An easy dirt and worms recipe made with chocolate pudding mix, Cool Whip, cream cheese, oreo cookies, and gummy worms. Whether you’re planning a family gathering, a kids’ birthday party, or simply want to treat your family to a smile-inducing dessert, these adorable dirt cups are the perfect choice.
Check out my Ghosts in the Graveyard Dessert, Dirt Brownies with Gummy Worms, and Zombie Pudding Cups for more fun (and a little bit creepy) dirt dessert ideas.
When I was a child I adored making dirt pudding cups with my mother. Now that I am a mom myself, I couldn’t wait to make the playful treats with my son.
What makes this worms and dirt recipe extra awesome is the fact that they require absolutely no baking. Yes, you heard that right! With just a handful of easily accessible ingredients, you’ll be on your way to enjoying the oreo dirt dessert in no time.
Why you will love this dirt pudding cups recipe:
- Made with simple ingredients.
- Playful, whimsical treat for kids.
- Easy no-bake recipe.
- Extra rich & creamy pudding thanks to the inclusion of cream cheese.
- Perfect ratio of pudding to Oreo crumbs.
- A perfect recipe for kids’ birthday parties or halloween parties.
Ingredients for Worms in Dirt Dessert
This section includes ingredient notes and substitution options. Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable recipe card at the end of this post.
- Chocolate Pudding Mix – 2 boxes of chocolate instant pudding mix.
- Cream Cheese – softened to room temperature so that it is easier to blend with the pudding.
- Whipped Topping – such a Cool Whip.
- Milk – I used 2% but whole milk is also a good option.
- Cookie crumbs – You will need to crush a 13.29 ounce package of chocolate cookies (about 33 cookies) to make the “dirt”. You can use oreo cookies or any other chocolate sandwich cookies.
- Gummy worms – I prefer the regular gummy worms for dirt pudding but you can use the sour ones if you would like.
How to make dirt pudding
This section shows you how to make the recipe with step-by-step photos and instructions. For the full printable recipe, see the recipe card below.
- Whisk together the pudding mixes with milk, then set aside.
- Beat the cream cheese until creamy. Mix in the pudding then fold in the whipped topping.
- Assemble by layering oreo crumbs and the pudding mixture in the cups. End with a layer of crumbs.
- Refrigerate for 1 hour (or until serving). Add 2 gummy worms to each cup just before serving.
Storage
Dirt and worms cups can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
I do not recommend freezing.
Recipe Tips
- Although a food processor is the quickest and easist way to make chocolate cookie crumbs, you can also crush the cookies by hand using a rolling pin and freezer baggie.
- You can use plastic pails for your oreo dirt cups like we did or use any other individual size serving cups. Just make sure that they are clear so you can see all the layers.
- I recommended waiting to add the gummy worms until just prior to serving. Otherwise, gummy candy tends to become rather hard when stored in the refrigerator.
Recipe for dirt and worms FAQ
Oreo dirt pudding with gummy worms can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. However, it’s best to add the crushed Oreo cookie topping and gummy worms just before serving to maintain their texture and visual appeal.
Absolutely! While chocolate pudding adds a rich and decadent flavor, you can experiment with other flavors like vanilla, white chocolate, butterscotch, or even strawberry to suit your taste preferences.
Yes, you can use homemade pudding if you prefer. You will need 4 cups of chocolate pudding.
Yes, you can substitute Cool Whip with homemade whipped cream if you prefer. Keep in mind that whipped cream isn’t stabilized like whipped toppings such as Cool Whip so it won’t keep as long. I would recommend enjoying them within a few hours of making them if you decide to use whipped cream in this recipe for dirt and worms.
You can just go ahead and skip the cream cheese if you’d prefer. Just fold the cool whip into the pudding and you are good to go. However, the recipe would yield a few less cups.
Enjoy the journey down memory lane with this delightful and fun dessert. I hope that the classic dessert is as much of a big hit in your house as they are in ours!
More fun desserts for kids
- Candied Grapes – only 2 ingredients!
- M&M Cookie Pizza
- Cookie Monster Cookies
- Mason Jar Ice Cream – one of our favorites!
- Rainbow Popsicles
- Pretzel Flowers
Dirt and Worms Pudding Cups
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Print Pin Save RateEquipment
- 12 (8 ounce) clear buckets or cups
Ingredients
- 2 (3.9 ounce) boxes instant chocolate pudding mix
- 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 4 cups milk
- 1 (8 ounce) container whipped topping, thawed
- 1 (13.29 ounce) package Oreo cookies, crushed
- 24 gummy worms
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, whisk the instant pudding mix with the milk until the mixture begins to thicken, about 2-3 minutes. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the cream cheese until creamy. Add the pudding mixture and beat on low speed until combined. Fold in the Cool Whip.
- Place some oreo cookie crumbs in the bottom of each bucket (or cup).
- Top with a layer of pudding cream cheese mixture.
- Repeat the layers and finish with a final layer of oreo crumbs on top of the pudding.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until serving.
- Add a few gummy worms to the top of each cup just before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
The nutritional information provided is automatically calculated by a third party and intended to serve as an estimate only. The accuracy of nutritional information is not guaranteed.
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