Worms in Dirt Dessert

If you’re looking for a fun and easy dessert recipe that is great for kids of all ages, this Worms and Dirt recipe is perfect! It’s a blast around Halloween because it has a creepy vibe, bit it’s also fun any time of the year!

I originally made this recipe using the Disney movie Frankenweenie as inspiration. It was a fun treat to enjoy while watching the movie together!

But the combo of pudding, crushed Oreos, and gummy worms are always a hit. You can make this recipe for parties, last-minute entertaining, or just for a sweet treat after dinner.

We originally made this recipe for worms and dirt in October 2012. The recipe was recreated and new photos were added in July 2024.

Worms and Dirt Dessert

I typically make this as a Halloween dessert, but I love that it’s such an easy recipe that can also be tweaked to make different versions for any occasion!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make – This recipe is so simple to make. Older kids can even make it on their own. Younger kids can do with it adult supervision.
• Make it your own – You can use the basic recipe and swap out ingredients to make your own favorite flavor combinations! I share somefun ideas at the bottom of this post if you’re looking for inspiration.
• Low cost – This is also a low cost recipe. All of the ingredients are easy to find which makes it a great option for pretty much any time!
• No bake dessert – This is a great recipe to make with kids because it doesn’t require any heat!

Ingredients

As I mentioned before, the ingredients are all easy to find. You’ll need the following to make this recipe:

• Instant Chocolate Pudding Mix
• Milk
• Whipped Topping (like Cool Whip)
• Chocolate sandwich cookies (like Oreos)
• Gummy worms
• Clear plastic cups (9 ounce size)

The exact measurements for each ingredient is in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

You can use name brand ingredients like Cool Whip or Oreos or you can swap them for store brands to save a bit more money. They will all work well.

Equipment

You will also need a few things from the kitchen to prep this recipe:

• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups
• Whisk
• Gallon plastic bag
• Rolling pin (canned vegetables work too)
• Silicone spatula

Dirt Pudding Cups Recipe

This is a quick recipe to make. From start to enjoying, the total time required is about 10 minutes. You can also make these ahead of time and eat them when you’re ready.

Variations

You can also make this dessert as a larger trifle dessert using a larger serving dish. You would layer the cookie crumbs then pudding mixture like you do in smaller cups. Then top with more crumbs and worms! You can also do thinner layers and do multiple layers of pudding and cookies until you get to the top.

If you want this to really be a very Halloween worms in dirt treat, you can add orange, purple, and green sprinkles. You can also make it with candy eyeballs or even gummy spiders!

Toppings

You can change up the look of your dirt cups by using differeny toppings

• Mini Marshmallows can look like tiny stones or bugs.
• Chocolate Rocks add a realistic look to your dirt.
• Candied Fruit can be used to add pops of color and extra flavor.

Serving Containers

If you want to make dirt and worms for different occasions, changing out the serving dishes you use is an easy variation! Here are some fun ideas:

• Mini flower pot – Use little flower pots and a small plastic flower for a garden theme. Just be sure that the pots are food-safe or use something to line them.
• Sand buckets – Mini buckets are perfect for a beach them dessert. To make the cookies more like the beach, you can use vanilla pudding and vanilla sandwich cookies (or graham crackers). Use ocean themed gummies to add to the theme!
• Small Mason jars or vintage jars – Small jars can give the dessert a more adult feel. Jars work great if you want a rustic vibe or you want to use a reusable container. If they have lids, they’re also great for if you need to transport your pudding cups.

Place in refrigerator to chill until ready to eat!

Flavor Variations

The combination of chocolate pudding, Oreos, and gummy worms is the traditional dirt pudding flavor combo, but you can get creative with this recipe. It’s so easy to change up. Try some of these flavor combinations:

Peanut Butter Cup

• Crushed Nutter Butter cookies
• Chocolate pudding
• Peanut butter drizzle
• Mini Reese’s Pieces

S’mores

• Crushed graham crackers
• Chocolate pudding
• Mini marshmallows
• Chocolate chips

Mint Chocolate Chip

• Crushed mint Oreos
• Mint chocolate pudding
• Mint chocolate chips
• Mint leaves for garnish (if desired)

Mixed Berries

• Crushed vanilla wafers
• Vanilla pudding
• Mixed berries
• Whipped cream

Pineapple Coconut

• Crushed coconut cookies
• Coconut-flavored pudding
• Pineapple chunks
• Shredded coconut

Banana Cream

• Crushed vanilla wafers
• Banana pudding
• Banana slices
• Whipped cream

Birthday Cake

• Crushed vanilla cookies
• Funfetti pudding
• Rainbow sprinkles
• Mini marshmallows

Pumpkin Spice

• Crushed ginger snaps
• Pumpkin pudding
• Cinnamon sprinkle
• Whipped cream

More Easy Dessert Recipes

If you’re looking for more easy desserts to make, try some of these recipes:

• Banana Pudding Brownies
• S’mores Dip
• Chocolate Cool Whip Cookies

Worms and Dirt Recipe

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Print Pin Rate

Total Time: 10 minutes minutes

Servings: 8

Equipment

• Mixing Bowl
• Measuring Cups
• Whisk
• Gallon plastic bag
• Rolling Pin
• Silicone Spatula

Ingredients

• 1 3.4oz package instant chocolate pudding mix
• 2 cups cold milk
• 8 oz container of Cool Whip
• 1 16oz package Oreos
• 1 bag Gummy Worms
• 8 Clear plastic cups 9 oz size

Instructions

• In a large bowl, combine instant pudding and milk. Whisk for 2 minutes. Allow to set in fridge for 5 minutes so it can set a bit.
• Put Oreo cookies in a large plastic bag and crush with a rolling pin. (A can of corn works well too!)
• When pudding is set, add the Cool Whip and half of the crushed cookies. Stir until the mixture is all the same color.
• Put 1 Tablespoon of remaining crushed cookies in each of the small plastic cups.
• Fill each cup 3/4 of the way with the pudding mixture.
• Top each cup with remaining cookies and gummy worms. Place in refrigerator to chill until ready to eat!

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