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Creamy Classic 1980s Dirt Cake Recipe with Gummy Worms Easy and Fun

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A nostalgic and comforting dessert featuring layers of chocolate pudding, crushed chocolate sandwich cookies, and playful gummy worms. This creamy classic dirt cake is quick, easy, and perfect for parties or family treats.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 packages instant chocolate pudding mix (3.9 oz / 110 g each)
  • 4 cups cold milk (960 ml), whole or 2%
  • 8 oz softened cream cheese (Philadelphia brand recommended)
  • ½ cup softened butter (115 g)
  • 1 cup powdered sugar (120 g)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • About 30 chocolate sandwich cookies (Oreos or similar), crushed
  • 1 package gummy worms (about 4 oz / 113 g)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the pudding: In a large bowl, whisk together the instant chocolate pudding mix and cold milk. Whisk vigorously for about 2 minutes until thickened. Set aside and chill in the fridge.
  2. Make the cream cheese mixture: In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter using an electric mixer or whisk until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then beat again until well combined.
  3. Combine pudding with cream cheese: Gently fold the chilled pudding into the cream cheese mixture until smooth and fully incorporated.
  4. Crush the cookies: Place about 30 chocolate sandwich cookies into a food processor and pulse until crumbly but not powdery. Alternatively, crush cookies in a sealed plastic bag with a rolling pin.
  5. Layer the dirt cake: Spread half of the crushed cookies evenly in the bottom of a 9×13 inch dish. Spoon half of the creamy pudding mixture over the cookie layer and smooth it out. Repeat with remaining cookies and pudding mixture to create two layers.
  6. Add gummy worms: Arrange gummy worms on top, letting some peek out of the ‘dirt’. Optionally, press some into the middle layer.
  7. Chill: Refrigerate the dirt cake for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight, to let flavors meld and layers set.

Notes

Use cold milk for pudding to thicken faster. Soften cream cheese and butter to avoid lumps. Avoid over-crushing cookies to keep texture. Chill overnight for best flavor and set. For dairy-free, use almond or coconut milk and dairy-free cream cheese. For gluten-free, use gluten-free cookies. Gummy worms can be swapped with fresh berries or mini marshmallows.

Nutrition

Keywords: dirt cake, gummy worms, chocolate pudding dessert, nostalgic dessert, easy dessert, party dessert, 1980s dessert

Find it online: https://tempotaste.com/creamy-classic-1980s-dirt-cake-recipe-with-gummy-worms-easy-and-fun/