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Easter Dirt Cake Casserole

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Easter Dirt Cake Casserole is a fun, festive, and easy dessert that’s perfect for spring celebrations. This no-bake treat combines creamy pudding layers with crushed cookies and colorful Easter candies to create a whimsical dessert that’s as delicious as it is adorable.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • No baking required, making it a quick and simple dessert.
  • A playful and colorful presentation that’s perfect for kids and adults.
  • Easily customizable with your favorite candies or decorations.
  • Creamy, crunchy, and sweet in every bite.
  • A crowd-pleasing dessert that’s perfect for Easter gatherings.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • Chocolate sandwich cookies (like Oreos)
  • Cream cheese (softened)
  • Instant vanilla pudding mix
  • Milk
  • Whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
  • Powdered sugar
  • Butter (softened)
  • Easter candies (e.g., Peeps, chocolate eggs, jelly beans)
  • Shredded coconut (optional, for grass effect)
  • Green food coloring (optional, for grass effect)

Directions

Prepare the Cookie Crust:

  1. Crush Cookies: Place the chocolate sandwich cookies in a food processor and pulse until they form fine crumbs. Reserve about ½ cup of crumbs for topping.

Make the Filling:

  1. Whip Cream Cheese Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and butter until smooth and creamy.
  2. Prepare Pudding: In another bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and milk until thickened.
  3. Combine Layers: Fold the pudding into the cream cheese mixture, then gently fold in the whipped topping until fully combined.

Assemble the Casserole:

  1. Layer Crumbs and Filling: Spread half of the cookie crumbs evenly across the bottom of a casserole dish. Top with the creamy pudding mixture, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cookie crumbs over the top.
  2. Decorate: For a grass effect, dye shredded coconut with green food coloring and sprinkle it on top. Arrange Easter candies, Peeps, and chocolate eggs for a festive touch.

Chill and Serve:

  1. Chill: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set.
  2. Serve: Scoop into bowls or plates and enjoy this delightful dessert.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 12-16 servings
  • Preparation Time: 20 minutes
  • Chilling Time: 2 hours
  • Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes

Variations

  • Chocolate Pudding: Substitute vanilla pudding with chocolate pudding for an extra chocolatey version.
  • Bunny Garden: Use crushed graham crackers for a “dirt” and “soil” effect alongside the chocolate crumbs.
  • Fruit Toppings: Add sliced strawberries or raspberries for a fruity twist.
  • Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free sandwich cookies for a gluten-free dessert.
  • Individual Servings: Assemble the dessert in individual jars or cups for a portable option.

Storage

  • Refrigeration: Store in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: Freezing is not recommended as the texture of the pudding and cookies may change.

FAQs

Can I use homemade whipped cream?

Yes, homemade whipped cream can be used in place of store-bought whipped topping. Whip 1½ cups of heavy cream with 2 tablespoons of sugar until soft peaks form.

What other candies can I use?

Try mini marshmallows, gummy worms, or colorful sprinkles for additional decoration.

How do I crush cookies without a food processor?

Place the cookies in a resealable plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin or heavy object.

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare and assemble the dessert up to a day in advance. Add decorations just before serving for the freshest look.

Can I use a different pudding flavor?

Absolutely! Try white chocolate, cheesecake, or banana pudding for a unique twist.

What if I don’t like coconut?

Skip the coconut entirely or use dyed crushed graham crackers for a grassy effect.

How do I prevent the cookies from getting too soggy?

Serve the dessert within 24 hours of assembly to maintain the best texture.

Can I make this in a smaller batch?

Yes, halve the recipe and use an 8×8-inch dish for a smaller version.

How do I keep the decorations from sinking?

Wait until just before serving to add the candies and decorations to maintain their placement.

Is this dessert suitable for kids?

Yes! This colorful and playful dessert is a hit with kids and can be customized to include their favorite candies.

Conclusion

Easter Dirt Cake Casserole is a delightful and festive dessert that brings a fun twist to any Easter celebration. With its creamy layers, crunchy cookie crumbs, and colorful decorations, it’s as much fun to make as it is to eat. Whether for a family gathering or a kid-friendly treat, this no-bake dessert is sure to impress and satisfy!

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Easter Dirt Cake Casserole

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This Easter Dirt Cake Casserole is a fun, colorful, and delicious no-bake dessert perfect for spring celebrations. Layers of creamy pudding, crushed cookies, and festive Easter candies create a whimsical treat that’s sure to delight kids and adults alike!

  • Author: Beth
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours
  • Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 12–16 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No-Bake
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pudding Mixture:

  • 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 packages (3.4 oz each) instant vanilla pudding mix
  • 3 cups cold milk
  • 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping (e.g., Cool Whip), thawed

For the Dirt Layers:

  • 1 package (14 oz) chocolate sandwich cookies (e.g., Oreos), crushed

For Decoration:

  • 1 cup shredded coconut
  • Green food coloring
  • Easter candies (e.g., chocolate eggs, jellybeans, Peeps)
  • Miniature chocolate bunnies (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pudding Mixture:

  1. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar until smooth.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the pudding mix and cold milk until thickened (about 2 minutes).
  3. Fold the pudding mixture into the cream cheese mixture, then gently fold in the whipped topping until combined.

2. Make the “Dirt”:

  1. Place the chocolate sandwich cookies in a food processor and pulse until finely crushed. (Alternatively, place them in a zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin.)

3. Assemble the Casserole:

  1. Spread a layer of the pudding mixture on the bottom of a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
  2. Sprinkle a layer of crushed cookies over the pudding.
  3. Repeat the layers, ending with a layer of crushed cookies on top.

4. Create the “Grass”:

  1. In a small bowl, combine the shredded coconut with a few drops of green food coloring. Toss until the coconut is evenly colored.
  2. Sprinkle the green coconut “grass” over the top layer of cookies.

5. Decorate:

  1. Arrange Easter candies, chocolate eggs, Peeps, and miniature chocolate bunnies on top of the coconut grass to create a festive scene.

6. Chill and Serve:

  1. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the layers to set.
  2. Serve with a large spoon and enjoy!

Notes

  • Variations: Use chocolate pudding instead of vanilla for a richer flavor.
  • Make-Ahead: This dessert can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance.
  • Substitution: For a nutty twist, sprinkle crushed almonds or peanuts between the layers.

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