Every Easter, I try to make something fun and festive for dessert, but with all the chaos of egg hunts and family gatherings, I need something easy. A few years ago, I threw this Easter Dirt Cake Casserole together last minute, and now it’s a must-have at our table.
It started when I realized I hadn’t planned a dessert, and with kids running around excited for Easter treats, I needed a quick fix. I grabbed some Oreos, pudding, and Cool Whip, layered it all in a dish, and topped it with Easter-themed treats like Peeps and candy eggs. The kids loved helping decorate, and honestly, I think they had more fun making it than eating it!
Now, it’s become our little tradition. It’s the perfect cute Easter dessert—simple, delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser. If you need a no-bake, stress-free dessert that looks as good as it tastes, this one’s for you! 🐰💐🍫
Easy Easter Dirt Cake Casserole [No Bake]
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Spatula
Ingredients
- 1 14.3 oz package Oreos (about 36 cookies, divided into 24 for the base and 12 for topping)
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- ½ cup butter softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 16 oz Cool Whip thawed
- 2 3.3 oz boxes instant vanilla pudding
- 3 cups milk
- Easter candy such as Peeps, Robin eggs, pastel M&Ms, and sprinkles
Instructions
- Crush Oreos: Crush about 24 Oreos into fine crumbs and spread them evenly in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Set aside.
- Make Cream Mixture: In a large bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Mix in the powdered sugar and Cool Whip until fully combined. Set aside.
- Prepare Pudding: In a separate bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and milk until thickened. Let it sit for about 2 minutes to fully set.
- Combine Mixtures: Gently fold the pudding mixture into the cream cheese mixture until smooth and fully combined.
- Layer the Dessert: Pour the cream mixture over the Oreo crumb layer in the baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Add Topping: Crush the remaining 12 Oreos and sprinkle them over the top of the cake.
- Chill and Decorate: Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours to allow the layers to set. Right before serving, decorate with Easter candy such as Peeps, Robin eggs, pastel M&Ms, and sprinkles.
Easy Easter Dirt Cake Casserole [No Bake] – Pro Tips from a Dirt Cake Expert!
After making this Easter Dirt Cake Casserole more times than I can count, I’ve learned a few tricks to make it even better (and easier!). Consider this your insider’s guide to making the best dirt cake possible—without any stress.
Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Easter Dirt Cake Casserole
🥄 Crush Those Oreos Like a Pro
You can crush the Oreos in a zip-top bag with a rolling pin (great for kids to help!) or blitz them in a food processor for super fine crumbs. I like a mix—fine crumbs for the base, chunkier bits for the topping!
🌀 Make It Extra Creamy
For the smoothest, fluffiest layers, let your cream cheese sit at room temp for at least 30 minutes before mixing. Cold cream cheese = lumpy mixture, and nobody wants that!
🥛 Milk Matters
Whole milk makes the filling extra rich and creamy. You can use 2% if that’s what you have, but I’d avoid skim—nobody likes a runny dirt cake!
🍫 Mix Up the Pudding Flavor
Classic vanilla is always a win, but if you love chocolate, swap one box for instant chocolate pudding. It gives a mud pie effect, and honestly, it’s delicious.
🧁 Cool Whip Hack
Forget fighting with frozen Cool Whip—take it out of the freezer before you start so it’s thawed and ready when you need it. If you forget (been there!), microwave it in 10-second bursts just until scoopable.
🐰 Go Crazy with Toppings
I use Peeps, Robin eggs, and pastel M&Ms, but you can throw on whatever you love. Crushed Cadbury Mini Eggs? YES. Gummy worms for a spring garden vibe? DO IT. Get creative!
🌿 Want “Grass”?
Dye some shredded coconut green with a few drops of food coloring, mix it up, and sprinkle it over the top for a fun, grassy effect. Makes the Peeps look like they’re really hanging out in an Easter garden!
❄️ Make It Ahead
This dessert gets better as it chills! Make it the night before and let it set overnight for the best texture. Just don’t add the candy toppings until right before serving so they stay fresh and crunchy.
🚫 Avoid a Soggy Top
If you’re making it ahead, hold off on adding the last layer of crushed Oreos until just before serving. They’ll stay crispy instead of soaking up moisture from the filling!
There you go—all my best Easter Dirt Cake secrets! Whether you’re making it for a big Easter party or just because, this dessert is always a hit. Have fun with it, and don’t be afraid to get a little creative. Happy Easter and happy dirt-caking! 🐣💐🍫
