Simple Ingredients
You likely have most of these items in your kitchen already. Fresh milk and cream cheese make the filling extra velvety.
- 1 package (14.3 oz) chocolate sandwich cookies
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 packages (3.9 oz each) instant chocolate pudding mix
- 3 cups cold whole milk
- 12 oz frozen whipped topping, thawed
- 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
- 3 drops green food coloring
- 12 marshmallow Peeps (chicks or bunnies)
- 1/2 cup jelly beans
Step-by-Step Directions
- Pulse chocolate sandwich cookies in a food processor until they reach fine crumbs.
- Beat the cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Whisk the instant chocolate pudding mix with cold milk for 2 minutes.
- Gently fold the cream cheese mixture into the pudding until smooth.
- Incorporate the thawed whipped topping using a gentle folding motion.
- Place one-third of the cookie crumbs into a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Spread the pudding mixture evenly over the bottom crumb layer.
- Top the pudding with the remaining cookie crumbs to simulate soil.
- Mix shredded coconut and green food coloring until evenly tinted green.
- Scatter the green coconut over the cookies to represent fresh grass.
- Arrange marshmallow Peeps and jelly beans on top of the coconut.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the layers to set.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serve this cake chilled right from the refrigerator. The cool and creamy texture is so refreshing on a spring afternoon. It looks beautiful in a clear glass dish.
Pair a slice with a cold glass of milk for the kids. Adults might enjoy it with a hot cup of coffee. Set the table and enjoy this sweet holiday moment together.
Storage & Reheating
Keep your Easter Dirt Cake in the fridge until you are ready to serve. It stays fresh and delicious for up to three days. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap to keep it moist.
This recipe does not freeze well because of the pudding. You can make the base layers the night before. Add the Peeps and jelly beans just before serving for the best look.
Tips for Best Results
- Use cold whole milk to ensure the pudding sets firmly.
- Don’t skip the two-hour chilling time for the best texture.
- Softened cream cheese prevents lumps in your creamy filling.
- Use a zip-top bag to crush cookies if you lack a processor.
- Add a few extra jelly beans for a pop of bright color.
- Fold the whipped topping gently to keep the mixture light.
- For a larger crowd, you can easily double this batch.
Ways to Switch It Up
- Try vanilla pudding for a lighter, golden-colored “soil” look.
- Use gluten-free sandwich cookies to make this recipe allergy-friendly.
- Swap the Peeps for chocolate bunnies for a different look.
- In summer, use gummy worms instead of Easter candy.
Common Questions
Can I make this the night before?
Yes, this cake actually tastes better after sitting overnight. The cookies soften slightly into the cream. Just wait to add the candy until you serve.
Do I have to use whole milk?
Whole milk provides the richest and sturdiest texture. You can use 2% milk if needed. Avoid skim milk as the pudding may be too runny.
How do I tint the coconut?
Simply put the coconut in a bowl with food coloring. Stir it quickly with a fork until it turns green. It only takes a minute to look like grass.
I hope this playful recipe brings a smile to your family this spring. It is such a joy to see the kids’ faces light up. Happy Easter and happy cooking!
— Lidia
Easter Dirt Cake
Ingredients
- 1 package (14.3 oz) chocolate sandwich cookies
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 packages (3.9 oz each) instant chocolate pudding mix
- 3 cups cold whole milk
- 12 oz frozen whipped topping, thawed
- 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
- 3 drops green food coloring
- 12 marshmallow Peeps (chicks or bunnies)
- 1/2 cup jelly beans
Instructions
- Pulse chocolate sandwich cookies in a food processor until they reach the consistency of fine crumbs.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the instant chocolate pudding mix with cold milk for 2 minutes until set.
- Gently fold the cream cheese mixture into the pudding until no white streaks remain.
- Incorporate the thawed whipped topping into the mixture using a folding motion to maintain aeration.
- Place one-third of the cookie crumbs into the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Spread the pudding mixture evenly over the crumb layer.
- Top the pudding layer with the remaining cookie crumbs to simulate soil.
- Combine shredded coconut and green food coloring in a small bowl, stirring until the coconut is evenly tinted green.
- Scatter the green coconut over the cookie crumbs to represent grass.
- Arrange marshmallow Peeps and jelly beans on top of the coconut layer.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the layers to set before serving.
