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Easy Halloween Dirt Cups with Gummy Worms

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These crowd-pleasing Halloween dirt cups are a fun and easy dessert featuring creamy homemade chocolate pudding, crunchy cookie ‘dirt,’ and playful gummy worms. Perfect for parties, they come together quickly and are sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (60g) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/4 cup (30g) cornstarch
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 4 cups (960ml) whole milk
  • 2 large egg yolks
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (optional)
  • 1 (14.3 oz / 405g) package chocolate sandwich cookies (like Oreos), crushed into fine crumbs (about 2 cups)
  • 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
  • 1 (8 oz / 227g) container frozen whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed, or 1 1/2 cups homemade whipped cream
  • 1 package (about 20–25) gummy worms
  • Optional: small plastic spiders or gummy bugs for decoration

Instructions

  1. Make the Pudding Base: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the sugar, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt until no lumps remain.
  2. Add the Milk: Gradually whisk in the whole milk, starting with a small amount to make a smooth paste, then adding the rest. Whisk until completely smooth.
  3. Temper the Egg Yolks: In a small bowl, lightly beat the egg yolks. Slowly drizzle about 1/2 cup of the warm milk mixture into the yolks while whisking constantly.
  4. Cook the Pudding: Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, for 5-7 minutes until thickened and coats the back of a spoon.
  5. Finish the Pudding: Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla extract and butter (if using) until melted and shiny.
  6. Chill the Pudding: Pour into a large bowl, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until completely cold.
  7. Make the ‘Dirt’: While pudding chills, crush chocolate sandwich cookies into fine crumbs using a food processor or Ziploc bag. Stir in melted butter until mixture looks like damp soil.
  8. Assemble the Cups: Once pudding is cold, stir to loosen. Transfer to a piping bag or Ziploc bag with corner snipped off for neat layers.
  9. Layer It Up: Place about 2 tablespoons of cookie crumbs at the bottom of each cup. Pipe or spoon a layer of pudding on top, filling halfway. Add another thin layer of crumbs, then more pudding, leaving 1/2 inch space at the top.
  10. Add the ‘Grass’ and Worms: Top each cup with a generous dollop of whipped topping. Sprinkle a thick layer of remaining cookie ‘dirt’ over the whipped cream. Poke 2-3 gummy worms into each cup so they look like they are crawling out.
  11. Final Chill: Refrigerate assembled cups for at least 30 minutes before serving. Serve cold.

Notes

For best texture, use whole milk. Do not skip tempering the egg yolks to avoid scrambled eggs. Whisk constantly while cooking pudding to prevent scorching. Chill pudding completely before assembling to keep ‘dirt’ crunchy. Can be made ahead: prepare pudding and ‘dirt’ up to 3 days in advance; assemble no more than 24 hours before serving for best texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: Halloween dirt cups, gummy worms, chocolate pudding, easy Halloween dessert, dirt dessert, spooky treats, kid-friendly Halloween

Find it online: https://elaraeats.com/easy-halloween-dirt-cups-with-gummy-worms/