Layers of chocolate pudding, crushed Oreos topped with gummy worms make Dirt Cups a fun and delightful dessert. Perfect for kids’ parties, Halloween celebrations, or just a whimsical treat at home, these cups are easy to assemble and full of flavor. The combination of creamy pudding and crunchy cookies, along with the playful addition of gummy worms, sets this dessert apart.

Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- For the Pudding Mixture
- For the Topping
- How to Make Dirt Cups
- Step 1: Prepare the Pudding
- Step 2: Thicken the Mixture
- Step 3: Fold in Whipped Topping
- Step 4: Spoon into Cups
- Step 5: Add Crushed Oreos
- Step 6: Top with Gummy Worms
- Step 7: Chill Before Serving
- How to Serve Dirt Cups
- Individual Servings
- Themed Decorations
- How to Perfect Dirt Cups
- Best Side Dishes for Dirt Cups
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing Dirt Cups
- Reheating Dirt Cups
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What are Dirt Cups?
- Can I customize my Dirt Cups?
- How long do Dirt Cups last?
- Can I make Dirt Cups ahead of time?
- Are there any alternatives to gummy worms?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up this dessert in no time. It’s perfect for those last-minute gatherings.
- Kid-Friendly Fun: Kids love getting involved in making these dirt cups. They can help crush the Oreos and place the gummy worms!
- Versatile Dessert: You can customize your Dirt Cups for any occasion by using different themed candies or toppings.
- Decadent Flavor: The rich chocolate pudding paired with crunchy Oreos creates a delightful texture that everyone will enjoy.
- Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party or a casual family dinner, these cups are sure to impress.
Tools and Preparation
To create these delightful Dirt Cups, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment makes preparation easier and more efficient.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- A medium mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Serving glasses or cups
- Spoon
- Measuring cups
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing Bowl: A medium mixing bowl helps combine ingredients thoroughly without spilling.
- Whisk: This tool ensures that the pudding mix is well combined with milk, preventing clumps.
- Serving Glasses or Cups: These add a fun presentation element and allow you to layer your ingredients beautifully.
Ingredients
Layers of chocolate pudding, crushed Oreos topped with gummy worms!
For the Pudding Mixture
- 3.4 ounces box instant chocolate pudding mix
- 2 cups milk
- 8 ounces whipped topping (thawed)
For the Topping
- 10-12 Oreo cookies (crushed)
- 32 gummy worms

How to Make Dirt Cups
Step 1: Prepare the Pudding
In a medium bowl, add cold milk and sprinkle pudding over top. Whisk until well combined.
Step 2: Thicken the Mixture
Let sit for about 5 minutes to thicken.
Step 3: Fold in Whipped Topping
Gently fold in the whipped topping until it’s well mixed with the pudding.
Step 4: Spoon into Cups
Spoon the pudding mixture into serving glasses or cups evenly.
Step 5: Add Crushed Oreos
Sprinkle crushed Oreo cookies on top of the pudding in each cup.
Step 6: Top with Gummy Worms
Add 4 gummy worms on top of each cup for a playful finish.
Step 7: Chill Before Serving
Chill the dirt cups in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve them. Enjoy!
How to Serve Dirt Cups
Dirt Cups are a fun and creative dessert that can be served in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a party or just treating yourself, these delightful cups can be customized to suit any occasion.
Individual Servings
- In Clear Cups: Using transparent cups lets guests see the layers of chocolate pudding and crushed Oreos, enhancing the visual appeal.
- Mason Jars: For a rustic look, serve Dirt Cups in mason jars. They are perfect for outdoor gatherings and keep the dessert fresh.
- Party Bowls: Create a large serving bowl filled with Dirt Cups to allow guests to serve themselves. This is great for casual events.
Themed Decorations
- Halloween Theme: Add spooky decorations like edible eyes or candy spiders on top for Halloween parties.
- Birthday Parties: Customize your Dirt Cups by adding colorful sprinkles or themed toppers to match the birthday celebration.
- Movie Night: Pair your servings with popcorn and candy to create a full movie night snack experience.
How to Perfect Dirt Cups
To ensure your Dirt Cups turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.
- Chill Before Serving: Allowing the cups to chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour enhances the flavors and improves texture.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh whipped topping and quality Oreo cookies for the best taste and texture.
- Layer Wisely: Make distinct layers of pudding, Oreos, and gummy worms for an appealing presentation.
- Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to add different toppings like mini chocolate chips or fruit to give your Dirt Cups a unique twist.

Best Side Dishes for Dirt Cups
Pairing side dishes with your Dirt Cups can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options that complement this fun treat.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances the sweetness of Dirt Cups.
- Chocolate Chip Cookies: These classic cookies provide an additional texture contrast while keeping things chocolaty.
- Ice Cream: Serve a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream on the side for an extra creamy indulgence.
- Veggie Platter: A crunchy assortment of fresh vegetables offers a savory contrast to the sweet dessert.
- Popcorn: Classic buttered or caramel popcorn makes for a fun snack alongside your sweet treat.
- Mini Cupcakes: These delightful bites can be themed to match your event, adding another layer of fun to your dessert table.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Creating Dirt Cups can be fun, but some common mistakes can ruin the experience. Here are a few pitfalls to watch out for:
- Skipping the Thicken Time: Allowing the pudding to thicken for 5 minutes is crucial. Skipping this step can lead to a runny mixture that won’t hold its shape.
- Not Crushing Oreos Properly: Make sure your Oreo cookies are crushed finely. Large chunks can disrupt the layers and texture of your Dirt Cups.
- Using Warm Milk: Always use cold milk when preparing the pudding mix. Warm milk can cause the pudding not to set properly, affecting the final result.
- Overmixing Whipped Topping: When folding in whipped topping, do it gently. Overmixing can deflate the lightness and creaminess essential for these dessert cups.
- Neglecting Chill Time: Don’t forget to chill your Dirt Cups before serving. This helps the flavors meld together and makes for a more enjoyable dessert.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Keep in the fridge to maintain freshness.
Freezing Dirt Cups
- It’s best not to freeze Dirt Cups, as they may lose texture and flavor once thawed.
- If you must freeze, place them in freezer-safe containers without toppings.
Reheating Dirt Cups
- Oven: Not recommended as it could melt the toppings.
- Microwave: Avoid heating as it alters the texture of pudding.
- Stovetop: Not suitable; enjoy chilled instead.

Frequently Asked Questions
What are Dirt Cups?
Dirt Cups are a fun dessert made from layers of chocolate pudding, crushed Oreos, and gummy worms. They are perfect for kids’ parties or any gathering where you want a playful treat!
Can I customize my Dirt Cups?
Yes! You can customize your Dirt Cups by adding different candies or using vanilla pudding instead of chocolate. Feel free to experiment with different toppings!
How long do Dirt Cups last?
Dirt Cups will last in the refrigerator for up to three days when stored properly in an airtight container.
Can I make Dirt Cups ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare them a day in advance. Just keep them covered in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
Are there any alternatives to gummy worms?
Definitely! You can use other gummy candies or even chocolate sprinkles if you prefer a different topping on your Dirt Cups.
Final Thoughts
Dirt Cups are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile! Their simple layers and fun presentation make them ideal for any occasion. Feel free to customize with your favorite ingredients or toppings to make this dessert truly yours. Try making them today; your friends and family will love it!
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Dirt Cups
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Dirt Cups are a whimsical dessert that brings joy to any gathering! With layers of rich chocolate pudding, crunchy crushed Oreos, and playful gummy worms on top, this delightful treat is not only fun to look at but also deliciously satisfying. Perfect for kids’ parties, Halloween celebrations, or just as a sweet surprise at home, Dirt Cups are incredibly simple to make.
Ingredients
- 3.4 ounces instant chocolate pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
- 8 ounces whipped topping (thawed)
- 10–12 Oreo cookies (crushed)
- 32 gummy worms
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, add cold milk and sprinkle the pudding mix over it. Whisk until fully combined.
- Allow the mixture to sit for about 5 minutes to thicken.
- Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping until well mixed.
- Spoon the pudding mixture into serving glasses evenly.
- Sprinkle crushed Oreo cookies on top of each cup.
- Add four gummy worms on top of each cup for decoration.
- Chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 23g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg