Nostalgia: Chocolate Dirt Cake

A brilliant co-worker has moved on to bigger and better things, but we sent him off in style with a big ole' BBQ lunch and an old-school fave. It just goes to show that you're never too good to eat some dirt :)

Chocolate Dirt Cakes with Gummy Worms

Cooking spray, for the pan
1 box chocolate cake mix
3 tablespoons instant espresso powder
1 to 2 tablespoons rum
1 box chocolate pudding mix
1 bag Oreo cookies
2 cups heavy cream
3 tablespoons confectioners' sugar
Gummy worms, for topping
Candy rocks, for topping

1. Spray a cake pan with cooking spray. Prepare the chocolate cake batter according to the package directs. Stir in the instant espresso powder and rum; bake according to the package instructions. Let cake cool in the pan 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Crumble the cake into pieces; set aside.
2. Meanwhile, make the chocolate pudding as the package directs. Transfer to a bowl and refrigerate until cool.
3. Meanwhile, crush the oreos in a resealable plastic bag; set aside. Whip the heavy cream and confectioners' sugar until thick.
4. To make the cakes: Layer the cake, pudding, whipped cream, and cookie crumbs, starting and ending with the cake. Top with gummy worms and candy rocks.