Have you ever wanted to feel like a kid again? I know I have, and this dirt cake cups recipe is a childhood classic that brings me right back! I layered creamy, fluffy chocolate pudding with Oreo cookie crumbs and topped the whole thing with gummy worms to create this nostalgic dessert. Whether you’re making these for the kids or to treat your inner child, I just know you’ll love this fun dessert recipe!
These individual dirt cake cups allow everyone to play in the dirt! Layers of creamy chocolate pudding and crunchy Oreo cookie “dirt” taste so yummy! I think this is the perfect dessert for any outdoor-loving kids! I have even put a mini truck in each one for a construction-themed birthday party!
What’s in This Easy Dirt Cake Recipe?
- Instant Chocolate Pudding Mix: Any brand will do the trick!
- Whole Milk: I don’t recommend swapping this with any other dairy product. Whole milk yields the creamiest results.
- Whipped Topping: Use a full-fat whipped topping for the most creamy, thick results. If you buy a frozen whipped topping (like Cool Whip), you’ll need to make sure it’s thawed prior to using.
- Butter: Room temperature unsalted butter is needed for the easiest mixing.
- Cream Cheese: Don’t use a low-fat version if you can help it. Also, this should be room temperature as well.
- Powdered Sugar: This adds sweetness and helps to create the best consistency.
- Oreo Cookies: You can have some fun by choosing a unique Oreo flavor if you’d like!
- Gummy Worms: Any kind of gummy worms work, but I like the ones that are plain and not sour/coated in sugar.
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How to Store
In an airtight container in the refrigerator, these adorable dirt cake cups will stay fresh for about 3 days once they’ve been assembled. These are great make-ahead desserts! Make them the day before a party to avoid the stress of making them right before the big event. They’ll hold up well.
Tips for Success
- A food processor works best for crushing the Oreo cookies. However, if you don’t have one, you can just pop the cookies in a Ziplock baggie and crush them with a mallet or rolling pin.
- If your pudding isn’t setting to the right consistency, you may have accidentally added a bit too much milk. It can happen to the best of us! Just be sure to follow the package directions of the instant jello mix exactly, that way you have perfect pudding.
- If you prefer, you can make this in a 9×13 pan instead of individual cups. We think the cups are really fun, but sometimes if taking this to a party or potluck, I make one big pan instead.
Top Reader Review
- “Easy to make as cupcakes. Made it plenty of times before but first time doing it as cupcakes.” -Brenda C.
Dirt Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- 3.9 ounces instant chocolate pudding mix (1 box)
- 2 cups whole milk chilled
- 8 ounces whipped topping thawed, such as Cool Whip
- ¼ cup unsalted butter room temperature (½ stick)
- 8 ounces cream cheese room temperature (1 brick)
- 1 cup powdered sugar sifted
- 16 ounces Oreo cookies crushed (about 40 cookies)
- 24 gummy worms
Equipment
- Kitchen Scale (optional)
- Hand Mixer
Instructions
- Mix the instant pudding mix with the milk according to package directions. Allow to set for 5 minutes. Once set, fold in the whipped topping.3.9 ounces instant chocolate pudding mix, 2 cups whole milk, 8 ounces whipped topping
- Using a hand or stand mixer, cream the butter and cream cheese together. Add the powdered sugar and mix until light and airy.¼ cup unsalted butter, 8 ounces cream cheese, 1 cup powdered sugar
- Add the pudding mixture to the cream cheese mixture. Stir well.
- Transfer the mixture to a large Ziplock bag. Cut off one of the corners of the bag to easily fill the cups.
- Working in layers, pipe some of the cream mixture into the bottom of each cup. Add a layer of crushed cookies. Pipe another layer of the cream mixture on top. Garnish with more cookies and gummy worms. Serve chilled and enjoy.16 ounces Oreo cookies, 24 gummy worms
Notes
How to Make Dirt Cake Cups Step-by-Step
Prepare the Pudding: Mix 3.9 ounces (1 box) of chocolate instant pudding mix with the milk according to package directions with 2 cups of whole milk. Allow to set for 5 minutes. Once set, fold in 8 ounces of whipped topping.
Beat the Cream Cheese: Using a hand or stand mixer, cream ¼ cup of unsalted butter and 8 ounces (1 brick) of cream cheese together. Add 1 cup of powdered sugar and mix until light and airy.
Mix the Filling: Add the pudding mixture to the cream cheese mixture. Stir well. Transfer the mixture to a large Ziplock bag. Cut off one of the corners of the bag to easily fill the cups.
Layer the Cups: Working in layers, pipe some of the cream mixture into the bottom of each cup. Add a layer of crushed cookies (from 16 Oreos). Pipe another layer of the cream mixture on top. Garnish with more cookies and 24 gummy worms. Serve chilled and enjoy.
Easy to make as cupcakes. Made it plenty of times before but first time doing it as cupcakes.
We hope you enjoyed them!