Dirt Pie

The Oreo Dirt Pie is a go-to family favorite—easy, no-bake, and loved by both kids and adults! It features a homemade Oreo cookie crust, a yummy layer of creamy chocolate pudding, topped with crushed Oreos resembling ‘dirt,’ and playfully topped with gummy worms. It’s a perfect treat that’s simple to make and sure to please!

 

I seriously can’t resist a chocolate pie. It’s kind of a Thanksgiving pie staple in our house. I love a classic chocolate cream pie or a chocolate pudding pie (100% made from scratch of course!). But this time I decide to put a fun childhood twist on the chocolate pie with this Dirt pie recipe.

Dirt Pie is not only easy as pie (see what I did there).  It also has a way of bringing you back to the simpler times. I am not sure if it is because of the name or because it really does look like dirt, or maybe it is because of the added gummy worms. I think I stepped back into my childhood after the first bite. 

Now usually this dessert is served in individual cups for your own taking, but I decided to turn the classic Oreo dirt cup dessert into an entire pie – because that’s how we do it around here. And of course, it’s 100% made from scratch. No instant pudding mix or store-bought crusts here friend. If you’re thinking that sounds too hard, trust me – it isn’t! 

The oreo cookie crust is quickly mixed up with some melted butter in your food processor. And then the chocolate pudding is made on the stovetop in minutes for the creamiest filling you’ve ever tasted. I simply topped it with more Oreo cookies and the gummy worms, but you could easily add in some whipped cream here for a delicious addition to this pie. No one would hate you for that. 

Yes I think this dirt pie recipe will transform you back to childhood. Or if your childhood didn’t involve gummy worms dunked in Oreos and pudding, then get ready to feel like a kid with this easy Oreo dirt dessert!

See Also:

• Learn how to easily blind bake a crust to use in all your custard pies for the holidays!
• When it comes to making pies for Thanksgiving it can be stressful! So read my 20 best tips for making the best pies.
• This 100% butter pie crust results in a flaky and flavorful pie crust recipe.
• All you need is just a few ingredients for the flakiest pie crust ever! Try my 3 ingredient pie crust!

​Why Is It Called A Dirt Pie?

Well if you haven’t figured it out yet from the photos, this is called a dirt pie because it’s made to resemble real earthworms sticking out of the dirt. The dirt being the Oreo cookie crumbs, and the earthworms of course are the gummy worms! 

It’s essentially a chocolate pudding pie with a fun topping that kids (and let’s face it adults too!) can’t resist!

Why You Will Love Dirt Pie:

• Kid-Friendly Fun: Whether you’re a parent looking for a creative project with the little ones or just someone young at heart, Dirt Pie brings joy to all ages. This would be perfect for a kids Halloween party!
• Simple Ingredients: This Oreo dirt pie recipe calls for only basic ingredients that you probably already have in your cabinets!
• Gummy Worm Garnish: Because who can resist the charm of gummy worms crawling through chocolatey “dirt”? It’s a visual treat that adds an extra layer of playfulness.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• For the Oreo Cookie Crust:
  • 22 Oreo cookies – Use gluten free Oreos for a completely gluten free dessert! No need to remove the filling from the chocolate sandwich cookies.
  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted – I used unsalted butter but you could easily swap and use salted butter
• For the Pudding:
  • 2/3 cup granulated white sugar
  • 6 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 4 egg yolks – Check out my tutorial on how to separate eggs easily!
  • 3 cups cold milk – You can use any type of milk here. 
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 8 ounces semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate, chopped
• Toppings:
  • 10-12 Oreo cookies, crushed into crumbs
  • Gummy worms for garnish

How to Make Chocolate Dirt Pie:

Make the Oreo Cookie Crust:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180^oC). Position a rack in the center of the oven. I like to bake the pie crust for 10 minutes before adding the no bake pudding filling.

Pulse the Oreo cookies into fine crumbs using a food processor or the trusty rolling pin method. You can always throw the cookies into a large freezer bag and smash with a rolling pin.

Combine the oreo crumbs with melted butter in a small bowl.

Press the mixture into the bottom and sides of a 9” pie pan. Bake for 10-12 minutes, then cool completely before adding the filling.

Make the Pudding:

In a saucepan, whisk together sugar, salt, and cornstarch.

Add milk and egg yolks, whisking until combined.

Heat the mixture on the stovetop over medium heat, whisking constantly until it reaches a boil.

Once it bubbles and thickens, remove from heat. Stir in butter, chocolate, and vanilla.

For an extra-smooth pudding, strain it through a fine mesh sieve. You don’t have to do this step but it makes for a smoother pudding.

Spread the pudding mixture into the Oreo cookie crust and refrigerate until the pudding sets (about 2 hours). I like to cover the top of the pudding with plastic wrap so you don’t get that “pudding skin”.

Assemble the Pie:

Sprinkle crushed Oreo cookies on top of the pudding layer.

Place gummy worms on the cookies, some half-buried for that delightful “coming out of the dirt” effect.

There you have it – a Dirt Pie ready to steal the show at any gathering. 🌟 Serve it up, watch those smiles light up, and enjoy this playful no-bake dessert adventure!

Recipe Variations:

• Take a shortcut: If you really are short on time, you can use a store-bought oreo crust, or use instant chocolate pudding, but if you can I recommend making these items ahead of time so it’s completely from scratch. It really is a showstopper of a dessert when it’s all made from scratch!
• Make into pudding cups – You can easily make all the components and then assemble into dirt cups. Simply press a little of the Oreo cookie crumbs into the bottom of each cup, top with some of the chocolate pudding filling, and top with more crushed cookies and stick a few worms in!
• Add whipped topping – Before placing on the cookie crumbs and gummy worms, add a layer of whipped cream! Whip up 1 cup heavy whipping cream, 2 Tbs. powdered sugar and 1 tsp. vanilla in your stand mixer until stiff peaks form.

Recipe FAQs:

More Recipes To Serve With This Dessert!

If you’re making this for a fun birthday party or kids Halloween party you could always serve a fun extra fun baking treats along side. For Halloween, try my homemade Halloween Oreos or these chocolate Halloween cut out sugar cookies.

When it comes to a birthday party, you can’t go wrong with my vanilla buttermilk cupcakes, or easy Funfetti layer cake.

Try My Most Popular Recipes!

• Self Rising Flour Biscuits
• Lemon Cookies
• Brown Sugar Chocolate Chip Cookies
• 20 Self Rising Flour Recipes
• Milk Bar Cake