Linda’s Kitty Litter Cake: A Novelty Dessert Guaranteed to Get a Reaction!

I’ll never forget the first time I saw Linda’s Kitty Litter Cake. It was at a Halloween party many years ago, and my initial reaction was, well, let’s just say it involved a double-take and a healthy dose of skepticism. But the brave soul who first scooped a portion and declared it delicious broke the ice, and soon everyone was lining up for a taste of this surprisingly delightful—and delightfully bizarre—creation. That night, Linda became a legend, and her Kitty Litter Cake became a Halloween staple in our circle of friends. This recipe remains a hilarious, memorable dessert, especially if you’re looking for a conversation starter.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: According to cake mix directions
• Total Time: 50 minutes (plus cake baking and cooling time)
• Servings: 30
• Yield: 1 Kitty Litter Cake
• Dietary Type: Not specified, but can be adapted for certain allergies (see Variations)

Ingredients

• 2 (18 ounce) packages caramel flavored cake mix (Duncan Hines Moist Deluxe)
• 6 eggs (or as called for by your cake mixes)
• 2/3 cup oil (or as called for by your cake mixes)
• 2 2/3 cups water (or as called for by your cake mixes)
• 1 (16 ounce) package vanilla cream-filled sandwich style cookies
• 1 (6 ounce) box chocolate pudding mix
• 12-16 small Tootsie Rolls
• Green food coloring
• 1 new kitty litter box
• 1 plastic Pooper Scooper

Equipment Needed

• 2 (9×13 inch) baking pans
• Large mixing bowl
• Heavy duty Zip-lock plastic bag
• Rolling pin
• Whisk
• Microwave-safe dish
• Saran wrap/Plastic wrap
• Fork

Instructions

1. Begin by preparing the caramel flavored cake mixes according to the package directions. Use two 9×13 inch pans. Bake as instructed on the box.
2. Once the cakes are baked, let them cool completely. This step is crucial; warm cake will be difficult to crumble properly.
3. While the cakes are cooling, prepare the chocolate pudding mix according to the package directions.
4. After the pudding is cooked, cover the bowl tightly with saran wrap (plastic wrap). Make sure the wrap is touching the surface of the pudding to prevent a skin from forming. Chill the pudding in the refrigerator until you are ready to assemble the cake.
5. Now, for the “litter.” Place the vanilla sandwich cookies in a heavy-duty Zip-lock plastic bag. Seal the bag tightly.
6. Using a rolling pin, roll over the cookies until they are completely crumbled into fine crumbs. The finer the crumbs, the more realistic the “litter” will look.
7. Set aside 1/4 cup of the cookie crumbs in a separate small bowl.
8. Add a few drops of green food coloring to the 1/4 cup of cookie crumbs. Use a fork to thoroughly mix the food coloring into the crumbs until they are evenly tinted green. This creates the “colored granules” found in some brands of kitty litter.
9. Once the cakes are completely cooled, remove them from their pans.
10. Crumble the cakes into a large bowl. Make sure the pieces are relatively small and even.
11. Toss the crumbled cake with about half of the remaining vanilla cookie crumbs.
12. Add the chilled pudding to the cake and cookie crumb mixture. You probably won’t need all of the pudding; add it gradually until the mixture is evenly moist but not soggy.
13. Mix gently with the cake crumbs until evenly moist. Avoid overmixing, which can make the cake gummy.
14. Line the new kitty litter box with plastic wrap. This is important for hygiene and also makes serving easier.
15. Pour the cake mixture into the lined litter box. Spread it out evenly.
16. Unwrap the Tootsie Rolls. These will be molded to resemble the “deposits” in the litter box.
17. Place 3 of the Tootsie Rolls in a microwaveable dish. Heat on LOW in the microwave for short intervals (about 30 seconds), checking frequently. You want them to be soft and pliable, but not melted.
18. Take the softened tootsie rolls and taper the ends, rolling them between your palms and curving them slightly to make them look like pieces of poop. Get creative!
19. Repeat with the remaining Tootsie Rolls, heating them 3 at a time.
20. Bury some of the Tootsie Roll “deposits” slightly into the cake mixture. Place a few on top as well.
21. Sprinkle some of the Tootsie Rolls on top with some of the cookie crumbs for added realism.
22. Sprinkle the remaining half of the cookie crumbs evenly over the top of the cake to resemble kitty litter.
23. Scatter the green cookie crumbs lightly over the top of the cake.
24. Place the plastic Pooper Scooper in the box.

