Easter is a time for family, fun, and of course, delicious treats! This Easter Dirt Cake Casserole is a no-bake dessert that’s both festive and irresistibly creamy. With layers of crushed Oreos, a luscious vanilla pudding and cream cheese filling, and colorful candy decorations, it’s the perfect sweet dish to celebrate the holiday. I first made this dessert for an Easter brunch, and it quickly became a family favorite. Not only is it easy to prepare, but kids and adults alike love its fun appearance and decadent taste!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No-Bake & Easy – A quick dessert that requires minimal effort.
- Fun & Festive – Perfect for Easter with its pastel-colored toppings.
- Creamy & Crunchy – The combination of smooth pudding filling and crunchy Oreos is delightful.
- Great for Kids – A dessert they will love helping decorate.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – Prepare it in advance for an easy holiday treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 package (14 oz) Oreo cookies, crushed
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
- 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping (Cool Whip), thawed
- 1 cup pastel-colored candy-coated chocolates (e.g., M&M’s)
- ½ cup mini Oreo cookies (for topping)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Crush the Oreos
In a food processor, pulse the Oreo cookies until they become fine crumbs. If you don’t have a food processor, place the cookies in a ziplock bag and crush them with a rolling pin. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy. This will create a rich and fluffy base for the filling.
3. Make the Pudding
In a separate bowl, whisk the vanilla pudding mix with cold milk until it thickens, about 2 minutes. Let it sit for another minute to fully set.
4. Combine the Fillings
Gently fold the pudding mixture into the cream cheese mixture, stirring until well blended. Then, fold in the whipped topping to create a light and fluffy filling.
5. Layer the Dessert
In a 9x13-inch dish, spread half of the crushed Oreos evenly across the bottom to form the base layer. Pour the pudding mixture over the cookie layer, smoothing it out evenly. Then, top with the remaining crushed Oreos.
6. Decorate for Easter
Sprinkle pastel-colored candy-coated chocolates and mini Oreo cookies over the top to give it a festive touch.
7. Chill & Serve
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the texture to set.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Best Served Chilled – This dessert is best enjoyed cold, straight from the fridge.
- Storage – Keep covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Make-Ahead Option – Prepare the dessert the night before Easter for easy serving the next day.
- Freezing – While possible, freezing may alter the creamy texture, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.
Helpful Notes
- For Extra Crunch – Add a layer of chopped chocolate or crushed graham crackers between the pudding and cookie layers.
- Use a Glass Dish – A clear casserole dish lets you show off the beautiful layers.
- Make it Chocolatey – Use chocolate pudding instead of vanilla for a richer version.
- Substitutions – Swap Cool Whip for homemade whipped cream for a fresher taste.
- Alternative Toppings – Add mini marshmallows, shredded coconut, or crushed chocolate eggs for extra fun!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?
Yes! Use 1 ½ cups of freshly whipped cream, lightly sweetened with powdered sugar. - How do I keep the Oreo layers from getting soggy?
Serve within 24 hours for the best texture. If making ahead, add the top Oreo layer just before serving. - Can I use a different cookie base?
Absolutely! Try Golden Oreos, vanilla wafers, or graham crackers for a different twist. - Can I make this into individual servings?
Yes! Layer the ingredients into cups or jars for personal-sized portions. - Can I add fruit to this dessert?
Definitely! Sliced strawberries or bananas add a fruity touch to the creamy filling.
Final Thoughts
Easter Dirt Cake Casserole is a festive, no-bake dessert that brings joy to any celebration. It’s easy to make, fun to decorate, and irresistibly delicious. Whether you’re hosting Easter brunch or just looking for a sweet treat, this dessert is guaranteed to be a hit. Pair it with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk for the ultimate indulgence. Have you tried this recipe? Share your Easter twist in the comments!
Easter Dirt Cake Casserol
Ingredients
- 1 package 14 oz Oreo cookies, crushed
- 1 package 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 package 3.4 oz instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
- 1 container 8 oz whipped topping (Cool Whip), thawed
- 1 cup pastel-colored candy-coated chocolates e.g., M&M’s
- ½ cup mini Oreo cookies for topping
Instructions
Crush the Oreos
- In a food processor, pulse the Oreo cookies until they become fine crumbs. If you don’t have a food processor, place the cookies in a ziplock bag and crush them with a rolling pin. Set aside.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy. This will create a rich and fluffy base for the filling.
Make the Pudding
- In a separate bowl, whisk the vanilla pudding mix with cold milk until it thickens, about 2 minutes. Let it sit for another minute to fully set.
Combine the Fillings
- Gently fold the pudding mixture into the cream cheese mixture, stirring until well blended. Then, fold in the whipped topping to create a light and fluffy filling.
Layer the Dessert
- In a 9×13-inch dish, spread half of the crushed Oreos evenly across the bottom to form the base layer. Pour the pudding mixture over the cookie layer, smoothing it out evenly. Then, top with the remaining crushed Oreos.
Decorate for Easter
- Sprinkle pastel-colored candy-coated chocolates and mini Oreo cookies over the top to give it a festive touch.
Chill & Serve
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the texture to set.
Notes
- For Extra Crunch – Add a layer of chopped chocolate or crushed graham crackers between the pudding and cookie layers.
- Use a Glass Dish – A clear casserole dish lets you show off the beautiful layers.
- Make it Chocolatey – Use chocolate pudding instead of vanilla for a richer version.
- Substitutions – Swap Cool Whip for homemade whipped cream for a fresher taste.
- Alternative Toppings – Add mini marshmallows, shredded coconut, or crushed chocolate eggs for extra fun!
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