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Delicious Dirt Cake dessert with layers of chocolate and cream served in a planter

Dirt Cake

An easy and nostalgic dessert that combines layers of chocolate cake, fudgy pudding, Cool Whip, and crushed Oreos, perfect for potlucks and parties.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Course Dessert, Party
Cuisine American
Servings 12 servings

Ingredients
  

For the cake

  • 1 box chocolate cake mix Plus eggs, oil, and water per package directions.

For the filling

  • 1 cup hot fudge sauce Warmed slightly for easier mixing.
  • 2 cups prepared chocolate pudding Instant or refrigerated, prepared per package instructions.
  • 3 cups Cool Whip Or other whipped topping.
  • 1 package crushed Oreos Reserve a little for the top.
  • Chocolate shavings For garnish (optional).

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Preheat the oven and prepare the chocolate cake according to the package instructions.
  • Bake and cool completely.
  • Break the cooled cake into large crumbles, aiming for bite-size pieces.

Assembling the Cake

  • In a large bowl, stir the hot fudge sauce into the prepared chocolate pudding until evenly blended.
  • In a trifle dish or large serving bowl, place a layer of crumbled cake across the bottom.
  • Spoon a layer of the pudding-fudge mixture over the cake.
  • Spread a layer of Cool Whip on top of the pudding.
  • Sprinkle a layer of crushed Oreos over the Cool Whip.
  • Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with Cool Whip and crushed Oreos on top.
  • Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours (overnight is even better).
  • Right before serving, garnish with chocolate shavings if desired.

Notes

Best enjoyed chilled. This dessert can be made a day ahead as chilling improves texture and flavor.
Keyword Chocolate Dessert, Dirt Cake, layered dessert, No-Bake Dessert, potluck dessert