Vegan Dirt Pie Recipe (2024)

A childhood favorite made allergy-friendly, vegan dirt pie is a quick no-bake dessert that features a homemade crust and easy swaps for a better-for-you dessert you’re going to love!

Dirt Pie, Dirt Cake, Mud Pie…What’s It Called, Anyway?!

If you’re not familiar with dirt pie, it’s possible you call it by another name. That’s because this recipe seems to be called a bazillion different things. It was inspired by Kansas City dirt cake I grew up eating. This version contained layers of Oreos followed by a mixture of cream cheese, pudding, sugar, and whipped cream. However, we’ve also heard it being referenced as Oreo dirt pie, Oreo dirt cake pie, Oreo dirt pie, Oreo dirt pudding, and the list goes on.

No matter what you call this dessert, it’s always delicious and a summertime classic! However, as you have probably already figured out, it’s not exactly nutritious and definitely not vegan. That said, we’re proponents of enjoying all foods in moderation, even if they aren’t so nutritionally dense, and we weren’t willing to give up such a staple recipe.

So, we decided to compromise and made a few simple swaps to create a more allergy-friendly vegan dirt pie recipe. It comes together with natural ingredients for a dairy free, gluten free, and kid-friendly dessert perfect for birthday parties, potlucks, barbecues, and more!

Not Your Typical Dirt Pie Ingredients

With classic dirt pie recipes, you’ll find a list of ingredients that includes Oreo sandwich cookies, cool whip, cream cheese, and quite a bit of sugar. Not with our version, though! We used (mostly) whole food, nourishing ingredients and even included several crust options to meet all your needs.

For the Crust

Gluten Free Chocolate Cookie Crust Option

Your new go-to gluten free crust recipe for all your pie needs, this version is made with vegan friendly gluten free chocolate sandwich cookies (Glutino and Goodie Girl both offer allergy friendly cookie options) in place of Oreo cookies but can really be made with any cookies you like best.

• Gluten Free/Vegan Chocolate Cookies (We love Glutino)
• Melted Refined Coconut Oil or Vegan Butter

Date Crust Option

A slightly healthier option, this version is made with natural ingredients and is every bit as delicious as the first!

• Pitted Dates
• Gluten Free Quick Oats
• Unsweetened Shredded Coconut
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
• Sea Salt

For the Filling

• Non Dairy Milk
• Fine Cane Sugar
• Cornstarch
• Vanilla Extract
• Salt
• Canned Coconut Cream(chilled – solid portion)
• Canned Coconut Milk (chilled – solid portion)
• Powdered Sugar or Raw Sugar
• Dairy Free, Gluten Free Vanilla Creme Cookies or Dark Chocolate Cookies
• Dark Chocolate Chips

The Easiest Dirt Pie Recipe You’ll Ever Make

At a glance, this recipe might look intimidating, but it isn’t the case! The truth is, all you have to do is combine the ingredients, and enjoy – no oven required. It’s a no bake dessert recipe so easy to make the kids can do it, too! The trick is in perfecting the pudding layer. Don’t worry, we’ve got detailed instructions below!

1. Start by making your crust! Just choose one of these options above (date crust or gluten free cookie crust) and let is chill in fridge while you make the filling!

To make the filling, first prepare the vanilla pudding, and let it chill in the fridge for 30-45 minutes.

2. Place the solid portion of the coconut cream and coconut milk in a stand mixer or mixing bowl. Stir in the powdered sugar, vanilla, and butter extract. Whip for 2 minutes or until the ingredients resemble a whipped cream texture. Let it chill in the fridge.

3. Once the pudding and coconut cream mixture have chilled, remove from the fridge and fold the pudding mixture in with the coconut cream mixture until well combined.

4. Pour the filling layer into the pie crust, and use the back of a spoon to spread it evenly.

5. Next, prepare the topping. Add the cookies to a bag or food processor, and crush them into pieces to form the “dirt.”

6. Top your dirt pie with the cookie pieces and chocolate chips.

7. Freeze for 20 minutes for easy slicing.

Secret Tips & Tricks

Make sure to chill your coconut milk and coconut cream in the fridge overnight! This will allow it to harden enough to form a whipped topping.

For the best texture, make your pudding a day in advance! This will save you time and allow the pudding and cream enough time to chill and set.

When it comes to coconut milk, the canned version is a must! The stuff from the milk section is too liquidy and won’t chill enough to create a thick texture to replace whipped cream.

Cut down the dishes, and use a rolling pin to crush the cookies into cookie crumbs for topping.

Fun Variations

There are so many ways you can switch up this dirt pie recipe, making it perfect for every occasion!

• Add Coffee. Include a scoop of instant coffee for a chocolate coffee cake taste.
• Double Up On Chocolate! For an extra rich flavor, add in an extra scoop of cocoa powder. It’s got antioxidants. That means it’s healthy, right?!
• Make it Mint. Just a hint of mint extract helps turn this dirt pie into a grasshopper pie! Think Thin Mints turned pudding.
• Use Golden Cookies Instead. For a lighter, less chocolate-heavy treat, swap out the chocolate sandwich cookies for a vegan version of golden Oreos.

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