Easy Kitty Litter Cake

By Stephanie Manley Updated 08/15/26

Those looking for an April Fool’s or Halloween gross-out gag dessert should whip up this simple but eye-popping treat that’s authentic to the extreme. The best part? Kitty Litter Cake tastes as good as it looks!

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kitty litter cake in a pan.

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What is Kitty Litter Cake?

There’s no puns or wordplay here — Kitty Litter Cake earns its name from the fact that it’s designed to look like a dirty litter box! It comes together from an easy combination of baked cakes (from mixes), crushed cookies, and pudding. Tootsie rolls complete the look, filling the role of cat poop decorations, while green food dye mimics the odor-control crystals and other litter features. 

What makes the Kitty Litter Cake so much fun? 

Not every cake needs to be a perfectly baked, immaculately frosted project. Kitty Litter Cake is a fun, casual, laugh-out-loud baked good that’s as tasty as it is unusual and simple. It’s also ideal for Halloween, April Fools, or other parties where guests serve themselves over time, as it’s perfect to serve at room temperature.

Plus, it’s a kid-friendly dish, not just because of its silly humor but also the simple preparation and the fun of crushing and crumbling cakes and cookies. 

And all those reasons don’t even touch on the delicious taste and one-of-a-kind texture. With elements of chocolate, vanilla, cookie, and other subtle flavors, it’s understandable if you grab yourself a second “scoop”!

Why You Should Try This Recipe 

Despite the unique qualities of Kitty Litter Cake, it’s easy enough for any home cook to make. The most complicated step is limited to following the directions on cake mixes, while the rest simply combine ingredients. Plus, it’s sure to get plenty of comments and compliments (especially from cat lovers) no matter where you serve it.  

Cat Litter Box Cake Notes

So, first off, let me say this recipe should be made in jest. You should use only a new and clean little box to make this cake. Likewise with a new pooper scooper.

One should not confuse this with an actual litter box. Using an actual litter box would be disgusting and gross. I am 100% certain no cat owner would confuse the cake for a real litter box. So let’s move on. 

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for this eye-catching treat:

  • German chocolate cake mix (and any ingredients indicated on the package)
  • White cake mix (and any ingredients indicated on the package)
  • White sandwich cookies
  • Instant vanilla pudding mix
  • Tootsie rolls
  • Green food coloring

 For the best laugh-out-loud, gross-out effect, you should also invest in a few non-edible props:

  • New litter box
  • New litter box liner
  • New kitty litter scoop

The few extra bucks required for these items are more than worth the effect of seeing kitty litter cake in its full form. 

Ingredients for the Kitty Litter Cake.

Ingredient Substitutions

It’s simple enough to make this tasty cake gluten-free simply by choosing cake mixes and cookies that fit this requirement. The same applies to dairy-free cooks, who should also consider the pudding mix.   

How to Make Kitty Litter Cake

Don’t let the number of steps discourage you — making Kitty Litter Cake is straightforward enough for any home cook to handle.

  1. Prepare cake mixes according to the package directions.
  2. Cool the cakes to room temperature.
  3. Meanwhile, prepare the pudding mix and refrigerate it.
  4. Crush sandwich cookies to a fine powder in a blender or food processor.
  5. Place ¼ cup of cookie crumbs in a separate bowl, add a few drops of food coloring, and mix with a fork.
  6. Crumble the cakes into a large bowl and add half the remaining crushed cookies.
  7. Add a bit of pudding and toss to combine. The mixture should be moist but not soggy.

Afterward, all that’s left is to assemble it:

  1. Line the new kitty litter box.
  2. Pour the cake/cookie/pudding mixture inside.
  3. Sprinkle the remaining cookie crumbles (including green ones) on top of cake mixture. 

 Voila! It’s that easy to create this visually stomach-turning but actually mouthwatering dessert. 

kitty litter cake in a pan lined with a plastic bag.

Kitty Litter Cake Decorations

Creative home cooks can also add a few additional touches to truly make their cake resemble the real thing:

  • Color some shreds of dried coconut green to further add the look of “deodorizing crystals.” Simply toss coconut shreds with a few drops of green food coloring.
  • Scatter a few unwrapped Tootsie rolls across the top. Naturally, these fill the role of what cats often leave behind on their visits to the litter box.  

Recipe Variations

One benefit of Kitty Litter Cake is that it’s easy to customize to your taste or the ingredients you have on hand:

  • Instead of vanilla sandwich cookies, use pecan sandies or graham crackers to create a similar sweet and crumbly effect. 
  • Swap out the German chocolate cake mix for spice cake mix or other darker varieties. 

How to Serve

It’s easy to enjoy this sweet treat, especially since the already-crumbly nature means there’s no need to be delicate when serving. Simply scoop out an appropriate portion and place it in a plate or bowl. Aren’t you glad you invested a few extra bucks in a (new) kitty litter scoop?

What Goes Well with Kitty Litter Cake

Enhance your Kitty Litter Cake experience with a few other everyday dessert items. Like many cakes and baked goods, this cake goes great with a scoop of ice cream.

For a healthier spin, try fresh fruit like berries or apples, or canned options.

You can even add some whipped cream, chocolate sauce, or caramel for an extra indulgent touch.

Finally, wash it down with a hot cup of coffee or tea or a cold, refreshing glass of milk. 

How to Store 

Cover the box tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 5 days. The cookie crumbs on top soften and darken as they absorb moisture, so add fresh crumbs before serving leftovers.

How long does it last?

