Cozy Halloween Dirt Cups: Easy Gummy Worm Dessert
These Cozy Halloween Dirt Cups with Gummy Worms are a playful, no-bake dessert featuring silky chocolate pudding, crunchy Oreo crumbs, and chewy gummy worms. Perfect for Halloween parties or a cozy night in, they come together in under 20 minutes of active time.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes (includes chilling)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 3.4 oz instant chocolate pudding mix (Jell-O brand recommended)
- 2 cups cold whole milk (2% works too)
- 1 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra silkiness)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (only if using homemade whipped cream)
- 20 chocolate sandwich cookies (Oreos recommended, not double-stuffed)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 24 gummy worms (Trolli or Black Forest recommended)
- Optional: 2 tablespoons chocolate shavings
- Optional: 4 small plastic pumpkins or Halloween sprinkles
Instructions
- Make the pudding base: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the instant pudding mix and cold milk for about 2 minutes until it starts to thicken. If using heavy cream, replace 1/2 cup of the milk with cream. Let it sit for 5 minutes to set up completely.
- Prepare the Oreo crumbs: While the pudding sets, crush the chocolate sandwich cookies in a food processor until they resemble fine crumbs. Alternatively, place cookies in a zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin. Aim for a mix of fine crumbs and tiny pebbles.
- Toast the crumbs: Preheat oven to 350°F. Spread cookie crumbs on a baking sheet, drizzle with melted butter, and toss gently. Bake for 5 minutes, stirring halfway through. Let cool completely.
- Layer the cups: Spoon 2 tablespoons of cooled cookie crumbs into the bottom of each clear cup. Press down gently with the back of a spoon.
- Add the pudding: Spoon or pipe the prepared pudding over the cookie crumbs, filling each cup about halfway. Tap cups gently on the counter to remove air bubbles.
- Add more dirt: Sprinkle another tablespoon of cookie crumbs over the pudding layer.
- Insert the gummy worms: Gently push 3 to 4 gummy worms into each cup, leaving their heads poking out of the top layer of crumbs.
- Top with remaining crumbs: Sprinkle the last of the cookie crumbs over the top, covering the pudding completely. Add chocolate shavings if desired.
- Chill: Refrigerate the cups for at least 2 hours before serving. For best results, make them the night before.
Notes
For best results, use Jell-O brand pudding mix to avoid runny pudding. Toasting the cookie crumbs with butter creates a barrier that keeps them crunchy. Use a piping bag for clean layers. For dairy-free, use almond milk and coconut cream. For gluten-free, use gluten-free cookies and certified gluten-free pudding mix.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 345
- Sugar: 28
- Sodium: 380
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 42
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 5
Keywords: Halloween dessert, dirt cups, gummy worms, chocolate pudding, no-bake dessert, easy Halloween treat