This simple and delicious 5 ingredient no-bake recipe for pumpkin patch dirt pudding is sure to be a hit with the whole family! Also known as Oreo dirt cake this recipe can be made with gummy worms, candy corn pumpkins, or even gummy Christmas trees to match any season.
Dirt Pudding
One of my favorite treats growing up was dirt pudding, and this recipe puts a fun fall twist on a classic. If you are a fan of chocolate and Oreos, then this recipe is for you! This is a simple recipe that the little ones can help make and will quickly become a family favorite. This recipe comes together in just 5 minutes with 5 ingredients! This recipe is in the top two of my all time favorite chocolate desserts with my chewy chocolate chip cookie recipe.
What is Dirt Pudding?
So you might be asking yourself…what exactly is dirt pudding? Dirt pudding is also frequently known as Oreo dirt cake. This recipe is a combination of chocolate pudding, cool whip, and crushed Oreos! The crushed Oreos give the appearance of dirt which is where this recipe gets its namesake. This recipe is frequently made with gummy worms on top to simulate worms coming out of the dirt, making it a great Halloween treat too! One year when making this recipe in the fall I thought it would be cute to add some candy corn pumpkins in the “dirt” top layer and it was so adorable, I make it every year now!
You may have seen this recipe made with cream cheese, butter, whole milk etc. but my take on this dirt pudding recipe is super simple and kid friendly (don’t worry, adults love it too).
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- With only 5 ingredients this recipe is simple and easy to make with the whole family!
- This recipe comes together in just 5 minutes!
- It is a great dessert to make ahead for parties or special occasions.
- You can make this for any season with festive toppings!
To Make Pumpkin Patch Dirt Pudding You Will Need:
Chocolate Pudding – This is the base for the pudding part of this dessert, if you aren’t a chocolate fan you can use vanilla pudding!
Cool Whip – This mixes with the chocolate pudding to give it a light and fluffy texture.
Oreos – Crushed Oreos make the “dirt” in this recipe. I use regular Oreos but you can substitute double-stuff, mega-stuff, or different flavor oreos if you prefer!
Milk – This is the active ingredient in the pudding that makes it turn from a powder into a pudding.
Candy Corn Pumpkins – These make the dirt pudding look like a cute little pumpkin patch! You can substitute Christmas gummies or gummy worms, or even leave the dirt pudding as is.
How To Make Pumpkin Patch Oreo Dirt Pudding:
Start with both packages of your instant chocolate pudding and empty the powder into a large mixing bowl.
Follow the package directions adding milk and whisking together for 2 minutes. Pudding will set in 5 minutes.
While pudding is setting crush a package of Oreos by hand or in a food processor.
Once pudding has set add the container of cool whip to the mixing bowl and whisk together until fully combined.
Start to add your layers to the casserole dish! I like to start with a layer of the pudding mix, then a layer of crushed Oreos, then another layer of pudding mix, and top it off with a final thick layer of the crushed Oreos.
Add any fun seasonal candy to the top to make this dessert complete! It’s that easy!
I like to serve chilled for a minimum of 2 hours in the refrigerator.
Easy & Delicious Pumpkin Patch Dirt Pudding
Ingredients
- 2 Packages Jell-O Chocolate Instant Pudding Mix
- 1 8 Oz Tub Cool Whip (Original)
- 6 Cups Milk (Cold)
- 1 Package Oreo Chocolate Sandwich Cookies
- 1 Package Candy Corn Pumpkins
Instructions
- Empty both chocolate instant pudding mixes into a large mixing bowl.
- Follow package instructions and add 6 cups cold milk & whisk together for 2 minutes.
- Pudding will set in 5 minutes.
- While pudding is setting crush 1 package of Oreo Chocolate Sandwich Cookies in a food processor.
- Once pudding is set add 8 Oz tub of cool whip to the mixing bowl and mix until combined.
- Layer in a casserole dish pudding/cool whip mixture and Oreos. I like 4 layers but you can do more or less depending on preference.
- Add candy corn pumpkins to the dirt top layer.
- Serve after chilling in the refrigerator for 2 hours and enjoy!
Common Questions
Can I use soy milk for the pudding?
No, if you use soy milk instead of regular milk to make your pudding mixture the pudding will not set properly. For the pudding to set properly you have to use cold regular milk.
Can I make this in single servings for the kids?
Yes! The recipe is the same, the only difference is the container you put it in! You will layer the dessert the same as you would in a casserole dish – start with your pudding layer, then Oreos, then one more pudding layer and an Oreo layer to finish it off!
How long does pumpkin patch dirt pudding last in the refrigerator?
This recipe is good for 3-4 days when covered and stored in the refrigerator.
Can you freeze this dirt pudding recipe?
Yes! Pudding actually freezes well but the texture does change slightly. The texture of the pudding will be thicker like ice cream when frozen. This recipe is good in the freezer for 4-6 weeks.
Can I make this pudding ahead of time?
Yes! This recipe can be kept for 3-4 days in the refrigerator making it the perfect dessert to make ahead of time.
