Easter Dirt Cake Casserole

Easter Dirt Cake Casserole is a fun, festive, and sweet dessert layered with crushed Oreos, creamy pudding, and whipped topping — all decorated with pastel candy and mini cookies for a holiday-ready finish. It’s no-bake, incredibly easy, and perfect for feeding a crowd at your Easter gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how playful and nostalgic this dessert is. It takes the classic dirt cake I grew up with and dresses it up with pastel candies and bright colors that make it perfect for spring. It’s creamy, crunchy, chocolatey, and totally irresistible. I can make it in advance, and it’s always a hit with both kids and adults.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 package (14 oz) Oreo cookies, crushed

• 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix

• 2 cups cold milk

• 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping (Cool Whip), thawed

• 1 cup pastel-colored candy-coated chocolates (e.g., M&M’s)

• ½ cup mini Oreo cookies (for topping)

Directions

1. I crush the Oreo cookies into fine crumbs using a food processor or by sealing them in a plastic bag and rolling them with a rolling pin.

2. In a large bowl, I beat the softened cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.

3. In another bowl, I whisk together the vanilla pudding mix and cold milk until it thickens — about 2 minutes.

4. I fold the pudding into the cream cheese mixture, then gently fold in the whipped topping until fully combined.

5. In a 9×13-inch casserole dish, I layer half of the crushed Oreos on the bottom.

6. I spread the pudding mixture evenly over the crust.

7. I sprinkle the remaining crushed Oreos on top, then decorate with pastel candy-coated chocolates and mini Oreo cookies.

8. I refrigerate the dessert for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to set before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves about 12 to 16 people and takes roughly 20 minutes to assemble. It needs at least 2 hours in the fridge to chill and firm up before serving.

Variations

Sometimes I use chocolate pudding instead of vanilla for a richer flavor. I’ve also added layers of shredded coconut tinted green to mimic Easter “grass.” For a fun touch, I press in a few candy bunnies or marshmallow chicks on top.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Since it’s a chilled dessert, there’s no reheating needed. The texture stays creamy and delicious, even after a day or two.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, I often make it the night before. It actually tastes better after chilling overnight, and the flavors really come together.

Can I use store-bought crushed Oreos?

Yes — I’ve used pre-crushed Oreo crumbs when I want to save time. Just make sure they’re plain and not flavored.

What other toppings can I add?

I like using jelly beans, marshmallow bunnies, or even little edible flowers for decoration. Anything spring-themed works beautifully.

Can I use homemade whipped cream?

Yes, I’ve used freshly whipped cream instead of Cool Whip — just make sure it’s stable and not too soft so the layers hold up.

Is this dessert overly sweet?

It’s definitely on the sweet side, but the cream cheese and whipped topping balance it out. I sometimes reduce the powdered sugar slightly for a less sweet version.

Conclusion

Easter Dirt Cake Casserole is the kind of dessert I keep coming back to each spring. It’s festive, fun to make, and totally crowd-pleasing. Whether I’m bringing it to a potluck or serving it at my own holiday table, it always brings smiles — and never lasts long.