Easter Dirt Cake

1 . Stage

Gather all ingredients. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

2 . Stage

Process cookies and melted butter in the bowl of a food processor until cookies are finely ground and mixture is thoroughly combined. Reserve 1 1/2 cups of mixture for topping cake. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

3 . Stage

Press remaining mixture into a lightly greased (with cooking spray) 9x13-inch baking dish. Chill while preparing filling, about 20 minutes. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

4 . Stage

Beat softened butter and cream cheese at medium speed with a stand mixer, fitted with the paddle attachment, until creamy, 1 to 2 minutes. Gradually add 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar and beat until very creamy and thoroughly combined, about 1 minute. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

5 . Stage

Beat pudding mix, milk, and vanilla in a medium bowl with an electric mixer at medium speed for 2 minutes until mixture has thickened. Add pudding mixture to cream cheese mixture and beat at medium speed until very smooth and combined, about 2 minutes. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

6 . Stage

Beat heavy cream and cream of tartar in a medium bowl with an electric mixer at medium speed until foamy, about 2 minutes; gradually add remaining 1/4 cup powdered sugar and beat on medium-high until medium-stiff peaks form, about 5 to 6 minutes. Gently fold whipped cream into cream cheese-pudding mixture. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

7 . Stage

Spoon cream cheese-pudding mixture on top of chocolate cookie crumb mixture in baking dish; smooth with a small off-set spatula. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

8 . Stage

Sprinkle reserved 1 1/2 cups chocolate cookie crumb mixture evenly over top. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

9 . Stage

Cover and chill at least 4 hours, up to 24 hours. Decorate top of cake as desired with desired toppings. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios