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These fun Dirt Cups can be made in only 10 minutes and takes only 5 ingredients! Layer creamy chocolate pudding, Oreo ‘soil,’ and gummy worms in a clear cup for the ultimate kid-approved (and adult-but-kid-at-heart) treat!
Some Treats Are Just Too Good to Outgrow
Dirt Cups were one of my very favorite snacks when I was growing up, and now I love making them for my own kiddos. They are the perfect little treat for after school, summer snacks, kid’s parties, or even just because. What’s not to love about “dirt” and worms in a cup? Even as an adult, I can’t help but smile as I dig in. Some treats never get old!
If you love these playful, no-bake layered treats, you might also enjoy our creamy Dirt Cake for serving a crowd, or our Mud Pie for a more “grown up” taste (less gummy worms and more pecans), or this decadent Triple Chocolate Trifle. And for another no-bake dessert that’s just as easy but with a peanut butter twist, try our No Bake Peanut Butter Pie.
🩷 Heidi
Key Ingredients
Chocolate pudding (prepared) – Instant pudding works best for this recipe. You can use chocolate or any chocolate variation (fudge, etc…).
Oreos – Gotta have the Oreos. The actual name brand. Other “chocolate sandwich cookies” I have tried are either grainy or the texture is just off. Spend a few pennies more and get the good stuff!
Cool Whip – You can also use whipped cream as well. Cool Whip makes the chocolate “mousse” layer light and airy and whipped cream will make it a little more dense. Make sure the Cool Whip is fully thawed. I like to put it in the fridge overnight and it makes it the perfect consistency.
Toppings – I almost always use gummy worms (what is is about gummy worms covered in pudding and Oreo crumbs that make them taste even better?) but I have seen really cute variations with chocolate covered strawberries that look like carrots. You can also use candy rocks, chocolate shavings, or green coconut “grass” for themed cups. Get creative! Leave us a comment below of your favorite toppings and variations, we want to hear your ideas!
How to Make Dirt Cups
- Crush Oreo cookies in a ziplock bag with a rolling pin or pulse in a food processor. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk pudding mix and cold milk for 5 minutes until thickened.
- Gently fold whipped topping into pudding until smooth.
- Add 1 spoonful of crushed Oreos to the bottom of each clear cup, then 2 spoonfuls of pudding.
- Repeat layers, ending with a topping of crushed Oreos and gummy worms.
- Place cups on a tray, refrigerate for at least 1 hour, then serve chilled.
Expert Tips
Chill before serving – Let the cups chill at least 1 hour so the flavors meld and the layers set nicely.
Make them ahead – Dirt Cups can be made up to 24 hours in advance; just add gummy worms right before serving so they stay fresh.
Switch up the toppings – Try candy rocks, chocolate shavings, jelly beans, or green coconut “grass” for themed cups. Dip strawberries in white chocolate tinted with orange food coloring for adorable little ‘carrots.’ There are so many cute possibilities here!
Serve in something fun – Mini flower pots (lined with plastic wrap), mason jars, or clear stemless glasses make them extra cute.
Make it gluten-free – Use gluten-free Oreos and check labels on pudding mix and gummy worms if serving to someone with allergies.
Frequently Asked Questions
They’ll stay fresh for about 2–3 days in the refrigerator. After that, the cookie crumbs may start to soften more than you’d like.
I definitely don’t recommend freezing. The chocolate mousse layer will change if frozen and thawed and the crushed cookies will soften and not be great.
Yes, homemade pudding works great. Just make sure it’s cooled before folding in the whipped topping.
More Easy Layered No Bake Desserts
Have you tried these Easy Dirt Cups? I’d love to hear what you think! Drop a comment below and let me know how you liked them and what variations you have tried. Don’t forget to take a pic and tag us on Instagram @favoritefamilyrecipes! 📸🪴
Dirt Cups
Ingredients
- 15 Oreo cookies
- 3.9 ounces instant chocolate pudding
- 2 cups milk, (2% works best)
- 8 ounce Whipped topping, thawed
- 15 gummy worms
Instructions
- Crush Oreo cookies in a sealed ziplock bag using a rolling pin or food processor. Set aside.
- In a large glass mixing bowl, combine instant chocolate pudding mix and cold milk with a whisk. Whisk for about 5 minutes until it starts to thicken.
- Fold whipped topping into chocolate pudding mixture until well combined.
- Assemble the dirt cups first with one spoonful of crushed Oreos in the bottom of the clear cup.
- Spoon two spoonfuls of chocolate pudding mix on top.
- Repeat last two steps again making layers of the crushed Oreos and pudding mixture.
- Final step will be crushed Oreos with gummy worms on the very top.
- For best results, place on a tray to help transport them to the refrigerator and allow them to chill for at least 1 hour. Remove from refrigerator when you are ready to serve.
Equipment
- 5 clear plastic cups (9 ounce)
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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