Print

Easy Spooky Graveyard Dirt Cups: Best Halloween Dessert

Easy Spooky Graveyard Dirt Cups - featured image

These Easy Spooky Graveyard Dirt Cups are a fun and delicious Halloween treat with layers of creamy cheesecake, chocolate pudding, and crushed cookie ‘dirt,’ topped with gummy worms and spooky decorations. They’re quick to make and perfect for parties.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 (3.9 ounce) box instant chocolate pudding mix
  • 2 cups cold whole milk
  • 1 (14.3 ounce) package chocolate sandwich cookies (like Oreos), about 20 cookies
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter (optional)
  • Gummy worms (2-3 per cup)
  • Halloween-themed sprinkles (optional)
  • Small tombstone decorations (optional)

Instructions

  1. Make the cream cheese layer: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed. Scrape down the sides of the bowl halfway through.
  2. Whip the cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture using a spatula. Set aside.
  3. Make the chocolate pudding: In another bowl, whisk together the instant pudding mix and cold milk for about 2 minutes until the mixture thickens. Let it sit for 5 minutes to fully thicken.
  4. Crush the cookies: Crush the chocolate sandwich cookies into fine crumbs with a few slightly larger pieces using a food processor or a zip-top bag and rolling pin. Stir in the melted butter if using. Set aside.
  5. Assemble the cups: Start with a layer of the cream cheese mixture (about 2 tablespoons) in each cup. Add a layer of chocolate pudding (about 2 tablespoons). Repeat until the cup is about three-quarters full.
  6. Add the dirt: Sprinkle a generous layer of cookie crumbs over the top of each cup, completely covering the pudding. Press down gently so the crumbs stick.
  7. Decorate spookily: Poke gummy worms into the dirt so they look like they’re crawling out. Add tombstone decorations and sprinkle with Halloween sprinkles if using.
  8. Chill and set: Refrigerate the cups for at least 2 hours before serving. Overnight is even better.

Notes

The cream cheese layer is the secret to a richer flavor. For best results, let the cups chill for at least 2 hours, or overnight. The cookie crumbs will soften over time; add them just before serving if you prefer a crunchier texture. Gummy worms can be added right before serving to keep them chewy.

Nutrition

Keywords: Halloween dessert, dirt cups, graveyard cups, chocolate pudding, cream cheese, gummy worms, easy dessert, no-bake