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Easy Halloween Dirt Cups with Gummy Worms

halloween dirt cups - featured image

These Easy Halloween Dirt Cups with Gummy Worms are a quick, fun, and kid-friendly dessert made with creamy chocolate pudding, crushed Oreo ‘dirt,’ and gummy worms peeking out. Perfect for Halloween parties, classroom celebrations, or a spooky movie night.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boxes (3.9 ounces each) instant chocolate pudding mix
  • 3 cups cold whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
  • 1 package (14.3 ounces) Oreo cookies (about 36 cookies), regular, not double-stuff
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter (optional)
  • 1 bag (5 ounces) gummy worms
  • Optional: candy eyeballs, Halloween sprinkles, or small plastic spiders for decoration

Instructions

  1. Make the pudding: In a large bowl, whisk together the instant pudding mix and cold milk. Whisk for about 2 minutes until it starts to thicken. Add the vanilla extract if using. The mixture will be thin at first; it needs time to set.
  2. Let the pudding set: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 5 minutes, but 10-15 minutes is better. The pudding should be thick but still spoonable. If it sets too long and becomes solid, whisk it a little to loosen it up.
  3. Crush the Oreos: While the pudding sets, put the Oreos in a large Ziploc bag. Seal it tight. Use a rolling pin to crush them into fine crumbs. You want a mix of fine dirt and small chunks. Don’t pulverize them completely; texture is your friend.
  4. Optional: Toast the crumbs: If you want extra crunch, spread the Oreo crumbs on a baking sheet and toast at 350°F for 5 minutes. Let them cool completely before using.
  5. Layer the cups: Spoon about 2 tablespoons of pudding into each cup. You want a layer about 1 inch thick. Tap the cup gently on the counter to settle the pudding.
  6. Add the worms: Press 2-3 gummy worms into the pudding, letting their heads poke out. Arrange them so they look like they’re crawling out of the dirt.
  7. Add more pudding: Spoon another layer of pudding over the worms, about 1-2 tablespoons. You don’t want to completely cover the worms — leave their heads visible.
  8. Top with dirt: Sprinkle a generous layer of Oreo crumbs over the top. Use about 2 tablespoons per cup. The crumbs should completely cover the pudding.
  9. Add final decorations: Place one more gummy worm on top of the dirt, maybe half-buried. Add candy eyeballs or sprinkles if using.
  10. Chill before serving: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This lets everything set together. The cups will keep in the fridge for up to 2 days, though the Oreo crumbs will soften over time.

Notes

Use cold milk for the pudding to set properly. Double bag the Oreos when crushing to avoid mess. Don’t skip the chilling step; it helps the layers set. For best results, add gummy worms right before serving to keep them chewy. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; Oreo crumbs will soften over time.

Nutrition

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