• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Courtney's Sweets
  • Home
  • About
  • Recipes
    • All Recipes
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • About
  • Recipe Index
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
    • YouTube
  • ×

    You are here: Home / Recipes / Dirt Cake with Chocolate Covered Strawberry Pumpkins

    Dirt Cake with Chocolate Covered Strawberry Pumpkins

    BY: Courtney PUBLISHED: Jul 29, 2022 Leave a Comment UPDATED ON: Dec 9, 2022

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy for more information.
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • LinkedIn
    • Yummly
    JUMP TO RECIPE
    dirt cake with chocolate covered strawberries as pumpkins and text on image for pinterest
    dirt cake split image with text for pinterest

    This Dirt Cake recipe with Chocolate Covered Strawbery Pumpkins is one of the best fall dessert recipes and crafts. It has a chocolate brownie base topped with Nutella frosting, crushed Oreos, and chocolate covered strawberries that look like a pumpkin.

    dirt cake pumpkin patch with chocolate covered strawberries that look like pumpkins.

    Our fall dirt cake is sliceable and so easy to whip up for potluck events, Halloween parties, and even take to a holiday gathering. This recipe is crazy simple and full of rich chocolate flavor.

    close up of chocolate covered strawberries as pumpkins on a piece of dirt cake.

    We love that this pumpkin patch dirt cake is a delicious dessert to make and a fun fall craft all at once.

    pumpkin patch dirt cake in a baking dish with chocolate covered strawberries as pumpkins and mint as the leaves.

    Recipe ingredients

    overhead photo of ingredients needed to make a dirt cake pumpkin patch from oreos, chocolate, nutella, butter, heavy cream, eggs, oil, sugar, mint, brownie mix, etc.

    Ingredient notes

    • Brownie Mix: Grab your brownie mix and the ingredients listed on the back of the box. This is the base of your dirt cake recipe.
    • Oreos – I used plain Oreo cookies but feel free to use any flavor you enjoy. Even a mint or peanut butter would be tasty.
    • Fresh Strawberries – You want to reach for ripe medium sized berries for this recipe.
    • Candy Melts – I used orange candy melts that make chocolate covered strawberries look like pumpkins.
    • Mint Leaves – The mint is optional, but it really gives the effect of pumpkin plants growing in the Oreo dirt.
    • Nutella – This is the base of your frosting. I love the rich hazelnut flavor next to the brownies.
    • Unsalted Butter – Make sure to use softened room temperature butter. Otherwise, you won’t get a creamy frosting.
    • Powdered Sugar – If your powdered sugar has a lot of clumps, just sift quickly to break up any of the larger clumps.
    • Vanilla – This sweetens and balances out the frosting quite a bit.
    • Salt – If you use salted butter, leave out the salt in the frosting.
    • Heavy Whipping Cream – This is going to offer the ultra-creamy texture but also enhance the richness quite a bit.

    Step-by-step instructions

    For the full ingredient amount and full instructions on how to make Oreo dirt cake for Halloween and fall, see the recipe card below.

    Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

    The first step is to work on your berries. Grab a baking sheet and place parchment paper on top. Then melt down your orange candy melts.

    strawberry dipped into a bowl full of orange chocolate with a lined baking sheet to the left and plate of strawberries to the upper right.

    Now dip each berry in the orange frosting all the way to the top of the strawberry. Place the berry on the lined baking sheet to harden.

    orange chocolate covered strawberries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

    Repeat until all the berries are done. Then place leftover chocolate in a piping bag and place a tip on it.

    hand holding a chocolate covered strawberry with orange chocolate piping lines to make it look like a pumpkin.

    Create lines on the berries to look like pumpkins. I added about 4-5 lines per berry depending on the size.

    hand cracking eggs into a bowl of in process brownie batter.

    Next, grab a bowl and add your brownie mix and ingredients into a medium size bowl.

    brownie batter in a bowl.

    Mix until the brownie batter is fully mixed. Make sure all the ingredients are mixed well.

    brownie batter in a baking dish.

    Pour and bake the brownies as directed. You will then remove the brownies and place them on a cooling rack.

    Once the brownies are cooled, mix up your frosting ingredients and begin spreading it all over the brownies. Make sure to get around the edges of the pan as well.

    Next, crush up your Oreo cookies into a fine sand-like texture.

    hand pouring Oreo crumbs over nutella frosting on a brownie cake.

    Sprinkle the Oreos all over the top of the cake. You can use your hands to move the cookies around to cover the whole top.

    oreo crumbs spread over a brownie cake.

