Martha Stewart Dirt Cake Recipe
Try this Martha Stewart Dirt Cake Recipe. It is the best way to enjoy a decadent pudding that features layers of silky vanilla cream and crunchy.
Ingredients
- 1 package 15 ounces of chocolate sandwich cookies (like Oreos).
- 1 package 8 ounces of cream cheese, softened.
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter softened.
- 1 cup of powdered sugar.
- 2 packages 3.4 ounces each of instant vanilla or French vanilla pudding mix.
- 3 cups of cold whole milk.
- 1 container 12 ounces of whipped topping, thawed (or 1.5 cups of heavy cream, whipped).
- 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract.
- Gummy worms and fresh mint sprigs for decoration.
Instructions
Crush the "Dirt"
- Place the chocolate cookies in a food processor and pulse until they become fine crumbs. If you don't have one, crush them in a sealed bag with a rolling pin.
Cream the Base
- In your large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla, and beat until light and fluffy.
Make the Pudding
- In a separate bowl, whisk the instant pudding mixes with the cold milk for 2 minutes. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it is firm.
Fold the Cream
- Gently fold the cream cheese mixture into the pudding. Then, fold in the whipped topping until the entire mixture is uniform and pale yellow.
Start the Layers
- Place a thick layer of cookie crumbs at the bottom of your serving bowl or individual pots. This is your "bottom soil."
Add the Filling
- Spread half of the pudding mixture over the cookie crumbs. Use a spatula to level it out to the edges of the glass.
Repeat the Process
- Add another layer of cookie crumbs, followed by the remaining pudding mixture. Ensure the layers are visible through the glass bowl.
The Top Soil
- Finish with a final, thick layer of cookie crumbs on top. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours before "planting" your gummy worms and mint.
Notes
- Use French Vanilla. Choosing French vanilla pudding instead of plain vanilla adds a deeper, custard-like flavor that pairs perfectly with the dark chocolate.
- Chill thoroughly. This dessert needs time for the cookies to soften slightly and for the cream layers to set; 4 hours is good, but overnight is even better.
- Full-fat ingredients. Martha’s secret to a rich, bakery-style mouthfeel is using full-fat cream cheese and whole milk; avoid "light" versions for the best texture.
- Individual pots. For a fun party presentation, serve the "dirt" in small, clean terracotta pots or clear plastic cups so everyone gets their own garden.
- Crush the cream. Do not remove the white cream filling from the cookies; crushing the whole cookie adds extra sweetness and structure to the "dirt."
- Avoid soggy worms. Wait to add the gummy worms and fresh mint until right before serving so the worms stay chewy and the mint stays vibrant green.