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Easy Halloween Dirt Cups with Gummy Worms Recipe

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No-bake Halloween dirt cups with creamy chocolate pudding, crushed Oreo ‘dirt,’ and gummy worms. A fun, forgiving dessert that saves your sanity and makes everyone smile.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 (3.9-ounce) boxes instant chocolate pudding mix
  • 3 cups cold whole milk
  • 1 cup cold heavy cream (optional)
  • 1 (14.3-ounce) package Oreo cookies (about 36 cookies, regular not double-stuffed)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 (8-ounce) container Cool Whip, thawed
  • 1 cup gummy worms
  • Optional: candy eyeballs, gummy spiders, or crushed graham crackers for extra texture

Instructions

  1. Make the pudding: In a large mixing bowl, combine the instant chocolate pudding mix with 3 cups of cold milk. Whisk vigorously for about 2 minutes until the pudding starts to thicken. If using heavy cream, replace 1 cup of the milk with the cream. Let it sit for 5 minutes to set slightly.
  2. Crush the Oreos: Place the entire package of Oreos (cream filling included) into a food processor. Pulse about 10-12 times until the cookies are broken into small crumbs with some slightly larger pieces. Alternatively, put the cookies in a zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin. Transfer to a medium bowl and stir in the melted butter with a fork until evenly distributed.
  3. Prepare the cups: Arrange 6 to 8 clear plastic cups (8-ounce size) on a baking sheet or tray.
  4. Layer the dirt: Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the Oreo crumbs into the bottom of each cup. Press down gently with the back of a spoon to create an even base layer.
  5. Add the pudding: Spoon or pour the pudding mixture over the Oreo layer, filling each cup about halfway. Tap the cups gently on the counter to settle the pudding and remove any air bubbles.
  6. Insert the worms: Take 3-4 gummy worms and push them into the pudding layer so they’re partially submerged. Let a few ends poke out. Angle them in different directions. Save one worm per cup for the top.
  7. Top with more dirt: Add another 2-3 tablespoons of Oreo crumbs on top of the pudding layer, covering the worms completely. Reserve about 1/4 cup of crumbs for the final garnish.
  8. Chill: Place the cups in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or up to overnight.
  9. Finish with toppings: Just before serving, add a dollop of Cool Whip to each cup if desired. Sprinkle the reserved Oreo crumbs on top, then add the final gummy worms, candy eyeballs, or any other decorations.

Notes

For best results, use cold milk straight from the refrigerator. Don’t overmix the pudding. Crush Oreos to a mix of fine crumbs and small pea-sized pieces. Let pudding set for 5 minutes before adding worms to prevent sinking. Make ahead up to 24 hours, but add final toppings just before serving. For dairy-free: use almond milk and dairy-free whipped topping. For gluten-free: use gluten-free chocolate sandwich cookies.

Nutrition

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

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