Kitty litter box cake is best eaten within five days.

overhead view of a kitty litter cake.

Favorite Dessert Recipes

Check out more of my easy cake recipes and the best dessert recipes here on CopyKat.com!

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Easy Kitty Litter Cake

Crumbled chocolate and white cake tossed with vanilla pudding and cookie crumbs, served in a brand-new litter box with softened Tootsie Rolls.
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4.92 from 12 votes
Servings : 12
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time35 minutes
Total Time45 minutes

Ingredients
 

  • 15.25 ounces German Chocolate Cake mix
  • 15.25 ounces white cake mix
  • 8 ounce White Sandwich Cookies
  • 8 ounce Vanilla Instant Pudding Mix
  • Green food coloring
  • 12 small Tootsie Rolls
  • 1 *new* kitty litter box
  • 1 *new* kitty litter box plastic liner
  • 1 *new* pooper scooper

Instructions

  1. Prepare and bake the German chocolate cake mix and the white cake mix in separate pans according to their package directions. Cool both completely to room temperature, which takes about an hour.
  2. Prepare the vanilla instant pudding mix according to its package directions and refrigerate until set, at least 30 minutes.
  3. Crush the white sandwich cookies in a blender or food processor, working in small batches. The filling makes them stick, so pulse rather than running the machine continuously.
  4. Set aside about a quarter cup of the cookie crumbs in a small bowl. Add the green food coloring a drop at a time and stir until evenly tinted, then set aside.
  5. Crumble both cooled cakes into a large bowl, breaking up any large pieces with your fingers.
  6. Add half the remaining white cookie crumbs and all of the chilled pudding. Toss gently until the mixture is moist and clumps when squeezed, but not soggy.
  7. Line the new litter box with the new liner, pressing it into the corners.
  8. Pour the cake mixture into the lined box and spread it into an even layer.
  9. Unwrap three Tootsie Rolls and heat them on a microwave-safe plate in 5-second bursts until pliable. Bend each one into a slight curve, then bury them partly in the mixture.
  10. Repeat with three more Tootsie Rolls, placing these closer to the surface so a little of each shows.
  11. Sprinkle the remaining white cookie crumbs evenly over the top.
  12. Scatter the green-tinted crumbs across the surface in small patches.
  13. Heat one Tootsie Roll until almost melted, then scrape it across the surface and dust it lightly with crumbs.
  14. Heat the last five Tootsie Rolls until pliable, shape them, and arrange them on top, letting one drape over the edge of the box. Dust everything lightly with the last of the crumbs.
  15. Serve at room temperature with the new scoop.

Notes

Heat the Tootsie Rolls in 5-second bursts and stop the moment they bend. They go from firm to liquid fast, and overheated candy cannot be shaped or salvaged.
Do not overmix once the pudding goes in. You want the cake to stay in loose, irregular clumps, since a uniformly smooth mixture looks like batter and loses the texture entirely.
Reserve a handful of plain cookie crumbs to add just before serving. The top layer absorbs moisture from the cake as it sits, and a fresh dusting restores the dry, granular look.
Assemble it where guests will see it arrive, if you can. Half the payoff is watching people work out what it is, and that happens best in the doorway rather than after it is already on the table.
Have a serving plan. Some guests will not eat from the box regardless of how clean it is, so plating a few portions separately in advance keeps them included.

Nutrition

Calories: 452kcal | Carbohydrates: 87g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 0mg | Sodium: 756mg | Potassium: 185mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 52g | Calcium: 139mg | Iron: 4mg
Tried This Recipe?Leave a comment and rating to let people know how you liked it! Tag me on Instagram @copykatrecipes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American

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4.92 from 12 votes (7 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




16 Comments

  1. 4 stars
    How long do you think the leftovers will stay good for in the fridge? I scooped them into a airtight glass bowl. Cake was definitely a hit, although most at the party couldn’t bring themselves to try it, but they were all thoroughly entertained. Those who did loved it!

  2. 5 stars
    I made this cake years ago for my son’s kindergarten class. They loved it! Well the boys did lol and some of the girls lol. Any way it was a hit!!

  3. Looks fun ! Going to make it for grandkids birthday ! Thank you ! Looks fun !! Would love to see other misc you have done ! Thanks I’m a 70 year old Nana ! Can’t wait to see their faces !! You know being older and all !! This will be funny !!

      1. Make it in its entirety and put in fridge?
        I’m making tonight for a bridal shower tomorrow but was hesitant to put it all together and refrigerate.

      2. You do need to refrigerate the cake once it is assembled. If it was me, I would make the cake in its entirety and then put it in the refrigerator.

  4. Mysteryposter, I would much rather look at and eat a cake like this then to listen to your potty mouth. Somehow you find this cake disgusting but have no problem using disgusting language.

  5. 5 stars
    This is a fun, simple and yummy cake.I’m serving at my co-workers birthday work party. I agree, it’s not for everyone.I’ve made it in the past, lots of laughs.

  6. Love it, everyone thinks it’s hilarious (served at parties with discretion, not everyone appreciates this humor) making my third one today. Thanks for posting!!

  7. 5 stars
    because it’s funny you party pooper just like it’s fun to make body parts for Halloween I guess you don’t do that either..

  8. This cake was a hugh hit for my 9yr old halloween party and for my 14 yr old party i have lots of request for it just for a birthday cake!! Very simple to make and very very yummy! But my 9 yr has a big cat and so he made us use the large toosie rolls to make the kitty poop…. It was great the kids love making it!