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These fun Dirt Cups are made with layers of creamy chocolate pudding, crushed Oreo cookies, and colorful gummy worms. They’re an easy no-bake dessert that’s perfect for Halloween parties, classroom treats, or just a fun dessert for the kids!
“These Dirt Cups are such a fun Halloween treat! I love how easy they are to make, and the creamy chocolate pudding, Oreo crumbs, and gummy worms are always a hit with the kids.”
-Becky
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Dirt Cups are quick to make with just a handful of simple ingredients and no baking required. The creamy chocolate filling and Oreo crumbs make them delicious, while the gummy worms make them such a fun treat for Halloween.
If you’re looking for more fun Halloween treats, try my Halloween Chex Mix, Halloween Punch, Nutter Butter Ghosts, Mummy Hot Dogs, or Frankenstein Krispi Treats.
Table of Contents
Ingredients You Will Need
- Chocolate pudding mix: Use one 3.9-ounce package of instant chocolate pudding mix.
- Whole milk: Cold whole milk helps make the pudding rich and creamy.
- Nutella: A little Nutella gives the chocolate pudding an extra rich chocolate hazelnut flavor.
- Cool Whip: Thaw the whipped topping before folding it into the pudding mixture.
- Oreos: Crush the cookies into fine crumbs to create the dirt layers.
- Gummy worms: Use regular gummy worms, sour gummy worms, or a combination of both.
A full list of ingredients is included in the recipe card below.
Variations
- Skip the Nutella: You can leave out the Nutella and make the filling with just the chocolate pudding and whipped topping.
- Change the pudding: Try vanilla, white chocolate, cheesecake, or another favorite instant pudding flavor.Add Halloween colors: If you’re using a light-colored pudding, add a small amount of orange, purple, or green gel food coloring.
- Change the Oreos: For different flavors, try chocolate, peanut butter, mint, birthday cake, or your favorite seasonal Oreo flavor. You can also use Nilla Wafers for a completely different cookie flavor.
- Use peanut butter: Swap the Nutella for creamy peanut butter or cookie butter for a different flavor.
- Add more Halloween candy: Decorate the dirt cups with candy eyes, candy pumpkins, bones, or other Halloween sprinkles and candies.
How to Make Dirt Cups
- Add the chocolate pudding mix and cold milk to a large mixing bowl. Whisk for about 2 minutes, until smooth and there are no lumps.
- Add the Nutella and stir until completely combined. Let the pudding sit for about 5 minutes to thicken.
- Gently fold in the thawed Cool Whip until combined. Avoid overmixing so the filling stays light and fluffy.
- Add a layer of crushed Oreos to the bottom of each dessert cup. Spoon the chocolate pudding mixture over the crumbs, then finish with another layer of crushed Oreos. Top each dirt cup with three gummy worms, then serve and enjoy!
Tips
- Crush the Oreos finely: Fine Oreo crumbs look the most like dirt and make the cups easier to eat. Use a food processor to get the finest crumbs.
- Use cold milk: Make sure the milk is cold so the instant pudding sets properly.
- Let the pudding thicken: Give the pudding a few minutes to set before adding the Cool Whip.
- Fold gently: Gently fold in the whipped topping instead of vigorously stirring it to keep the filling creamy and fluffy.
- Make them ahead: Assemble the pudding cups ahead of time and refrigerate them until you’re ready to serve. Add the gummy worms closer to serving time for the best texture.
FAQs
Yes! Dirt Cups are a great make-ahead dessert. Assemble the pudding and Oreo layers, cover the individual cups with plastic wrap, and keep them refrigerated until you’re ready to serve.
No. Crush the whole Oreo cookies, including the cream filling. It adds sweetness and helps create delicious chocolate cookie crumbs.
Yes. You can substitute homemade whipped cream for the Cool Whip. Just make sure the whipped cream is thick enough to fold into the pudding without making the filling runny.
Storage
Cover the Dirt Cups and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The Oreo crumbs will soften as they sit, so they’re best served within the first day or two. For the best results, wait to add the gummy worms until shortly before serving.
More Halloween Party Recipes
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Dirt Cups
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Food processor or blender
- plastic or glass dessert cups
Ingredients
- 1 box chocolate pudding mix, 3.9 ounces
- 2 cups milk
- 1/4 cup Nutella
- 8 ounces Cool Whip, thawed
- 1 package Oreo Cookies, (33 cookies)
- 24 gummy worms
Instructions
- Add the chocolate pudding mix and cold milk to a large mixing bowl. Whisk for about 2 minutes, until smooth and there are no lumps.
- Add the Nutella and stir until completely combined. Let the pudding sit for about 5 minutes to thicken.
- Gently fold in the thawed Cool Whip until combined. Avoid overmixing so the filling stays light and fluffy.
- Add a layer of crushed Oreos to the bottom of each dessert cup. Spoon the chocolate pudding mixture over the crumbs, then finish with another layer of crushed Oreos.
- Top each dirt cup with three gummy worms, then serve and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This is such an easy and fun recipe to make for parties! And the kids love the gummy worms!