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Easy Pumpkin Patch Pudding Cups: Perfect Halloween Treat

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These no-bake pumpkin patch pudding cups are a fun and easy Halloween treat. Layers of chocolate pudding, sweetened pumpkin, and crunchy Oreo ‘dirt’ are topped with candy pumpkins for a dessert that looks like a tiny garden.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boxes (3.4 ounces each) instant chocolate pudding mix
  • 3 cups cold whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 20 Oreo cookies (about 2 cups crushed)
  • 1 tablespoon melted butter
  • 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 cup whipped topping
  • 12 small candy pumpkins or candy corn
  • Green decorating gel or green licorice strings
  • Chocolate shavings (optional)
  • Mini marshmallows (optional)
  • Caramel drizzle (optional)

Instructions

  1. Make the chocolate pudding: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together both boxes of instant chocolate pudding mix and 3 cups of cold whole milk. Whisk vigorously for about 2 minutes until the mixture thickens. Add the vanilla extract and whisk once more. Let the pudding sit for 5 minutes to set slightly.
  2. Prepare the Oreo ‘dirt’: Place 20 Oreo cookies in a zip-top bag and seal tightly. Use a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy pan to crush them into fine crumbs with some slightly larger pieces.
  3. Toast the crumbs: Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the crushed Oreo crumbs and stir constantly for 3-4 minutes until they smell deeply chocolatey and look slightly darker. Let them cool completely on a plate.
  4. Prepare the pumpkin layer: In a small bowl, mix together 1 cup of pumpkin puree, 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice. Stir until smooth. Adjust sweetness if needed.
  5. Layer the cups: Spoon about 1/4 cup of the chocolate pudding into the bottom of each clear cup. Tap the cup gently on the counter to level the pudding. Then add a layer of the sweetened pumpkin mixture—about 2 tablespoons per cup. Spread gently with the back of a spoon.
  6. Add the whipped topping: Spoon or pipe a layer of whipped topping over the pumpkin. Use about 2 tablespoons per cup. Spread gently to the edges of the cup.
  7. Top with ‘dirt’: Sprinkle the cooled Oreo crumbs generously over the whipped topping. Use about 2 tablespoons per cup. Press down slightly so the crumbs stick.
  8. Create the pumpkin patch: Place one or two candy pumpkins on top of the Oreo ‘dirt’ in each cup. Use the green decorating gel to draw little vines and stems coming from the pumpkins. If using licorice strings, cut them into 2-inch pieces and gently press one end into the dirt next to each pumpkin.
  9. Chill before serving: Place the cups in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or up to overnight. This allows the pudding to fully set and the flavors to meld together.

Notes

For extra-thick pudding, use 1/4 cup less milk than the box directions call for. After adding the pudding layer, pop the cups in the freezer for exactly 10 minutes to prevent the pumpkin layer from sinking. Toasting the Oreo crumbs is key for keeping them crunchy. These cups taste even better the next day. For best results, add Oreo crumbs and decorations within a few hours of serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: Halloween dessert, pumpkin pudding cups, no-bake dessert, easy Halloween treat, pumpkin patch dessert, kid-friendly Halloween recipe

Find it online: https://cheerycrisp.com/easy-pumpkin-patch-pudding-cups-perfect-halloween-treat/