Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These dirt cups are not only easy to make but also incredibly fun to assemble and decorate. With minimal ingredients and no baking required, they’re a great option for last-minute Halloween treats. The combination of creamy chocolate pudding and crunchy cookie “dirt” creates a texture and flavor that’s both nostalgic and irresistible. Plus, they’re customizable with a variety of spooky toppings—from gummy worms to cookie tombstones.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Instant chocolate pudding mix
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Cold milk
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Whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
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Chocolate sandwich cookies (such as Oreos), crushed
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Gummy worms
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Milano cookies or similar (for tombstones)
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Black decorating gel or edible marker (for writing on tombstones)
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Clear plastic cups or small jars
Directions
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Prepare the chocolate pudding according to the package instructions using cold milk. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken.
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Fold in whipped topping to make the pudding light and creamy.
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Crush the chocolate cookies into fine crumbs using a food processor or by placing them in a zip-top bag and crushing with a rolling pin.
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Spoon a layer of pudding mixture into each cup, followed by a layer of crushed cookies. Repeat if desired.
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Top each cup with more cookie crumbs to resemble “dirt.”
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Decorate with gummy worms sticking out of the “ground.”
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Write “RIP” or other spooky messages on Milano cookies using black gel or edible markers and insert them into the cups as tombstones.
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Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 8 dirt cups.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Chill time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Variations
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Use vanilla or butterscotch pudding for a different base flavor.
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Make it spooky cute with candy pumpkins, candy bones, or Halloween sprinkles.
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Try a layered effect with green-dyed whipped topping to mimic grass beneath the dirt.
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Add crushed brownies for an extra rich “mud” layer.
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Make it dairy-free by using dairy-free pudding mix and whipped topping alternatives.
Storage/Reheating
Store the dirt cups covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
These treats are meant to be served cold and are not suitable for reheating.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dirt cups up to a day in advance. Add candy decorations just before serving to keep them fresh.
Do I have to use chocolate pudding?
No, you can use any pudding flavor you like, but chocolate helps create the “dirt” look.
Can kids help make this recipe?
Absolutely! This is a perfect hands-on activity for kids to help with pudding, layering, and decorating.
What can I use instead of gummy worms?
Candy bones, spooky gummy creatures, or candy eyeballs all work well as creepy alternatives.
Can I use homemade pudding?
Yes, homemade pudding can be used if you prefer, just make sure it’s thick enough to hold the layers.
How do I crush the cookies without a food processor?
Place them in a sealed plastic bag and crush with a rolling pin or heavy object.
Can I use gluten-free cookies?
Yes, gluten-free chocolate sandwich cookies work great for a gluten-free version.
How can I label the tombstones?
Use black decorating gel, edible markers, or melted chocolate piped on with a small tip.
What if I don’t have plastic cups?
You can use small mason jars, ramekins, or even paper cups.
Do they need to be refrigerated?
Yes, since they contain dairy products, they should be kept chilled until serving.
Conclusion
Spooky Graveyard Dirt Cups are a ghoulishly delightful treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Perfect for Halloween celebrations, they combine playful decorations with classic chocolate flavor in a no-bake dessert that everyone will enjoy. Whether you’re crafting them with kids or serving them at a party, these spooky cups are sure to be a graveyard smash.
Spooky Graveyard Dirt Cups
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 8 dirt cups
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Spooky Graveyard Dirt Cups are a fun, no-bake Halloween dessert made with creamy chocolate pudding, crushed cookies, and playful candy toppings that resemble edible graveyards. They’re perfect for Halloween parties, school events, or family fun nights.
Ingredients
- 2 (3.9 oz) boxes instant chocolate pudding mix
- 4 cups cold milk
- 1 (8 oz) tub whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
- 20 chocolate sandwich cookies (such as Oreos), crushed
- 16 gummy worms
- 8 Milano cookies (or similar, for tombstones)
- Black decorating gel or edible marker (for writing on tombstones)
- 8 clear plastic cups or small jars
Instructions
- Prepare chocolate pudding according to package instructions using cold milk. Let stand 5 minutes to thicken.
- Fold in whipped topping until the pudding mixture is light and creamy.
- Crush cookies into fine crumbs using a food processor or a zip-top bag and rolling pin.
- Spoon a layer of pudding mixture into each cup, then a layer of cookie crumbs. Repeat if desired.
- Top each cup with more cookie crumbs to resemble dirt.
- Decorate with gummy worms, partially burying them in the crumbs.
- Write “RIP” or spooky messages on Milano cookies using gel or edible marker, then insert them as tombstones.
- Chill cups in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
Use vanilla, butterscotch, or pistachio pudding for fun flavor variations.Decorate with candy pumpkins, bones, or Halloween sprinkles for extra spookiness.Add a green-tinted whipped topping layer to mimic grass beneath the dirt.Gluten-free sandwich cookies work perfectly for a gluten-free option.Best served the same day for freshest texture, but can be chilled up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 dirt cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
