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Crowd-Pleasing Halloween Dirt Cups with Gummy Worms

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These crowd-pleasing Halloween dirt cups with gummy worms are a quick and easy no-bake dessert that combines creamy chocolate pudding, tangy cream cheese, crunchy Oreo ‘dirt,’ and chewy gummy worms. Perfect for Halloween parties, they come together in under 30 minutes and are guaranteed to be a hit with kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (3.9 oz) box instant chocolate pudding mix
  • 2 cups (480 ml) cold whole milk
  • 4 oz (113 g) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 (14.3 oz) package Oreo cookies (about 36 cookies)
  • 2 tbsp (28 g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup gummy worms
  • Optional: 1/2 cup crushed chocolate cookies or chocolate shavings
  • Optional: Green or orange food coloring

Instructions

  1. Crush the Oreos. Place the entire package of Oreos (cream filling included) in a food processor. Pulse until you get fine, sand-like crumbs. If using the bag method, seal the Oreos in a large zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin until no large chunks remain. Transfer to a medium bowl, stir in the melted butter, and set aside.
  2. Soften the cream cheese. Take the cream cheese out of the fridge about 30 minutes before you start. It needs to be at room temperature for a smooth, lump-free mixture.
  3. Make the pudding base. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric hand mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 1-2 minutes. Add the granulated sugar and vanilla extract, and beat for another 30 seconds until well combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula.
  4. Add the pudding mix. Sprinkle the instant chocolate pudding mix over the cream cheese mixture. Beat on low speed until the powder is fully incorporated and no dry streaks remain, about 30 seconds.
  5. Add the milk. Slowly pour in the cold milk while beating on low speed. Once all the milk is added, increase the speed to medium and beat for 2 minutes until the pudding is smooth, thick, and glossy. If you’re adding food coloring for a spooky tint, stir it in now.
  6. Chill the pudding. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 10-15 minutes. This allows the pudding to set up slightly, making it easier to layer without everything running together.
  7. Assemble the cups. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the Oreo crumbs into the bottom of each clear cup. Press down gently with the back of a spoon to create a compact base layer. Next, spoon or pipe the pudding mixture over the crumbs, filling each cup about halfway. Use a small offset spatula or the back of a spoon to smooth the top. Add another 2 tablespoons of Oreo crumbs on top, creating a thick ‘dirt’ layer.
  8. Add the gummy worms. Gently press 2-3 gummy worms into the top layer of ‘dirt’ so they look like they’re crawling out. You can also tuck one or two into the side of the cup so they’re visible through the clear plastic. For extra fun, let a worm dangle over the rim of the cup.
  9. Chill before serving. Refrigerate the assembled cups for at least 2 hours, preferably 4. This allows the pudding to fully set and the flavors to meld together. The cups will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days, though the Oreo crumbs will soften slightly over time.
  10. Garnish and serve. Just before serving, sprinkle a few extra Oreo crumbs on top and add one final gummy worm for dramatic effect. Serve cold straight from the fridge.

Notes

For best results, use full-fat cream cheese and whole milk. Do not overmix the pudding; beat for exactly 2 minutes after adding milk. Layer while the pudding is still slightly warm (after a 10-15 minute chill). Use a piping bag for clean layers. Crush Oreos finely for realistic ‘dirt.’ Let cream cheese come to room temperature to avoid lumps. For crunchier ‘dirt,’ add fresh Oreo crumbs just before serving. Gummy worms can be added just before serving to keep them soft.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://willarecipes.com/crowd-pleasing-halloween-dirt-cups-with-gummy-worms/