Dirt Pudding Cups (Dirt Dessert) - SugarHero

Maybe your like

Subscribe for free recipes! →

Home / Mousses, Custards, & Puddings / Dirt Pudding Cups (Dirt Dessert)

Dirt Pudding Cups (Dirt Dessert)

By Elizabeth LaBau

Apr 03, 2022, Updated Apr 02, 2024

PinPrintEmailJump to Recipe

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please see my disclosure policy for more information.

Photo of Worms and Dirt Pudding Cups with text overlay for Pinterest.

Two photo collage of Dirt Pudding Cups with text overlay for Pinterest.

Six-photo collage of Dirt Pudding Cups with text overlay for Pinterest.

Dirt Pudding Cups are a fast and easy dessert recipe made from chocolate pudding, Oreo crumbs, and gummy worms. All you need are five ingredients and ten minutes of work, and you’ll be enjoying this “dirt dessert” in no time!

Chocolate pudding cup with oreo crumbs and gummy worms, on a wooden board.

Want to save this recipe?Get this sent right to your inbox, plus great new recipes weekly!First NameEmail *Save Recipe

🐛 Worms & Dirt Dessert: A Beloved Classic

Ah, dirt pudding–who knew that something that sounded so gross could taste so good?!

Dirt pudding, also called “dirt dessert,” “dirt cake,” or “worms & dirt,” is a classic American recipe, beloved by both adults and children because it’s easy, fun, and most importantly, tasty!

This recipe requires just five common ingredients, comes together in a few minutes, and is no-bake, so it’s perfect to whip up on hot summer days. It’s a fun project to do with kids, and is a fun addition to BBQs, camping, or birthday parties! For more easy no-bake desserts, don’t miss these Mini Oreo Icebox Cakes, and this Chocolate Raspberry No-Bake Cake! You’ll also want to check out my collection of Halloween Baking Ideas!

Close-up of cup of dirt pudding with Oreo crumbs and colorful gummy worms on top.

🐛 Worms & Dirt Dessert: A Beloved Classic
🧾 Ingredients
🍽 Equipment
🥄 Instructions
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Serving Size
💭 Variations
💡 FAQs
❤️ More FUN Dessert Recipes:
Dirt Pudding Cups Recipe

🧾 Ingredients

Dirt pudding is meant to be easy enough for kids to make, so you won’t find any fancy ingredients or preparation here! Here’s what you need to make this recipe. (Links are affiliate links and I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.)

1 package (15 oz) Oreo cookies
1 package (3.9 oz) chocolate instant pudding – make sure it’s INSTANT!
2 cups cold milk, any fat %
1.5 cups heavy whipping cream
24 gummy worms
Chocolate rocks are optional, but use ’em if you’ve got ’em!

🍽 Equipment

You truly don’t need any special equipment to make Dirt Pudding. If you have a food processor, that will make crushing the Oreos a fast job, but if you don’t, it can easily be done with a rolling pin.

Overhead shot of a cup of dirt pudding, with a gold spoon handle sticking out the top.

🥄 Instructions

This recipe has 3 simple parts: making the Oreo crumbs, making the pudding, and assembling the cups.

1. Make the Cookie Crumbs

You can remove the cream filling from the cookies before making the crumbs, but it’s not necessary. I like leaving it in, since it helps the cookie dirt clump together a bit more, plus I’m lazy and like omitting steps when possible. Leaving the cream filling does also add extra sweetness, so it’s your call whether you want to scrape the filling out or not.

Two photo collage showing how to make Oreo crumbs for Dirt Pudding Cups.

If you have a food processor, just chuck in the cookies and blitz until the Oreos are in fine crumbs! No food processor? No problem! You can also make crumbs with a rolling pin:

Place all the cookies in a heavy-duty gallon zip-top bag. Use a freezer bag if possible, since they’re thicker.
Roll over the cookies with a rolling pin, pausing to adjust the bag and shift the cookies around as necessary. Smash/pound/roll them until they are mostly fine crumbs, although some larger pieces are okay too–they just add extra texture!

2. Make the Chocolate Pudding Filling

Two photo collage showing how to make chocolate pudding for Dirt Pudding Cups.

Combine the instant chocolate pudding and the cold milk, and whisk well.
Whisk until the chocolate is smooth and free of lumps, then let it sit for at least 5-7 minutes, until it thickens.

Two photo collage showing stirring whipped cream into chocolate pudding to make Dirt Pudding Cups.

The chocolate is ready when it has the thick texture of pudding (as in the image above). While you wait, whip the heavy cream to medium peaks.
Add the cream to the pudding and gently fold it in.

Two photo collage showing stirring Oreo crumbs into chocolate pudding to make Dirt Pudding Cups.

