Quick and Easy Dirt Cups

As someone who’s been making no bake desserts during the hot Midwestern summers for over 20 years, I know finding easy and quick treat recipes that do not require any heat is a must when it’s hot outside. Our classic dirt cake cups recipe hits on so many levels. In addition to being a yummy treat, gummy worms in dirt are fun, they’re nostalgic, and they’re super easy to make. Our simple six step process and detailed step-by-step photos will help you assemble the best dirt cups to share with your family and friends.

Ingredients for Oreo Dirt Cups

● Chocolate Sandwich Cookies (ie – Oreo Cookies). These are a must for dirt cake because this is what becomes our “dirt”! 

● Milk of Choice (I use skim or 2% dairy milk). Milk is needed to make our pudding.

● Instant Chocolate Pudding Mix. Be sure to get instant pudding! This allows you to simply whisk the pudding mixture with cold milk to set up – no cooking needed. If you accidently got cook and serve pudding, follow the directions on the back of the box. It’ll just take a bit longer than our recipe notes. I’ve used regular chocolate, chocolate chocolate, and chocolate fudge varieties of instant pudding in these easy dessert cups and they all taste great!

● Frozen Whipped Topping (ie – Cool Whip), thawed. This adds volume, airiness, and sweetness to our pudding layer. Using pre-made whipped topping also keeps things easy and minimizes the steps needed to make our dessert.

● Gummy Worms. You can’t have a dirt and worms dessert without the gummy worms! For best results you’ll want a regular gummy worm (this isn’t the best use for the sugar-coated sour gummies). 

See recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.

How to Crush Oreos into “Dirt”

I like to use a food processor to crush my cookies for this recipe because it’s quick, easy, and makes uniform Oreo crumbs for my “dirt”. But if you don’t have this piece of kitchen equipment, no problem! Use the good old fashioned ziplock bag and rolling pin trick and smash them by hand. 

Can I Use Homemade Whipped Cream Instead of Cool Whip?

Yes, but you should only do this if you’re enjoying your treats the same day. Homemade whipped cream is a delicious choice for this recipe but tends to deflate easier than cool whip does. So if you’re planning to prep your pudding cups in advance, thawed cool whip is the way to go.

How to Make Pudding Dirt Cups

Step 1: Place 10, 9oz clear plastic cups on a cookie sheet (or in a 9×13 pan, or on a serving tray) and set aside.

Step 2: Crush the Oreos in a food processor (or by hand), and set aside.

Step 3: Add the cold milk and instant chocolate pudding to a medium mixing bowl and whisk until well combined.

Step 4: Allow the pudding to rest for about 5 minutes to thicken.

Step 5: Add the thawed whipped topping to the bowl with the chocolate pudding.

Step 6: Fold the whipped topping into the pudding until well combined.

Step 7: Add two spoonfuls of pudding into each cup.

Step 8: Place two spoonfuls of crushed cookie “dirt” on top of the pudding layer.

Step 9: Repeat with a second layer or pudding.

Step 10: Top with another layer of “dirt”.

Step 11: Add 3 (or more if desired!) gummy worms on top of each cup, then chill until ready to serve.

Dirt Cup Variations – Halloween, Easter, and More!

Halloween dirt cups are a fun twist on the classic. My favorite version of these are “graveyard dirt cups” that simply add in a Milano cookie with RIP written on it with chocolate frosting to each cup. Otherwise, these Oreo dirt cake cups are prepared and assembled the same way as noted in the recipe card.

Easter dirt cups are a cute option for spring! Instead of gummy worms, top your dessert cups with a Peeps marshmallow bunny, jelly beans, and pastel sprinkles. Take it to the next level by tossing some shredded coconut in a few drops of green food coloring to make Easter “grass” too!

How to Store Dirt Cups

Pudding dirt cups can be stored in an airtight container (or covered with plastic wrap) in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

What Size Cups for Dirt Cups?

9oz clear plastic cups are the standard size cups used for this dessert (this is the typical size you can find online and at party stores). But you can use a variety of sizes and cups or jars for this dessert. For a smaller sized treat (great for littler kiddos), 4oz mason jars or cups would be a great options too.

Can You Make Dirt Pudding Cups in Advance?

Yes! You can fully assemble individual dirt cake cups about 12 hours in advance for the best results. 

If you want to make them more than 12 hours in advance, you can make the pudding and crush the cookies, but store them separately (this helps to prevent the Oreo pieces from taking on too much moisture and getting soggy). If you’d like to get your cups prepped, I would recommend doing one layer of pudding (instead of doing two as noted on the recipe card and shown in the photos) and divide them between your cups and place them on a baking sheet for into a 9×13 in your fridge for easy handling. On the day the dessert is being served, top with the “dirt” and “worms”.

More No-Bake Oreo Dessert Recipes to Try

• Oreo Puppy Chow
• Oreo Fluff
• Oreo Balls