Delightfully whimsical, this Easter Dirt Cake transforms a classic no-bake dessert into a festive holiday centerpiece. Layers of decadent chocolate cookie crumbs, creamy vanilla pudding, and a cloud of whipped cream create a symphony of textures and flavors that will enchant both young and old. Get ready to unleash your inner artist and decorate this cake with a vibrant array of Easter-themed candies!

Follow The Directions

01

Step

Gather all ingredients.

02

Step

In a food processor, combine the chocolate sandwich cookies and melted butter. Process until the cookies are finely ground and the mixture is thoroughly combined. Reserve 1 1/2 cups of the mixture for topping the cake. (5 minutes)

03

Step

Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Press the remaining cookie crumb mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Chill while preparing the filling. (20 minutes chilling)

04

Step

In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the softened butter and cream cheese at medium speed until creamy. Gradually add 1 1/4 cups of powdered sugar and beat until very creamy and thoroughly combined. (3 minutes)

05

Step

In a medium bowl, whisk together the pudding mix, milk, and vanilla extract. Beat with an electric mixer at medium speed until the mixture has thickened. Add the pudding mixture to the cream cheese mixture and beat at medium speed until very smooth and combined. (5 minutes)

06

Step

In a separate medium bowl, beat the heavy cream and cream of tartar with an electric mixer at medium speed until foamy. Gradually add the remaining 1/4 cup of powdered sugar and beat on medium-high speed until medium-stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese-pudding mixture. (8 minutes)

07

Step

Spoon the cream cheese-pudding mixture on top of the chocolate cookie crumb base in the baking dish. Smooth the surface with a small offset spatula.

08

Step

Sprinkle the reserved 1 1/2 cups of chocolate cookie crumb mixture evenly over the top of the cake.

09

Step

Cover the cake and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or up to 24 hours. Before serving, decorate the top of the cake as desired with Easter-themed toppings such as jelly beans, candied eggs, shredded coconut, marshmallows, or Peeps. (4 hours chilling)

For a richer chocolate flavor, use chocolate sandwich cookies with a double-stuffed filling.
To tint the shredded coconut, place it in a resealable plastic bag with a few drops of food coloring. Seal the bag and shake until the coconut is evenly coated.
If you don't have cream of tartar, you can omit it from the whipped cream, but it helps to stabilize the cream and prevent it from deflating.
Feel free to customize the toppings to your liking. Other fun options include chocolate shavings, sprinkles, or edible flowers.