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Easy Halloween Dirt Cups with Gummy Worms: Best No-Bake Dessert

easy halloween dirt cups with gummy worms - featured image

These no-bake Halloween dirt cups with gummy worms are the perfect quick and easy treat for parties. Made with instant chocolate pudding, crushed Oreos, and gummy worms, they come together in under 15 minutes and are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boxes (3.4 oz each) instant chocolate pudding mix
  • 3 cups cold whole milk
  • 1 family-size package (about 36 cookies) Oreo cookies
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter (optional)
  • 1 bag gummy worms (about 2024 worms)
  • 68 gummy spiders or gummy bugs (optional)
  • Green or black decorating gel (optional)
  • 8 clear plastic cups (79 oz size)
  • Small plastic spiders or Halloween picks (optional)

Instructions

  1. Crush the Oreos: Place the entire package of Oreos (cream filling included) into a large Ziploc bag. Seal it, then use your hands, a rolling pin, or the bottom of a heavy pan to crush them into fine crumbs. You want a mix of textures: mostly fine crumbs with a few slightly larger pieces for realism. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
  2. Optional: Add melted butter to the crumbs: If you want that realistic ‘freshly turned soil’ look, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and drizzle it over the crushed Oreos. Mix with a fork until the butter is evenly distributed.
  3. Make the pudding: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the two boxes of instant chocolate pudding mix and 3 cups of cold milk. Whisk vigorously for about 2 minutes until the mixture starts to thicken. Let it sit for 5 minutes to fully set.
  4. Prepare your cups: Arrange your 8 clear cups on a baking sheet or tray. Make sure they’re stable and not tipping over.
  5. Layer the cups: Start with a layer of crushed Oreos at the bottom of each cup. Use about 2 tablespoons per cup for the bottom layer. Press it down gently with a spoon or your fingers to create a solid base.
  6. Add the pudding: Spoon or pour the pudding over the Oreo layer, filling each cup about halfway. Use a spatula to spread it evenly. Tap the cups gently on the counter to remove any air bubbles.
  7. Add the worms: Take 2-3 gummy worms and gently push them into the pudding so they’re partially submerged. Let the ends stick out, like worms crawling out of the dirt. Position them at different angles for a more realistic look.
  8. Top with more dirt: Add another layer of crushed Oreos on top of the pudding. Use about 3 tablespoons per cup, creating a thick ‘dirt’ layer. Don’t press it down this time, leave it loose and textured.
  9. Final decorations: Place one more gummy worm on top, curling it slightly so it looks like it’s crawling out. If you’re using gummy spiders or bugs, place them on top of the dirt. You can also add a small plastic spider ring or a Halloween pick for extra flair.
  10. Chill and set: Refrigerate the cups for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the pudding to fully set and the flavors to meld. The cups can be made up to 24 hours in advance, just cover them with lids or plastic wrap to prevent the Oreos from getting stale.

Notes

For best results, use cold whole milk and instant pudding mix. Freeze gummy worms for 10 minutes before adding to prevent them from sinking. Add gummy worms just before serving if making ahead. The Oreo layer will soften over time, so for best texture, serve within 24 hours.

Nutrition

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