Add about three-quarters of the Oreo crumbs to the pudding, and stir everything together.
Make sure everything is well-mixed and no pockets of pudding or cream are hiding.

3. Assemble the Dirt Pudding Cups

Two photo collage showing how to finish decorating Dirt Pudding Cups.

Divide the chocolate pudding mixture between eight cups. (See “Serving Size” below for adjustments and alternatives). Stick 3 gummy worms in the top of each pudding.
Add a generous spoonful of Oreo crumbs on top of each cup and around the worms. If you have chocolate rocks, toss a few on top as well.
Dig in and enjoy!

Overhead shot of 3 cups of dirt pudding, with Oreo crumbs and gummy worms on top.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Serving Size

This recipe is very flexible and can be easily doubled–or more. If you would like to customize the serving size, just put in the number of servings you would like in the recipe card, and it will do the calculating for you!

If you are making this dirt pudding for children, you can also get more than 8 servings out of the recipe, by making each portion smaller and assembling it in 4- or 6-oz cups. For young kids, the full 8-oz serving is typically too much.

Group of dirt pudding cups on wooden board wiht gummy worms scattered around.

💭 Variations

Pudding: Try using another flavor of instant pudding, like vanilla, french vanilla, or even something unexpected, like banana!
Oreos: Pick up one of the many out-of-the-box Oreo types to add some flavor variation. Red velvet Oreos? Carrot cake Oreos? Whatever you’d like–just maybe not with banana pudding. 😉
Cool Whip: you can substitute one 8-oz package of Cool Whip for the whipped cream in the recipe.
Candy: try sour gummy worms, or leave worms behind and add other bug-, rock-, or nature-shaped candies.

💡 FAQs

Can Dirt Dessert be made in a large bowl?

Yes! This recipe doesn’t have to be made in individual cups–you can make it in a 3-quart bowl or trifle dish, or in a 9×13-inch pan. It is easy to double, and keeps well, so it’s a great easy dessert to make for a crowd.

How can you store leftover dirt pudding?

Cover each cup with cling wrap, and store the leftovers in the refrigerator. If you are making these in advance, we recommend adding the worms shortly before serving, so they don’t get soft and sticky in the fridge.

How long will dirt pudding last?

Dirt pudding can last for about 5 days in the refrigerator. Gummy worms will get soft and sticky over time, so we recommend replacing them if the pudding has been stored for several days. The Oreo crumbs will also get very soft, so if you like some crunchy pieces with your pudding, add fresh crumbs on top before serving.

Dirt pudding cups- a fun and easy dessert, perfect for making with kids! | From SugarHero.com

❤️ More FUN Dessert Recipes:

Hamburger Cupcakes
Sugar Cookie French Fries
Easy Microwave Fudge
Chocolate-Dipped Frozen Bananas
Mini Brownie Bites
Unicorn Milkshakes

Oreo Milkshake

Super fast and easy Oreo milkshakes with just 4 ingredients! Dress them up with whipped cream and a cherry on top, or keep it simple with a drizzle of chocolate sauce in the glass. View Recipe Close-up of 3 pieces of Oreo Fudge.

Oreo Fudge

Like Oreos? Like white chocolate? Then you are going to LOVE this Oreo Fudge! The smoothest, creamiest, packed-full-of-cookies-est fudge you'll ever taste. View Recipe

Leave a Review!

If you make this recipe, let us know! Leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating on the recipe below, and leave a comment, take a photo and tag me on Instagram @elabau, or use #sugarhero on IG!

SaveSaved Pin Print Clear plastic cup containing chocolate pudding, Oreo crumbs, and gummy worms, on a wooden cutting board.

Dirt Pudding Cups

Author Elizabeth LaBau 5 from 10 votes Dirt Pudding Cups are a fast and easy dessert recipe made from chocolate pudding, Oreo crumbs, and gummy worms. All you need are five ingredients and ten minutes of work, and you'll be enjoying this "dirt dessert" in no time! Prep10 minutes Cook0 minutes Resting Time10 minutes Total20 minutes Yields8 servings

Ingredients

1x2x3xUS StandardMetric

▢ 1 package chocolate sandwich cookies, (15 oz), like Oreos, about 30 cookies
▢ 1 package chocolate instant pudding, (3.9 oz)
▢ 16 fl oz milk, (2 cups), cold
▢ 12 fl oz heavy cream, (1 ½ cups)
▢ 24 gummy worms
▢ Chocolate rocks, optional

Save this recipe!Get this sent right to your inbox, plus great new recipes weekly!Email *Save

