Dirt and Worms Bundt Cake puts the Bundt pan spin on this retro chocolate and gummy candy cake, just in time for Halloween.
Dirt and Worms Bundt Cake
By Sue Lau | Palatable Pastime
Dirt and Worms Bundt Cake is my recipe of the day with the blogging group Bundt Bakers. We group together once per month on the third Thursday to share our Bundt recipes that match a particular theme. We take turns hosting and choosing the themes. It’s Wendy’s turn this month and you know she digs Halloween. So she tasked us to make some Halloweeny cakes.
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Fond Memories of the Dirt & Worms Cake
I thought back to when my daughter was little in the early 90’s. We used to make dirt and worms cakes back then using a boxed mix with gummies. And I think it had pudding on top if I remember correctly. If you remember, let me know in the comments.
Anyhoo, it sounded like fun. But obviously I don’t think the pudding would work with a Bundt. And it definitely needed something to stick the crumbs to the cake.
Figuring Out The Plan
Looking back on my Hot Chocolate Marshmallow Bundt Cake (that was the first Bundt I ever did with the group!) to check out my chocolate cake recipe, I noticed the marshmallow topping on the top of the cake.
I knew right away that would work. It would need to be a little more brown though(to be dirt-like). So I hosed some warm marshmallow creme with Hershey’s syrup, then stirred in a little powdered sugar to thicken it back up. And added some of the cookie crumbs for lumps and such.
Worked out swimmingly, at least I think. Looks nice and dirty! Ha! This is definitely going to scare someone away from eating it (which leaves all the more for the rest of us). But those who remember the dirt and worms cake are going to have some fond memories and enjoy this quite a bit.
I mean, this isn’t as disgusting as a kitty litter cake, is it? Maybe I’ll make that one next year. (snort!)
Y’all have a safe and Happy Halloween out there!
#BundtBakers is a group of Bundt loving bakers who get together once a month to bake Bundts with a common ingredient or theme. You can see all of our lovely Bundts by following our Pinterest board. We take turns hosting each month and choosing the theme/ingredient.
Updated links for all of our past events and more information about BundtBakers, can be found on our home page.
- Pat Y Co: Boo…Chocolate-Coconut and Pumpkin Marble Bundt
- Making Miracles: Chocolate Orange Swirled Bundt Cake
- Food Lust People Love: Chocolate Spider Web Bundt Cake
- Palatable Pastime: Dirt and Worms Bundt Cake
- A Day in the Life on the Farm: Mini Pumpkin Bundts
- Sneha’s Recipe: Monster Bundt Cake
- Culinary Adventures with Camilla: No Bones About It Pumpkin Mini Bundts
Dirt and Worms Bundt Cake
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Dirt and Worms Bundt Cake

Dirt and Worms Bundt Cake
Equipment
- 12 cup Bundt pan
Ingredients
Chocolate Cake:
- 1-1/3 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup soft butter
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1-1/4 cup whole buttermilk
- 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened baking cocoa
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Dirt & Worms Topping:
- 10 ounces double chocolate Oreos cookies (about 19)
- 7 ounces marshmallow creme
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons chocolate syrup
- 1/2 cup multi-colored cookies sprinkles
- 10-12 gummy worms candies
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325F.
- Spray a standard 12 cup Bundt pan with Baker's release spray.
- Place the granulated sugar and soft butter in the mixing bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment and mix until butter and sugar are creamed.
- Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla and buttermilk.
- Stir together the flour, baking powder and salt; gradually add to mixer while it is running and continue to mix until the batter is smooth.
- Spread the batter evenly in the cake pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 55 minutes or until cake tests clean with a toothpick.
- Cool in pan 15 minutes, then turn out and continue cooling the cake on a wire rack.
- To prepare topping, crush Oreos into crumbs.
- In a microwave safe mixing cup, warm the marshmallow creme in the microwave until it thins and is spreadable.
- Stir in one cup of the Oreo crumbs and the chocolate syrup and powdered sugar.
- Spread mixture over the top of the cake.
- Then cover the marshmallow topping with the remaining Oreo crumbs.
- Use a wooden spoon handle to poke holes into the cake and insert the gummy worms partially.
- Allow cake to set up and dry somewhat for about 30-45 minutes. It will still be sticky.
Notes
Nutrition
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I don’t think we made the cupcakes. We used to make dirt and worm cups with crushed oreos and pudding. I had forgotten about them….thanks for the reminder. The Angel Face will thank you too.
It’s definitely bringing back some memories for kids I know.
My daughters would have adored your cake when they were kids, Sue, and I’m not completely convinced that they wouldn’t be on board right now as young adults. It’s super festive and perfect for a Halloween party!
Yes, the chocolate cake inside draws a crowd of all ages.
Hahahaha … it works!
I don’t want to eat … hahaha
Oh!! terrific worms, love this colorful dirt worms cake!
You took my favorite Halloween Treat from a cup to a cake – I love it!!