Peanut Butter Dirt Cake
Peanut Butter Dirt Cake is a rich, layered dessert combining creamy peanut butter, pudding, whipped topping, and crushed chocolate cookies to resemble "dirt." Often served in a dish or individual cups, it’s chilled before serving for best texture. Topped with extra cookie crumbs or candies, it’s a fun, indulgent treat loved by kids and adults alike.
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 9×13 inch baking dish or trifle bowl
- Food processor or zip-top bag and rolling pin (for crushing cookies)
Ingredients
- 1 package 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 container 8 oz frozen whipped topping, thawed (like Cool Whip)
- 2 boxes 3.9 oz each instant chocolate pudding mix
- 3 1/2 cups cold milk
- 1 package about 15 oz chocolate sandwich cookies (Oreos work great), crushed
Instructions
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, peanut butter, and butter together until smooth and creamy. This mixture forms the rich, peanut buttery base of the cake.
- Slowly add the powdered sugar, mixing thoroughly to avoid lumps. Once fully combined, fold in half of the whipped topping gently to keep the texture light and fluffy.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the instant chocolate pudding mix and cold milk until thickened, about 2 minutes. This will add a smooth, chocolate layer that contrasts the peanut butter.
- Start by sprinkling a layer of crushed chocolate cookies at the bottom of your dish. Spread half of the peanut butter mixture over the cookies.
- Follow with half of the chocolate pudding, then a layer of cookies. Repeat the layers one more time, finishing with a thick layer of crushed cookies on top to mimic “dirt.”
- Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight if you can wait. The chilling lets all the flavors meld beautifully and gives the cake the perfect texture.
Notes
For a nut-free version, substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter. If you want extra crunch, add chopped peanuts or peanut butter chips between layers.
Use a food processor for finely crushed cookies, or place them in a zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin for a rustic texture.
Nutrition Facts Peanut Butter Dirt Cake
| Nutrition | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 380 |
| Fat | 25g |
| Carbohydrates | 35g |
| Protein | 6g |
| Sugar | 28g |