Description
Oreo Graveyard Halloween Dirt Cups bring spooky fun! Layer crushed Oreos, creamy pudding, and gummy worms for an easy, chilling treat. Perfect for parties!
Ingredients
Scale
- Dirt & Base:
- 1 (14.3 oz) package Oreo Cookies, crushed
- 3 cups cold Whole Milk
- 2 (3.9 oz) packages Instant Chocolate Pudding Mix
- 1 (8 oz) container Whipped Topping, thawed
- Flavor & Creaminess:
- 1 (8 oz) package Cream Cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) Unsalted Butter, melted
- 1 cup Powdered Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- Graveyard Decorations:
- 1 (5 oz) package Gummy Worms
- 8–10 Milano Cookies or Pirouette Cookies (for tombstones)
- Halloween Candy (candy corn, candy pumpkins), optional
- Optional Spooky Touches:
- Green Food Coloring (for mossy grass)
Instructions
- Crush the ‘Dirt’: First things first, let’s get that ‘dirt’ ready for your Oreo Graveyard Halloween Dirt Cups! Grab those Oreos and either pop them in a food processor for a fine crumb or, my personal favorite, put them in a zip-top bag and smash them with a rolling pin. Honestly, this is where the kids usually jump in, making a joyful, crumbly mess. I always leave a few bigger chunks; it gives the ‘dirt’ a more authentic, rustic feel, you know? You’ll smell that familiar chocolatey goodness filling the air, a sign of good things to come!
- Whip Up the Cream Cheese Base: Now for the creamy, dreamy base. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the melted butter and powdered sugar until it’s super smooth and fluffy. This is where I almost always forget to soften the cream cheese, and then I’m frantically microwaving it in short bursts, trying not to melt it completely. Don’t be like me! Softened cream cheese is key for no lumps. You want it light and airy, almost cloud-like; it makes such a difference in the final texture.
- Mix the Pudding Magic: In a separate bowl, whisk together the instant chocolate pudding mix with the cold milk. Whisk it well, for about 2 minutes, until it starts to thicken. This is your arm workout for the day, haha! I used to under-whisk and end up with runny pudding, which is just sad. Once it’s thick, gently fold in the cream cheese mixture and then the whipped topping. Be gentle here; you want to keep that fluffiness. It’ll smell sweet and chocolaty, making your kitchen smell like a dessert wonderland.
- Layering Your Graveyard: Time to assemble your Oreo Graveyard Halloween Dirt Cups! Grab your clear cups – they really show off those layers. Start with a layer of crushed Oreos at the bottom, then a generous dollop of your creamy pudding mixture. Repeat, creating layers of ‘dirt’ and ‘mud.’ I always try to make my layers somewhat even, but honestly, a little wonkiness just adds to the charm. This is where I sometimes get a bit messy, dropping crumbs outside the cup, but hey, that’s part of the fun!
- Adding the Creepy Crawlies: Now for the fun part: the gummy worms! Stick them into the pudding layers, letting some peek out of the ‘dirt’ like they’re just emerging from the ground. Don’t be shy; load ’em up! I love seeing the kids’ faces when they discover a worm peeking out. You can even snip some worms in half to make them look like they’re burrowing. It’s all about that spooky, playful vibe.
- Decorate Your Graveyard: Finally, the finishing touches for your Oreo Graveyard Halloween Dirt Cups. Take your Milano cookies and use a food-safe marker to write ‘RIP’ or spooky names on them for tombstones. Gently press them into the top layer of ‘dirt.’ Add candy pumpkins or corn around the tombstones. If you’re feeling extra fancy, mix a tiny bit of green food coloring into some whipped topping for ‘moss’ around the tombstones. Chill these beauties for at least an hour before serving; it lets all those flavors meld and sets everything nicely. They’ll look perfectly spooky and taste even better!