This quick and easy dirt cake recipe is a childhood classic that brings me right back to being a kid! I layered creamy, fluffy chocolate pudding with Oreo cookie crumbs to make these dirt cake cups, then topped each one with creepy-crawly gummy worms. Whether you’re making these for a kids party or just to treat your inner child, I know you’ll love this fun dirt pudding recipe!
Top Reader Review
Easy to make as cupcakes. Made it plenty of times before but first time doing it as cupcakes.
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Oreo Dirt Pudding Cups
Doesn’t matter if you call it dirt cake or dirt pudding, this easy dessert is still deliciously simple, filled with creamy pudding, crushed Oreo cookies, and gummy worms on top! I make my dirt cake with boxed chocolate pudding both for ease and nostalgia. Because there’s nothing quite like the boxed stuff to bring back childhood memories.
I had some fun with this recipe by portioning it into individual dirt cups rather than as a whole sheet cake (though you can do that if you prefer). When everyone gets their own Oreo dirt pudding, there’s no need to worry about who gets the worms! I always make sure every cup has plenty, with a few extra ready to use.
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Make One Dirt Cake (Instead of Cups!)
If you prefer, you can make this dirt cake recipe in a 9×13 pan instead of individual cups. I think the cups are really fun, but making one big pan is much easier and less finicky. You can also use a large trifle dish.
Dirt Cake Cups Recipe
Equipment
- Kitchen Scale (optional)
- Hand Mixer
Ingredients
- 3.9 ounces instant chocolate pudding mix (1 box)
- 2 cups whole milk chilled*
- 8 ounces whipped topping thawed**
- 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
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
- 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.
How to Make Dirt Cups Step-by-Step
Prep: Gather the list of ingredients for this Oreo dirt cups recipe. Set the cream cheese, butter, and whipped topping out on the counter ahead of time (30 minutes to 1 hour) so they have time to thaw/soften. Then place about 40 Oreo cookies into a resealable bag, close it, and use a rolling pin to crush them up into small pieces. If you have a food processor, just throw them in and pulse.
Prepare the Pudding: Combine 3.9 ounces (1 box) of chocolate instant pudding mix with 2 cups of whole milk. Allow to set for 5 minutes.
Add Whipped Topping: Once set, fold in 8 ounces of thawed whipped topping.
Beat the Cream Cheese: Using a hand or stand mixer, cream together ¼ cup of unsalted butter and 8 ounces (1 brick) of cream cheese.
Add Sugar: Then add 1 cup of powdered sugar and mix until light and airy.
Mix the Filling: Add the pudding mixture to the cream cheese mixture, and stir well to combine.
Transfer: Transfer the pudding mixture to a large resealable bag, and cut off one of the corners to use as a piping bag.
Layer the Cups: Working in layers, pipe some of the pudding mixture into the bottom of each cup; then add a layer of crushed Oreo cookies; then pipe another layer of the pudding mixture on top. Finish each cup with a final layer of Oreo “dirt” and a few gummy worms each. Dirt pudding is best served chilled.
How to Store and Make Ahead
Dirt cups can be stored after assembling, covered with plastic wrap and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. That means these are a great make-ahead dessert! Make them the day before a party to avoid added stress. They’ll hold up well overall, though you can leave the gummy worms as a last minute addition.
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