    You don’t want it to be level. Having dimension in the dirt gives it more of a real garden look.

    chocolate covered strawberries as pumpkins on a dirt cake with mint leaves.

    Place your berries on top and pieces of the mint leaves to mimic baby pumpkin plants growing.

    a slice of dirt cake on two teal plates topped with 2 chocolate covered strawberries that look like pumpkins.

    Recipe tips and variations

    • You can use any type of brownies you would like. Just bake as directed on the box.
    • Consider swapping brownies with a chocolate cake mix. Mix and bake as directed on the box of cake.
    • If you don’t want to make a homemade Nutella frosting you can use any chocolate frosting to spread over the brownies, like our Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting!
    • Leave off the mint leaves if you do not want that on the cake. I loved the look of them.
    • Change up the flavor of the cookies you use. They even have a mocha latte flavor that would really elevate the flavor.
    • Don’t like brownies? Use cake instead, and try out our Best Chocolate Cake Recipe!

    Storage and reheating tips

    • Refrigerate: Store any brownie dirt cake leftovers in an air-tight container in the refrigerator and enjoy within 3-5 days. Refrigerate the strawberries separately as they create condensation and will leave a soggy spot under them if left on the cake.
    • Freeze: To freeze leftover dirt cake, place it in an airtight freezer-safe container and freeze for 3-4 months.

    How to serve

    Slice and serve up this fall dirt cake recipe with a tall glass of milk! Or, if you want to go another step further, add a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream on the side.

    Frequently asked questions

    How to know when brownies are done?

    Brownies are done when you can stick a toothpick in the center of the pan, and it comes out clean of wet batter. You will also find that the brownies pull away from the edge of the pan.

    What is dirt cake made of?

    Dirt cake can be made in so many ways. It’s usually a layer of chocolate cake or brownies followed by frosting and then topped with crushed Oreos or even chocolate graham crackers would work. Many love making it with construction trucks, gummy worms like our dirt cupcakes, dirt pudding cups, or even graveyards with Milano cookies as tombstones. This recipe is made with a brownie bottom, rich and creamy Nutella frosting, crushed Oreos, and chocolate covered pumpkin shaped strawberries.

    Do I have to allow the brownies to cool before I frost them?

    Yes, you do need to allow the brownies to cool fully. Otherwise, the frosting will melt, making the dessert mushy.

    Can I make dirt cake ahead of time?

    You can make the brownies and frosting ahead of time, but we like to do the strawberries and Oreo cookie crumbs the same day it will be served. The chocolate covered strawberries will have condensation and start to “sweat”. and the Oreo cookies will become softer.

    dirt cake pumpkin patch with chocolate covered strawberries that look like pumpkins.

    more dirt cake recipes

    dirt cupcakes with gummy worms on then.

    Dirt Cupcakes with Gummy Worms

    Bat Guano Pudding, Go Fish Popcorn, and Trick or Treat Ice Pops! Halloween Tricks and Treat ideas for fun eats! Are they tricks or are they treats? Try these fun kid friendly recipes for the holiday.

    Dirt Pudding Cups

    Eye Scream Floats are perfect for your Halloween Party and entertaining! We had so much fun throwing our Eye Scream You Scream we all Scream for Eye Scream Soda Floats Party that we even made simple recipe videos to show you how to make these spooktacular treats! Have fun making this DIY with all your friends and family. We also share graveyard brownies and finger licking good popcorn!

    Eye Scream Floats Party

    dirt cake with crushed oreos as dirt and mint as leaves with chocolate covered strawberries covered in orange candy melts as pumpkins.

    Dirt Cake with Chocolate Covered Strawberry Pumpkins

    Dirt Cake with Chocolate Covered Strawberry Pumpkins is a chocolate boxed brownie. That is then topped with Nutella frosting, crushed Oreos and strawberries decorated like pumpkins. The perfect pumpkin patch dessert.
    5 from 1 vote

    click the stars to rate this recipe

    Print Pin Recipe
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: dirt cake, Dirt Cake with Chocolate Covered Strawberry Pumpkins, pumpkin patch brownies
    Prep Time: 15 minutes
    Cook Time: 23 minutes
    Total Time: 38 minutes
    Servings: 12 servings
    Calories: 554kcal
    Author: Courtney

    Ingredients

    Brownies

    • 1 box brownie mix follow package instructions
    • 1/4 cup water
    • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
    • 15 Oreos crushed
    • 1 package mint optional

