Oreo Dirt Cups are a fun, quick-to-make dessert with layers of creamy chocolate pudding, crushed Oreo crumbs, and gummy worms for a playful twist. Perfect for parties or a sweet treat, they’re as fun to assemble as they are to enjoy! With just a few ingredients, these no-bake cups are ready in minutes.
What are Dirt Cups?
Dirt cake cups are a fun, single-serve twist on classic Oreo dirt cake recipe. Instead of a baking dish, like my Dirt Pie or my Oreo Dirt Cake, they’re layered in clear cups with creamy pudding and crushed Oreos for a dirt-like look in individual dirt cake cups. Topped with gummy worms and candy flowers, these no-bake treats are easy to hold and perfect for birthday parties, bringing nostalgic charm to kids and adults alike.
Ingredients for Dirt Cake Cups
- Butter
- Oreo pudding: You can use instant vanilla pudding or instant chocolate pudding mix instead of Oreo pudding if you prefer. Or use a different pudding flavor for each layer to give it a unique look and taste.
- Milk: For the creamiest results, use 2% milk or whole milk for this dirt cake cup recipe.
- Cream cheese: For the best flavor and texture, opt for full-fat cream cheese. Make sure it’s softened to prevent lumps in the mixture.
- Cool Whip: I personally like prepared whipped toppings like Cool Whip because they are more stable and keep well in the fridge. However, you can use a Homemade Whipped Cream (Stabilized Recipe) by whipping powdered sugar with heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form.
- Oreo cookies: You can substitute generic chocolate sandwich cookies for the Oreo brand. Feel free to use a gluten-free chocolate sandwich cookie to create your cookie crumbs.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
How to Make Dirt Cups (Step-by-Step Guide)
- Crush The Cookies: Pulse the cookies until they are all crushed.
- Make the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a large bowl, use a hand mixer (or a stand mixer) on medium speed to cream together the butter and cream cheese. Set aside.
- Prepare The Pudding: In a medium size mixing bowl, whisk together the cold milk and the pudding mix.
- Make the Pudding Mixture: Use a hand mixer to combine the cream cheese mixture with the pudding until smooth. Fold in the Cool Whip.
- Assemble: Add crushed Oreos into the bottom of each of the clear plastic cups. Top with Oreo pudding and repeat the layers until the cups are full, ending with cookies as the top layer.
- Decorate The Dirt Cups: Garnish with gummy worms and royal icing flowers (optional). Serve cold and enjoy!
Dirt Pudding Cups Variations
Customize dirt cups for any occasion with easy topping and layer swaps. Make them in cups, a pan, or a trifle dish!
- Beach Sand Cups: Swap Oreos for golden Oreos and graham crackers. Top with Teddy Grahams, Swedish Fish, or mini umbrellas.
- Halloween Dirt Cups: Add candy eyeballs, skeletons, or spiders. Finish with marshmallow ghosts or candy pumpkins.
- Easter Dirt Cups: Brighten with pastel M&M’s, jelly beans, or mini eggs. Top with Peeps or chocolate bunnies.
- Graveyard Dirt Cups & Garden Cups: Create a spooky graveyard with candy tombstones, or serve in mini flower pots with artificial flowers.
Tips
- Crush Cookies: Use a blender, food processor, or rolling pin—keep the filling in!
- Clean Layers: Spoon or pipe pudding for a neat look.
- Easy Transport: Place cups on a tray for fridge trips.
- Chill Time: Set for 2-3 hours or overnight.
Storing and Serving
Storing Dirt Cups: Keep dirt cups fresh by covering them with plastic wrap or storing them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay good for up to 3 days, but the cookie crumbs may soften over time.
Make-Ahead Tips: For the best texture, assemble dirt cups up to 24 hours in advance. If making them earlier, store the pudding and crushed Oreos separately and layer them just before serving to keep the cookies crisp.
Serving Ideas: For parties, serve dirt cups in clear plastic cups, mini flower pots, or even mason jars. Add themed toppings to match the occasion, and include small spoons for easy eating.
More Fun Party Desserts
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Dirt Cups
Ingredients
- ¼ cup butter softened
- 4.2 ounce Oreo pudding
- 2 cups milk
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1½ cups cool whip
- 30 Oreo cookies
- Gummy worms, royal icing flowers optional
Instructions
- Using a food processor, pulse cookies until all are crushed. (no food processor, place cookies in a plastic bag. Once the bag is sealed using a rolling pin to crush the cookies).
- In a large mixing bowl, using a hand mixer on medium speed, cream together butter and cream cheese. Set aside.
- In a medium size mixing bowl, whisk milk and the pudding mix, until combined.
- Combine cream cheese with Oreo pudding with a hand mixer until smooth.
- Gently fold in Cool Whip into the pudding mixture.
- Place 1 Tablespoon of crushed Oreos into each cup. Add ¼ cup of Oreo pudding on top of the crushed cookies. Repeat layers until the cups are full, ending with cookies as the top layer.
- Garnish with Gummy worms and royal icing flowers, if desired.
Jenn’s Notes
- To Store: These dirt cake cups can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days. Any longer and they will start to get soggy.
- Make sure your butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature so they’re easy to combine.
- I like to use a full fat whipped topping and 2% milk or whole milk for this recipe for the creamiest results.
