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Best Halloween Dirt Cups with Gummy Worms: Easy Recipe

Halloween Dirt Cups - featured image

These no-bake Halloween dirt cups feature layers of creamy chocolate pudding, crushed Oreos, and gummy worms peeking out like they’re escaping a grave. A cream cheese addition gives the pudding a velvety, cheesecake-like texture that makes this version even better than the original.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (3.9 oz) box instant chocolate pudding mix
  • 2 cups cold whole milk
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 (8 oz) tub Cool Whip, thawed
  • 1 (14.3 oz) package Oreo cookies (about 36 cookies)
  • 1 cup gummy worms
  • Optional: green food coloring
  • Optional: small plastic cups or clear cups (4 to 6 oz size)
  • For the topping (optional): extra crushed Oreos, extra gummy worms, edible eyes or Halloween sprinkles

Instructions

  1. Crush the Oreos. Place the entire package of Oreos (cream filling and all) into a large zip-top bag. Seal it, then use a rolling pin to crush them into fine crumbs. You want a mix of fine dirt-like powder and slightly larger chunks for texture. Set aside about 1/4 cup for topping if desired.
  2. Make the cream cheese mixture. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy, about 2 minutes with an electric mixer. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
  3. Prepare the pudding. In a separate bowl, whisk together the instant chocolate pudding mix and cold milk for about 2 minutes until it starts to thicken. Let it sit for 5 minutes to set up slightly.
  4. Combine everything. Fold the pudding into the cream cheese mixture until well combined. Then gently fold in the Cool Whip until the mixture is uniform.
  5. Layer the cups. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of crushed Oreos into the bottom of each cup. Then add a generous layer of the pudding mixture—about 3 to 4 tablespoons. Smooth it out.
  6. Add the worms. Press 2 to 3 gummy worms into the pudding layer so they’re partially sticking out, as if crawling out of the dirt.
  7. Top with more dirt. Sprinkle a thick layer of crushed Oreos over the pudding, covering the worms but leaving them visible. Add extra gummy worms on top for decoration if desired.
  8. Chill. Refrigerate the dirt cups for at least 2 hours, or overnight.
  9. Serve cold. Right before serving, add any extra decorations like edible eyes or Halloween sprinkles. Serve straight from the fridge.

Notes

Room temperature cream cheese is essential for a smooth texture. For extra spooky vibes, add a few drops of green food coloring to the pudding mixture. These dirt cups taste even better the next day. For gluten-free, use gluten-free chocolate sandwich cookies. For dairy-free, use vegan cream cheese, coconut whipped cream, and oat milk.

Nutrition

Keywords: Halloween dirt cups, gummy worms, no-bake dessert, chocolate pudding, Oreo, spooky dessert, easy Halloween recipe