Dirt cups with gummy worms are a fun and yummy dessert! They are made with chocolate pudding, crushed cookies, and topped with chewy gummy worms. Kids (and adults!) love these!
Honestly, who can resist digging into a cup that looks like dirt? It’s a great way to get creative and enjoy a sweet treat. I love to make these for parties or just a fun snack at home!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chocolate Pudding Mix: Instant chocolate pudding is perfect for this recipe due to its ease. If you prefer, you can use vanilla pudding for a twist or even make homemade pudding if you have the time!
Oreo Cookies: Oreos give that classic chocolate taste and texture. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try using chocolate graham crackers or gluten-free cookies. It’ll keep the fun without sacrificing flavor.
Hot Fudge Sauce: This really enhances the dirt look and adds a nice gooey element. You can swap it with chocolate syrup if needed. For a less sweet option, homemade chocolate sauce works well too!
Gummy Worms: You’ll typically find gummy worms at any store. If you’re aiming for a healthier treat, try using fruit or yogurt-covered snacks for a similar visual effect.
How Do I Layer the Cups for Best Results?
Layering the cups is crucial for both presentation and taste. Start with a base of crushed Oreos for a nice “dirt” texture. When adding pudding, leave some space at the top for more crumbs which enhances the “dirt” look.
- Spoon a generous layer of crushed Oreos at the bottom of each cup.
- Add chocolate pudding, ensuring it covers the Oreos completely for the next layer of flavors to blend well.
- Drizzle hot fudge or chocolate syrup on top to mimic moisture in the dirt!
- Repeat layers, finishing with crushed Oreos so it looks like dirt and place your gummy worms sticking out for fun.
Remember to chill the cups before serving. This allows flavors to meld and makes for a refreshing dessert experience!
How to Make Dirt Cups with Gummy Worms
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pudding Layers:
- 2 packages (3.9 oz each) instant chocolate pudding mix
- 3 cups cold milk
For the Cookie Layers:
- 20 Oreo cookies (or other chocolate sandwich cookies)
- 1 cup vanilla wafer cookies, crushed (optional for extra texture)
For the Fudge Layer:
- 1 cup hot fudge sauce or chocolate syrup
For the Gummy Worms:
- Gummy worms (about 1-2 per cup)
- Mini Oreo cookies or additional Oreos for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dessert can be whipped up in about 20 minutes, and then you’ll want to pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to chill and set. So, in total, you’re looking at roughly 50 minutes before serving these fun cups!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pudding:
In a large bowl, whisk together the instant chocolate pudding mix and cold milk. Mix well for about 2 minutes until the pudding thickens nicely. Then, set it aside in the fridge for about 5 minutes to let it firm up.
2. Crush the Cookies:
Take your Oreo cookies and place them in a zip-top bag. Use a rolling pin to crush them into fine crumbs. If you decided to use vanilla wafers, crush them separately into small pieces for added texture.
3. Layer the Dirt Cups:
To start layering, spoon a layer of your crushed Oreos into the bottom of each clear cup or small glass. Add a layer of chocolate pudding on top of the cookies. Then, drizzle some hot fudge or chocolate syrup to add that gooey element. If you are using crushed vanilla wafer pieces, sprinkle some on top for additional crunch.
4. Repeat the Layers:
Now, let’s build it up! Repeat the same layering process with another layer of crushed Oreos, followed by pudding, and a bit of hot fudge to fill the cups to the top.
5. Top it Off:
Finish your delightful cups with a generous layer of crushed Oreos to replicate that dirt look on top. The more, the merrier!
6. Decorate with Gummy Worms:
Add the fun part! Decorate each cup with 1-2 gummy worms, sticking some partially “buried” in the pudding to create the effect of worms popping out of the dirt. It’s all about that fun look!
7. Optional Garnish:
If you want to make it even cuter, add a mini Oreo cookie on top as a decorative “stone.” Smart and fun!
8. Chill the Cups:
Cover the cups with plastic wrap and chill them in your refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors blend and lets the pudding set.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Time to serve! Scoop out a bit of “dirt” and dig into these fun, chocolatey treats. Enjoy the delightful mix of creamy pudding, crunchy cookie crumbs, and chewy gummy worms!
This recipe makes about 8-10 cups, which is perfect for parties, playdates, or just a fun family snack. Enjoy the laughs and smiles that come with digging into these delicious dirt cups!
Can I Use Homemade Pudding Instead of Instant?
Absolutely! Homemade pudding can add an extra level of richness and flavor. Just make sure to let it cool completely before layering it into the cups to prevent it from melting the cookie layers.
How Can I Make These Gluten-Free?
To make dirt cups gluten-free, simply substitute regular Oreo cookies with gluten-free sandwich cookies. Ensure that any other ingredients, like pudding mix and hot fudge sauce, are also gluten-free.
Can I Prepare These Cups in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the dirt cups a day in advance. Just keep them covered in the refrigerator. They’ll actually taste even better after chilling, as the flavors will meld together nicely.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Keep the gummy worms added right before serving for freshness to avoid them getting too gooey!