The cake is now ready to serve! Dip the scoop in the box, and enjoy!

Expert Tips & Tricks

• For an even more realistic effect, use different shades of brown cake mixes (e.g., chocolate, devil’s food) to create a more varied “litter” color.
• If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought cake instead of baking from scratch. Just be sure to crumble it well.
• To prevent the Tootsie Rolls from melting completely in the microwave, heat them in very short intervals and check them frequently.
• If you want to add extra flavor to the pudding, stir in a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a dash of cinnamon.
• For a different texture, you can use crushed graham crackers instead of vanilla sandwich cookies for the “litter.”

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve Linda’s Kitty Litter Cake chilled or at room temperature. It’s best served immediately after assembly to prevent the cake from becoming too soggy. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container. The cake will last for up to 3 days, but the texture may change over time. I don’t recommend freezing this cake, as the texture will suffer significantly.

Nutritional Information

Please note that these values are estimates and may vary depending on specific ingredients and serving sizes.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	161.5 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	81g	50%
Total Fat	9.1 g	13%
Saturated Fat	1.5 g	7%
Cholesterol	37.2 mg	12%
Sodium	89.2 mg	3%
Total Carbohydrate	18.4 g	6%
Dietary Fiber	0.5 g	1%
Sugars	9.9 g	39%
Protein	2.1 g	4%

Variations & Substitutions

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free cake mixes and gluten-free vanilla sandwich cookies.
• Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cake mixes, dairy-free vanilla sandwich cookies, and prepare the chocolate pudding with a dairy-free milk alternative, such as almond milk or soy milk.
• Vegan: This one is tricky. You’d need vegan cake mixes (many are!), vegan cream-filled cookies, and a vegan chocolate pudding alternative. Tootsie Rolls are considered vegan by some, but not all, due to potential processing.
• Different Flavors: Experiment with different cake and pudding flavors to create unique combinations. For example, you could use a yellow cake mix and vanilla pudding.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can bake the cakes and prepare the pudding a day in advance. However, it’s best to assemble the cake closer to serving time to prevent it from becoming too soggy.

Q: Where do I find a new kitty litter box?
A: Any pet supply store or even a large supermarket will carry new, unused kitty litter boxes. Make sure to wash it thoroughly before using it for the cake.

Q: Can I use a different type of cookie for the “litter”?
A: Yes, you can experiment with other types of cookies, such as graham crackers or chocolate wafers. The key is to crumble them finely so they resemble kitty litter.

Q: Is this cake safe to eat?
A: Yes, as long as you use a new, clean kitty litter box and follow the instructions carefully, the cake is perfectly safe to eat. All ingredients are edible, and the “litter box” is strictly for presentation.

Q: Can I make this without the Tootsie Rolls?
A: Yes, you can omit the Tootsie Rolls if you prefer. However, they add to the overall effect and humor of the cake. You could substitute with chocolate-covered raisins, or even just more cookie crumbs mounded in certain areas.

Final Thoughts

Linda’s Kitty Litter Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience! It’s a guaranteed conversation starter, a source of laughter, and a surprisingly delicious treat. Don’t be afraid to embrace the novelty and share this unique creation with your friends and family. It’s perfect for Halloween parties, April Fool’s Day, or any occasion where you want to add a touch of the unexpected. So, go ahead, give it a try—you might just become a legend like Linda!