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Cozy Graveyard Dirt Cups with Gummy Worms (Easy Halloween Dessert)

cozy graveyard dirt cups - featured image

These no-bake graveyard dirt cups feature layers of chocolate pudding, creamy cheesecake filling, and crushed Oreo ‘dirt,’ topped with gummy worms for a fun and spooky Halloween treat that kids and adults love.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 package (14.3 ounces) Oreo cookies (regular or dark chocolate)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (optional)
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream (or 2 cups Cool Whip for a lighter option)
  • 2 boxes (3.9 ounces each) instant chocolate pudding mix
  • 3 cups cold whole milk (2% works too)
  • 1 cup gummy worms (or more)
  • Optional: crushed graham crackers for extra ‘dirt’ texture
  • Optional: candy pumpkins or candy corn for a festive touch
  • Optional: small tombstone cookies or chocolate gravestones

Instructions

  1. Crush the Oreos (5 minutes): Place the entire package of Oreos (filling included) in a food processor and pulse until you have fine, crumbly ‘dirt.’ If using a zip-top bag, seal tightly and crush with a rolling pin until uniform. Set aside.
  2. Make the cream cheese layer (10 minutes): In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beat until combined. In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form (3-4 minutes). Gently fold whipped cream into cream cheese mixture until smooth. Set aside.
  3. Prepare the chocolate pudding (5 minutes): In another medium bowl, whisk together instant chocolate pudding mix and cold milk. Whisk vigorously for about 2 minutes until pudding starts to thicken. Let sit for 5 minutes to fully set.
  4. Layer the cups (10 minutes): In each cup, start with a layer of crushed Oreos (about 2 tablespoons), press down gently. Add a layer of cream cheese mixture (about 3 tablespoons), spread evenly. Add a layer of chocolate pudding (about 3 tablespoons). Repeat layers: another thin layer of Oreo crumbs, cream cheese mixture, and pudding. End with a final generous layer of Oreo crumbs on top.
  5. Add the gummy worms (5 minutes): Gently poke gummy worms into the top layer of Oreo crumbs so they look like they’re crawling out of the dirt. You can also stick a few into the sides of the cups.
  6. Decorate (optional, 5 minutes): Add small tombstone cookies or candy pumpkins on top if desired.
  7. Chill (at least 2 hours): Place cups in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow layers to set and flavors to meld.
  8. Serve and enjoy: Take cups out of the fridge about 10 minutes before serving. Serve cold.

Notes

For best results, let cream cheese soften completely before using. Add gummy worms after chilling for at least an hour to prevent sinking. Make ahead: assemble the night before and add gummy worms just before serving. For dairy-free, use dairy-free cream cheese and plant-based milk. For gluten-free, use gluten-free sandwich cookies.

Nutrition

Keywords: Halloween dessert, dirt cups, gummy worms, no-bake dessert, chocolate pudding, Oreo, graveyard, spooky treat, easy dessert, kid-friendly