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Best Easy Halloween Dirt Cups with Gummy Worms

Halloween dirt cups - featured image
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These no-bake Halloween dirt cups feature layers of creamy chocolate pudding, crushed Oreo ‘dirt,’ and gummy worms for a fun, spooky treat that kids and adults love.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (3.9 oz) package instant chocolate pudding mix
  • 2 cups cold whole milk
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 (14.3 oz) package Oreo cookies (about 36 cookies)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 (4 oz) bag gummy worms
  • Optional: green or orange sprinkles, candy pumpkins, fresh mint leaves or small rosemary sprigs

Instructions

  1. Make the Cream Cheese Base: In a medium mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract using a hand mixer on medium speed until smooth, light, and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl halfway through.
  2. Prepare the Pudding: In a separate larger mixing bowl, whisk together the instant chocolate pudding mix and cold milk for about 2 minutes until the powder is completely dissolved and the mixture starts to thicken. Let it sit for 2 minutes to start setting.
  3. Combine the Layers: Beat the cream cheese mixture into the pudding mixture using a hand mixer on low speed, then increase to medium until completely combined and uniform in color.
  4. Crush the Oreos: Place the Oreos in a large zip-top bag, seal, and crush with a rolling pin into fine crumbs with some slightly larger pieces. Alternatively, pulse in a food processor. Transfer to a bowl and stir in the melted butter with a fork until evenly moistened and slightly clumpy.
  5. Assemble the Cups: Arrange cups on a baking sheet. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of Oreo crumbs into the bottom of each cup. Then gently spoon or pipe the chocolate pudding mixture over the dirt, filling each cup about 2/3 to 3/4 full.
  6. Top with More Dirt: Sprinkle a generous layer of remaining Oreo crumbs over the top of each cup, covering the pudding completely. Press down gently with the back of a spoon.
  7. Add the Worms: Poke gummy worms into the ‘dirt’ so they appear to be crawling out. Add optional decorations like mint or rosemary ‘weeds.’
  8. Chill and Set: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably 4 hours, to allow the pudding to fully set and flavors to meld.

Notes

For best texture, use full-fat cream cheese and cold whole milk. Do not skip the chilling time—it’s essential for the pudding to set. Assemble cups (without gummy worms) up to 24 hours in advance; add worms just before serving. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free chocolate sandwich cookies and gluten-free instant pudding mix.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://cheerycrisp.com/best-easy-halloween-dirt-cups-with-gummy-worms/