Dirt and Worms Cups

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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.

Dirt and worms pudding cups in clear pails with layers of creamy chocolate pudding and crushed oreo pieces.

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.

Ingredients for dirt and worms pudding - whipped topping, milk, chocolate pudding mix, chocolate sandwich cookies, cream cheese, and gummy worms.
  • 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. You can also use homemade stabilized whipped cream.
  • 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. 

Four image collage of in process recipe images: chocolate cookie crumbs, chocolate pudding mixture, oreo crumbs in base of cups, and finished cups with cookie "dirt" and gummy worms on top.
  1. Whisk together the pudding mixes with milk, then set aside.
  2. Beat the cream cheese until creamy. Mix in the pudding then fold in the whipped topping.
  3. Assemble by layering oreo crumbs and the pudding mixture in the cups. End with a layer of crumbs.
  4. 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.

Hand holding oreo dirt pudding with gummy worms in small clear plastic pail.

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.
Spoonful of dirt and worms pudding.

Recipe for dirt and worms FAQ

How far in advance can I prepare the worms in dirt dessert?

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.

Can I use a different type of pudding instead of chocolate?

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.

Can I use homemade pudding instead of store-bought?

Yes, you can use homemade pudding if you prefer. You will need 4 cups of chocolate pudding.

Can I substitute Cool Whip with homemade whipped cream?

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.

What can I use instead of cream cheese?

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

Recipe
Dirt and worms pudding cups in clear pails with layers of creamy chocolate pudding and crushed oreo pieces.
Recipe
5 from 1 vote

Dirt and Worms Pudding Cups

Author: Jaclyn
Prep: 20 minutes
Cook: 0 minutes
Chill Time 1 hour
Total: 1 hour 20 minutes
Dirt and worms dessert cups are a delicious, fun, no-bake desset made with layers of creamy chocolate pudding, oreo cookie crumbs, and gummy worms.

Equipment

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

A food processor is the easiest way to crush the cookies into fine crumbs. However, if you don’t have a food processer you can make crushed cookies by hand. Place the cookies in a large zip-top baggie and crush them with a rolling pin until the cookies are in small pieces.
To store, cover the individual cups with plastic wrap or place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Calories: 374kcal | Carbohydrates: 62g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 9mg | Sodium: 542mg | Potassium: 293mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 42g | Vitamin A: 105IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 183mg | Iron: 4mg
Dirt and worms pudding cups in clear pails with layers of creamy chocolate pudding and crushed oreo pieces.

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5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

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