Graveyard Dirt Cups are the kind of dessert that makes Halloween extra special. When you layer creamy chocolate pudding with crushed Oreos and gummy worms, the result is playful and festive. Because the tombstone cookies give them such a spooky charm, these cups are a hit at any party. Whether you’re planning a classroom celebration, a haunted house gathering, or just a cozy family night, this no bake dessert delivers chocolatey comfort with a fun twist.
Why You’ll Love It
First, these Graveyard Dirt Cups are quick to prepare. In addition, they are simple enough for kids to help decorate, which turns the recipe into an activity as well as a dessert. Each spoonful balances creamy pudding and crunchy Oreo “soil,” while the gummy worms make the presentation lively. Finally, because there is no baking required, this treat saves time during a busy Halloween season.
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Graveyard Dirt Cups Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 cups
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Layers of creamy pudding, Oreo “dirt,” gummy worms, and cookie tombstones make these Graveyard Dirt Cups a spooky no bake Halloween treat.
Ingredients
- 1 (3.9 oz) box instant chocolate pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
- 1 cup whipped topping
- 20 Oreo cookies, crushed
- 6–8 gummy worms
- 6–8 Milano cookies (or similar)
- Black gel icing or edible marker
- 6–8 clear cups or jars
Instructions
- Whisk pudding mix and cold milk until smooth, let sit 5 minutes.
- Fold in whipped topping gently to keep it fluffy.
- Crush Oreos into crumbs using a rolling pin or food processor.
- Spoon pudding into cups until three-quarters full, then top with Oreo crumbs.
- Write RIP on Milano cookies, press into cups as tombstones, and add gummy worms.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or serve immediately for softer pudding.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use dark chocolate pudding.
- Add candy bones or pumpkins for extra decoration.
- Use dairy-free pudding and whipped topping for a vegan version.
- For safe storage tips, see USDA Food Safety Guidelines.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No Bake
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Pantry & Fresh
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Instant chocolate pudding mix | 1 (3.9 oz) box |
| Cold milk | 2 cups |
| Whipped topping | 1 cup |
| Oreo cookies, crushed | 20 cookies |
| Gummy worms | 6–8 |
| Milano cookies (or similar) | 6–8 |
| Black gel icing or edible marker | For writing “RIP” |
| Clear cups or jars | 6–8 |
Substitutions
If you prefer a lighter flavor, you can swap in vanilla pudding. On the other hand, dark chocolate pudding gives a deeper taste. For a dairy-free option, almond or oat milk works well, though the pudding sets a little softer. In addition, gluten-free cookies can replace Oreos, and coconut whipped cream makes the recipe vegan. When Milano cookies aren’t available, shortbread or graham crackers cut into rectangles create excellent tombstones.
Step-by-Step
Step 1: Mix the pudding
First, whisk the pudding mix with cold milk for two minutes until smooth. Then let it sit for 5 minutes so it thickens. After that, gently fold in the whipped topping to keep the mixture fluffy.
Step 2: Crush the Oreos
Meanwhile, place the cookies in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin. Alternatively, you can pulse them in a food processor. A blend of crumbs and small chunks gives the best dirt-like texture.
Step 3: Layer the cups
Next, spoon the pudding into each cup until three-quarters full. Then tap the cups lightly on the counter to remove air pockets and sprinkle a layer of crushed cookies over the top.
Step 4: Add tombstones and worms
After that, write “RIP” on Milano cookies with black gel icing. Insert them upright into the cookie dirt. Finally, tuck gummy worms halfway into the top layer so they look like they’re crawling out.
Step 5: Chill and serve
At this stage, refrigerate the cups for at least 30 minutes if you like them firm. Otherwise, you can serve them immediately for a softer texture.
Pro Tips
For cleaner layers, pipe the pudding into cups instead of spooning. In addition, press the cookie tombstones in after chilling briefly to help them stand upright. Because kids enjoy decorating, set out extra toppings like candy bones or candy pumpkins. Finally, always prepare a few extra cups—these tend to disappear quickly at parties.
Variations & Substitutions
You can turn these Graveyard Dirt Cups into peanut butter pudding cups by mixing in a half cup of peanut butter. Another option is to try lime Jell-O with vanilla wafers for a zombie-green effect. For vegan friends, use coconut pudding and gluten-free cookies. In addition, you can add candy skeletons or ghost marshmallows for a spookier look. When feeding a crowd, layer the dessert in a trifle bowl instead of individual cups. If you’d like a lighter alternative, try serving Matcha Chia Pudding alongside these cups.
Serve It With
These cups pair well with apple cider, pumpkin spice lattes, or hot cocoa. For variety, serve them alongside caramel apples, popcorn balls, or pumpkin cookies. For an extra chocolatey pairing, bake a batch of Easy Brownies to serve with your spooky cups.
Storage & Reheat
Store the cups covered in the fridge for up to two days. However, add gummy worms and tombstones just before serving so they stay crisp. Because freezing changes the texture of pudding and cookies, refrigeration is the best option. For safe food handling, you can follow USDA Food Safety Guidelines
Nutrition
Each cup contains about 250 calories, 10 grams of fat, 38 grams of carbohydrates, and 4 grams of protein. Values may change slightly depending on the pudding mix and toppings used.
FAQs
Yes, dirt cake became popular in the Midwest. Because it was a simple, no bake dessert that kids loved, it spread quickly at family gatherings and potlucks.
A dirt cup usually contains pudding, crushed Oreo cookies, and gummy worms. In addition, some versions add whipped topping or cookie tombstones for seasonal fun.
Dirt cake combines instant pudding, whipped topping, crushed cookies, and candy decorations. Although recipes vary, the layered look is what gives the dessert its soil-like appearance.
Chocolate pudding is the classic choice because it resembles dirt. However, dark chocolate has a deeper taste, while vanilla or cookies-and-cream pudding gives a lighter twist.
More Like This
For more Halloween-ready ideas, check out The Ultimate Guide to Pumpkin Chocolate Brownies, which combines pumpkin spice and rich chocolate for the season. You might also enjoy Ghost Cupcakes, Melt in Your Mouth Snowball Cookies, Halloween Pumpkin Cookies, Easy Caramel Apples, Chocolate Spider Web Cake, and No Bake Oreo Cheesecake. Each recipe adds festive fun with simple preparation
Save This Recipe for Later
Pin or bookmark this recipe so you can make Graveyard Dirt Cups whenever October arrives. Because it’s quick, no bake, and crowd-pleasing, it’s perfect for both small gatherings and large Halloween parties.
