Easter Dirt Cake Casserole Recipe
Easter Dirt Cake Casserole is a delightful no-bake dessert featuring a crunchy Oreo cookie base layered with a creamy mixture of cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla pudding. Topped with pastel-colored candy-coated chocolates and mini Oreos, this festive treat is perfect for Easter celebrations or any fun gathering. Its rich yet light texture makes it an irresistible crowd-pleaser.
- Author: Jeannette
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Base Layer
- 1 package (14 oz) Oreo cookies, crushed
Cream Cheese Layer
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping (Cool Whip), thawed
Pudding Mixture
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
Toppings
- 1 cup pastel-colored candy-coated chocolates (e.g., M&M’s)
- ½ cup mini Oreo cookies (for topping)
- ½ cup crushed Oreo cookies (reserved from base layer)
- Crush the Oreos: Use a food processor or place Oreos in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin until finely broken.
- Reserve for Topping: Set aside ½ cup of the crushed Oreos to be used later as the topping for the casserole.
- Layer the Base: Spread the remaining crushed Oreos evenly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to form the base layer.
- Make the Cream Cheese Layer – Blend Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, unsalted butter, and powdered sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Incorporate Whipped Topping: Gently fold the thawed whipped topping (Cool Whip) into the cream cheese mixture until well combined and airy.
- Prepare the Pudding Mixture – Mix Pudding and Milk: In a separate bowl, whisk the instant vanilla pudding mix with cold milk until the mixture thickens.
- Let It Set: Allow the pudding to sit for about 5 minutes so it can fully thicken.
- Combine with Cream Cheese Mixture: Gently fold the thickened pudding into the cream cheese mixture, creating a smooth, creamy filling.
- Assemble the Layers – Spread the Filling: Evenly spoon and spread the cream cheese pudding mixture over the crushed Oreo base in the baking dish.
- Add the Crushed Oreo Topping: Sprinkle the reserved ½ cup crushed Oreos over the creamy filling layer.
- Decorate and Chill – Garnish the Dessert: Add mini Oreo cookies and pastel-colored candy-coated chocolates evenly over the top to add festive color and texture.
- Refrigerate: Cover the dish and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to allow the layers to set properly before serving.
Notes
- For best results, use cold milk when mixing the pudding to ensure proper thickening.
- If you prefer a less sweet dessert, reduce the powdered sugar slightly in the cream cheese layer.
- This dish is best served chilled and can be prepared a day ahead to develop flavors.
- Mini Oreo cookies and candy-coated chocolates add festive decor but can be substituted with your favorite toppings.
- Make sure the cream cheese and butter are softened to make mixing easier and ensure a smooth texture.
- This dessert is not baked and requires chilling to set properly.
Keywords: Easter dessert, dirt cake casserole, Oreo dessert, no bake dessert, pudding dessert, festive dessert, cream cheese dessert