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Easy Chocolate Dirt Cups with Gummy Worms

chocolate dirt cups with gummy worms - featured image

A nostalgic, no-bake dessert featuring creamy chocolate pudding, crushed Oreo ‘dirt,’ and gummy worms hidden inside. Perfect for parties and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (3.9 oz) box instant chocolate pudding mix (Jell-O brand recommended)
  • 2 cups cold whole milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
  • 1 (14.3 oz) package Oreo cookies (about 24 cookies)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (optional)
  • 1 cup gummy worms (about 1215 worms)
  • Optional: a few extra gummy worms for topping
  • 6 small (5-6 oz) clear plastic cups or glass jars
  • Optional: mint leaves or small edible flowers for garnish

Instructions

  1. Make the Pudding: In a large mixing bowl, pour in 2 cups of cold whole milk. Add 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (if using). Sprinkle the entire box of instant chocolate pudding mix over the milk. Whisk vigorously for about 2 minutes until smooth and beginning to thicken. Let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken further.
  2. Crush the Oreos: While the pudding rests, make the ‘dirt.’ If using a food processor, add whole Oreos (filling and all) and pulse 10-12 times until you have a fine, sandy crumb with some slightly larger pieces. If using a zip-top bag, place Oreos in a sturdy bag, seal, and crush with a rolling pin. If using melted butter, pour it over the crushed cookies and mix with a fork until evenly distributed.
  3. Layer the Cups: Spoon about 2 tablespoons of Oreo ‘dirt’ into the bottom of each of the 6 clear cups. Gently press it down with the back of a spoon to create a solid foundation.
  4. Add the Pudding: Spoon or pipe the chocolate pudding over the Oreo layer, filling each cup about halfway. Use the back of a spoon to spread it evenly to the edges.
  5. Bury the Worms: Press gummy worms into the pudding layer. Push some all the way down, leave a few peeking out, or cut some in half and stick them straight up. Use about 2-3 worms per cup for the middle layer.
  6. Top with More Dirt: Spoon the remaining Oreo crumbs over the pudding, completely covering it with a thick layer (about 2-3 tablespoons per cup). Leave it loose and crumbly; do not press down.
  7. Garnish and Chill: Place one or two whole gummy worms on top of the ‘dirt.’ Cover cups loosely with plastic wrap or lids and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (overnight is even better).
  8. Serve and Enjoy: Serve cold straight from the fridge with a small spoon.

Notes

Use cold milk for the pudding to set properly. Let the assembled cups chill for at least 1 hour; overnight is even better. For a finer ‘dirt,’ pulse Oreos in a food processor; for a rustic crumb, use a zip-top bag and rolling pin. The melted butter in the ‘dirt’ is optional but adds richness and a clumpy texture. These can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator. Do not freeze.

Nutrition

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