    Chocolate Covered Strawberries

    • 16 oz strawberries
    • 12 oz orange candy melts

    Nutella Frosting

    • 2 sticks 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
    • 1 cup Nutella
    • 2 cups powdered sugar
    • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
    • ⅛ teaspoon salt
    • 2 tablespoon heavy whipping cream
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    Brownies

    • Preheat the oven to 350 F and spray a 9×13 pan with cooking spray.
    • In a large mixing bowl, prepare the brownie mix as per the box instructions, and make sure not to overmix the batter. We used 2 eggs, 1/4 cup water, and 1/2 cup oil per the instructions on Duncan Hines Brownie Mix.
    • Pour the prepared brownie batter into the greased baking pan and spread evenly across, filling the corners as well. Place the brownie pan into the oven and bake per box instructions, usually about 20-23 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted an inch from the edge comes out clean. When finished, let cool on a wire rack completely before decorating.

    Chocolate Covered Strawberries

    • Wash and fully dry the strawberries. You can lay them on a clean kitchen towel or paper towel while you prep the chocolate. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the candy melts in a microwave safe bowl and microwave for 15 seconds. Stir it with a spoon and microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each time, until fully melted and creamy. Do not overheat as it will burn and become thicker. You could also use a double boiler if you prefer.
    • Hold the strawberry leaves on top and carefully dip each strawberry into the melted orange chocolate. Then place the chocolate covered strawberry onto the parchment paper lined tray. Repeat until all strawberries are dipped and covered in the chocolate. Place in the refrigerator to set.
    • Pour the leftover melted chocolate into a piping bag fitted with a Wilton #4 tip. If you don’t have a bag or tip, you can use a ziplock bag and snip a small piece of the corner off for piping. Don't snip too much, as you only want a small hole for the chocolate to come out.
    • Once the chocolate is dry on the strawberries, you can add the pumpkin lines. Hold the piping bag firmly and decorate lines on your strawberry pumpkins. Repeat until all strawberries are done and then set aside.

    Nutella Frosting

    • Place the Nutella in a microwave safe bowl and microwave to soften it for about 15 seconds, and stir it with a spoon.
    • In a large mixing bowl using a standing or handheld mixer, cream the butter on medium speed until fluffy and creamy. Then add the Nutella and mix until it is well incorporated. Gradually add the powdered sugar and mix until combined. Next, add in the vanilla, salt, and heavy whipping cream and mix again until it is fully incorporated. Make sure to scrape down the sides and mix as needed. Set aside.

    Brownies Continued

    • Add Oreos into a food processor and pulse until you get fine crumbs. Don't have a food processor? You can also place them in a Ziploc bag and use a rolling pin to crush them. Set aside.
    • Once the brownies have cooled, spread the frosting over the brownies and spread it evenly across. Sprinkle generously with the Oreo crumbs for the dirt and then top with the mint for vines and chocolate covered strawberries for the pumpkins.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1serving | Calories: 554kcal | Carbohydrates: 90g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 3mg | Sodium: 233mg | Potassium: 198mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 70g | Vitamin A: 46IU | Vitamin C: 22mg | Calcium: 38mg | Iron: 4mg

    The nutritional information is automatically calculated and can vary based ingredients and products used. If the nutrition numbers are important for you we recommend calculating them yourself.

    nutrition disclaimer
    Tried this recipe?Mention @courtneyssweets or tag #courtneyssweets!

    So nice to have you here! Did you try this recipe? ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ Be sure to leave a recipe rating! Also, tag us @courtneyssweets #courtneyssweets on Instagram so we can share it!

    More Recipes

    • Pasta e Fagioli Soup (Olive Garden Copycat)
    • Copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks
    • Homemade Spaghetti Sauce
    • Hanukkah Gelt

    POSTED IN: Desserts Recipes

    About Courtney

    Family, Food, and Photography are Courtney's passions and you'll see all of that on this blog. She is happily married to her husband Chris and together they have two amazing kiddos!

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    fall family photo mom, son, daughter, dad.

    WELCOME, I'M COURTNEY! This is where I share all the sweet things in my life. From my family, recipes we love, and even fun DIY projects and parties!

    More about me →

    Subscribe Today

    For all the latest in your inbox



    All links on this site may be affiliate links and should be considered as such. Courtney's Sweets is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Cookie Policy
    • Disclosure
    • Privacy Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact
    • About
    • Nutrition Disclaimer

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2022 Courtney's Sweets