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Easy Pumpkin Patch Dirt Cups with Gummy Worms

Pumpkin Patch Dirt Cups - featured image
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These no-bake dirt cups feature a creamy pumpkin cheesecake filling layered with crushed chocolate cookies and topped with gummy worms and candy pumpkins. Perfect for Halloween parties, Thanksgiving, or any fall gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
  • 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup cold milk
  • 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup whipped topping, thawed
  • 1 package (14.3 oz) chocolate sandwich cookies (e.g., Oreos)
  • Gummy worms (about 3-4 per cup)
  • Candy pumpkins (for decoration)
  • Optional: chocolate graham crackers for tombstones, candy eyeballs, pretzel sticks

Instructions

  1. Crush the chocolate sandwich cookies into fine crumbs using a food processor or a rolling pin and zip-top bag. Set aside.
  2. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the cold milk and instant vanilla pudding mix. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened and just beginning to bubble (about 3-4 minutes). Remove from heat immediately.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
  4. Gradually add the warm pudding mixture to the cream cheese, mixing on low speed until combined. Add powdered sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract; mix until smooth.
  5. Gently fold in the pumpkin puree and thawed whipped topping until no white streaks remain.
  6. Assemble the cups: Spoon about 2 tablespoons of cookie crumbs into the bottom of each cup. Top with about 1/3 cup of pumpkin filling. Repeat layers, ending with a final layer of cookie crumbs.
  7. Gently poke 2-3 gummy worms into the top of each cup and press candy pumpkins into the surface. Add optional decorations as desired.
  8. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours (overnight is best) before serving.
  9. Serve cold straight from the fridge.

Notes

For best results, use room temperature cream cheese and chill overnight. Add gummy worms and candy decorations just before serving to prevent color bleeding and sogginess. For a dairy-free version, use dairy-free cream cheese, coconut cream, and oat milk. For gluten-free, use gluten-free chocolate sandwich cookies.

Nutrition

Keywords: pumpkin dirt cups, Halloween dessert, no-bake pumpkin dessert, gummy worms, fall dessert, pumpkin cheesecake cups

Find it online: https://platebelle.com/easy-pumpkin-patch-dirt-cups-with-gummy-worms/