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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Table of Contents
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.
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.
- Prepare cake mixes according to the package directions.
- Cool the cakes to room temperature.
- Meanwhile, prepare the pudding mix and refrigerate it.
- Crush sandwich cookies to a fine powder in a blender or food processor.
- Place ¼ cup of cookie crumbs in a separate bowl, add a few drops of food coloring, and mix with a fork.
- Crumble the cakes into a large bowl and add half the remaining crushed cookies.
- 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:
- Line the new kitty litter box.
- Pour the cake/cookie/pudding mixture inside.
- 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 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 some fresh fruit like berries, apples, or other fresh 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
Preserve your Kitty Litter Cake leftovers by covering the litter box with plastic wrap or foil and storing it in the fridge. Freezing this novelty cake isn’t typically recommended.
Kitty Litter Cake can be enjoyed straight out of the refrigerator or allowed to come to room temperature first.
How long does it last?
Kitty litter box cake is best eaten within five days.
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Kitty Litter Cake
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
- Prepare cake mixes and bake according to directions (any size pans). Prepare pudding mix and chill until ready to assemble. Crumble white sandwich cookies in small batches in a blender, they tend to stick, so scrape often.
- Set aside all but about 1/4 cup. To the 1/4 cup cookie crumbs, add a few drops green food coloring and mix using a fork or shake in a jar.
- When cakes are cooled to room temperature, crumble into a large bowl.
- Toss with half the remaining white cookie crumbs and the chilled pudding. You probably won't need all of the pudding, mix with the cake and "feel" it, you don't want it soggy, just moist; gently combine. Line new, clean kitty litter box. Put mixture into the litter box. .
- Put three unwrapped Tootsie rolls in a microwave-safe dish and heat until soft and pliable. Shape ends so they are no longer blunt, curving slightly. Repeat with 3 more Tootsie rolls and bury in mixture.
- Sprinkle the other half of cookie crumbs over top. Scatter the green cookie crumbs lightly over the top; this is supposed to look like the chlorophyll in kitty litter.
- Heat remaining Tootsie Rolls, 3 at a time in the microwave until almost melted. Scrape them on top of the cake and sprinkle with cookie crumbs. T
- his is my addition–only: spread 5 of the remaining Tootsie Rolls over the top; take one and heat until pliable, hang it over the side of the kitty litter box; sprinkling it lightly with cookie crumbs. Serve with a *new* pooper-scooper. Note, this cake should be refrigerated when not being served.
Jade
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!
Stephanie
I think it would last for a couple of days.
Lisa
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!!
Katheline tirb
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 !!
Stephanie
I am sure they will talk about this for a long time!
Brenda Moser
Can I make this cake a day ahead of time?
Stephanie
Yes you can.
Susan
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.
Stephanie Manley
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.
Alexandra
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.
Josh
Do you refrigerate it? The party is tomorrow, how do you store it?
Stephanie
Yes, this cake must be refrigerated when not being served.
Andrea Orourke
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.
Shelby Cobra 427
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!!
Cory
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..
amy
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!