Instructions

Place the cookies in a food processor, and pulse in long bursts until the cookies are in fine crumbs.
If you don’t have a food processor, place all the cookies in a heavy-duty gallon zip-top bag. Roll over the cookies with a rolling pin, pausing to adjust the bag and shift the cookies around as necessary. Smash/pound/roll them until they are mostly fine crumbs, with some small chunks remaining.
In a large bowl, whisk together the instant pudding and milk, and whisk until it’s smooth and free of lumps. Let the pudding set for 5-7 minutes, until it has a thick, pudding-like texture.
While you wait, whip the heavy cream to medium firm peaks.
Once the pudding is set and the cream is whipped, gently fold the cream into the pudding.
Add three-quarters of the cookie crumbs and stir them in to the pudding.
Divide the pudding between eight 8-oz cups or jars.
Stick 3 worms into the top of each cup.
Spoon the remaining cookie crumbs on top of each cup and spread them out into an even layer. Top with chocolate rocks, if you have them.
Enjoy immediately, or refrigerate until ready to serve. Cover leftovers with plastic wrap, and store in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Video

Measuring Tips

Our recipes are developed using weight measurements, and we highly recommend using a kitchen scale for baking whenever possible. However, if you prefer to use cups, volume measurements are provided as well. PLEASE NOTE: the adage “8 oz = 1 cup” is NOT true when speaking about weight, so don’t be concerned if the measurements don’t fit this formula.

Want to learn more about baking measurements and conversion?

Learn More

Nutrition

Pin This Recipe To Try Later!

Picture of dirt pudding cups with overlaid text for Pinterest

What You'll Need

Chocolate Instant PuddingBuy now Oreo Cookies | From SugarHero.com

Oreo CookiesBuy now gummy worms in package

Gummy WormsBuy now

Chocolate RocksBuy nowLike this recipe? Share it with friends!PinFacebookTweetYummlyEmail

Categorized as:Halloween Desserts, Mousses, Custards, & Puddings, Video Recipes

Meet Elizabeth!

Hi, I’m Elizabeth — a trained pastry chef, cookbook author, video instructor, and your new Baking BFF! I’m going to teach you everything you need to know to be a sugar hero. ❤️

Read More About Me Pastel rainbow gelatin cup with a spoon sticking out of the top.

Pastel Rainbow Gelatin Cups

Pumpkin Bread Pudding

Pumpkin Pie Mousse Cup in orange candy bowl with spoon inserted ready to take a bite.

Pumpkin Pie Mousse Cups

Cannoli Cones

5 from 10 votes

20 Comments

What a fun idea! My boys would definitely love it. Thank you for the recipe, bookmarking 🙂
Reply
1. Thanks Jovita! I’d love to hear how it turns out for you and your boys if you give it a try. 🙂
  Reply
This sounds like fun to make with my daughters. Thanks for the recipe.
Reply
1. Thanks Emese! My 8 year old was super into it. Let me know how it goes!
  Reply
These pudding cups are a great cooking project with kids! I love the recipe from all my heart and cannot wait for nieces to make it together.
Reply
1. Thank you Irina! My son really loves making this with me. 😀
  Reply
My nieces and nephew will love making this!! I’m saving this recipe so we can make it together this weekend! Great idea and so fun!
Reply
1. Thank you Jamie! I hope your nieces and nephew love it!
  Reply
This dessert it is so much fun and such a classic. All kids have had a mud cup but yours is so perfect and cute. Since I do not have kids anymore I will make it for me. Love chocolate and candies.
Reply
1. Thank you Adriana! And it’s totally a hit with kids AND adults–I’m a little embarrassed to admit how many I ate myself. 😀
  Reply
My kids will love making this! This dessert will be so fun to make with the gummy worms into the pudding. I just hope they dont eat all of they gummy worms!
Reply
1. I’m so glad to hear that they will enjoy these! They are so much fun 🙂
  Reply
Oh wow, I’ve never made anything like it. Definitely adding it to my experiment list. They look awesome!
Reply
1. Thanks Dionne! Come back and let us know how you like them!
  Reply
So yummy! I didn’t have gummy worms but gummy bears, and it was equally delicious! My kids loved it!
Reply
1. What a perfect substitution, little bears in dirt! Thanks for sharing!
  Reply
My kids absolutely love these dirt cups! They’re so fun and perfect for birthday parties!
Reply
1. Yes! A simple go-to for birthday parties for sure! Thanks Tayler!
  Reply
Thank you for the recipe. My daughter-in-law wanted dirt for dessert. Most recipes seem to call for cream cheese…which she doesn’t like. This turned out perfect!!
Reply
1. Hi Karen! Thanks for the recipe review and rating. We really appreciate it. And, I’m so happy to hear that your daughter-in-law enjoyed her dessert. Way to go!
  Reply

Meet Elizabeth!

Hi, I’m Elizabeth — a trained pastry chef, cookbook author, video instructor, and your new Baking BFF! I’m going to teach you everything you need to know to be a sugar hero. ❤️

Read more about me Overhead shot of patterned pumpkin roll with slices displayed around.