Halloween Dirt Pudding Cups Recipe

Name: Halloween Dirt Pudding Cups Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 4 very ripe avocados; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 cup maple syrup ((or more to taste)); 1/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons unsweetened almond milk; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 12 tablespoons oreo cookie crumbs; Gummy worms and/or candy pumpkins

This Halloween dirt cups recipe is made with simple ingredients for a better-for-you treat perfect for Halloween parties, movie nights, and more! Each Halloween pudding cup is topped with Oreo crumbs and gummy worms for an easy dessert that can be made in less than 15 minutes! {Dairy-free & gluten-free-friendly}

Assembled Halloween dirt cups topped with gummy worms and candy pumpkins.

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Halloween Dirt Pudding – So Fun & Easy!

If you grew up eating dirt pudding, sometimes referred to as dirt and worms, you’re going to love this Halloween dirt cups recipe!

Inspired by the classic treat, this version is made with avocados, unsweetened cocoa powder, and dairy-free milk for a healthier option that’s loaded with healthy fats, while also being dairy-free and allergy-friendly.

Piled into cups and loaded with Oreo crumbs and gummy worms, there’s absolutely no baking required, meaning this dessert is super quick to whip up.

As an added bonus, because it’s so simple, you can get the kids involved by getting them to add layers of pudding, cookie crumbs and their favourite toppings in their own individual cups.

Whether you make these Halloween pudding desserts for your next Halloween party table, movie night treats, or a quick snack, you really can’t go wrong. They make such for such fun treats!

For more light and creamy desserts, try out these 3-Ingredient No-Bake Cheesecake Cups and Healthy Avocado Chocolate Pudding!

Overhead image of a Halloween dirt pudding cup topped with Oreo crumbs, gummy worms, and a plastic spider.

Why We Love These Halloween Pudding Cups

Quick: This is quite possibly the easiest dessert you’ll ever make! With no baking required, all you have to do is blend the ingredients for the creamy chocolate pudding and layer them in cups.

Lightened-up: Unlike traditional dirt pudding cups that are often made with instant chocolate pudding, lots of sugar, and cool whip, the base of these healthy dirt cups is made with whole food ingredients. As a result, they’re lower in sugar and full of nutrients!

Customizable: It’s super easy to customize these dessert cups with your favourite toppings and mix-ins. Include different decorations to create pumpkin patch dirt cups, spooky halloween graveyard dirt cups, and more!

Ingredient Notes

4 avocados, unsweetened cocoa powder, vanilla extract, candy pieces, maple syrup, almond milk, and vanilla extract for halloween dirt pudding cups.

Avocados: Perfect for creating a rich pudding-like texture, avocados are super nutritious and loaded with potassium, healthy fats and fibre. For these Halloween dirt pudding cups, it’s best to use ripe avocados that are soft for easy blending.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: Used to create an indulgent chocolate taste while incorporating plenty of antioxidants. For an even more decadent pudding mixture, use raw cacao powder instead!
Maple syrup: Added to sweeten the pudding filling without the need for refined sugar. Use 100% pure maple syrup, or sub in sugar-free maple syrup if you prefer a lower sugar and lower carb option.
Unsweetened almond milk: If you don’t follow a dairy-free diet, regular milk can be used as well. Or, incorporate any plant-based milk you prefer such as soy, rice, or coconut milk.
Vanilla extract: This helps enhance the rest of the ingredients. If you can, use 100% pure vanilla extract. It makes a world of difference in the flavour.
Oreo cookie crumbs: I used crushed Oreo baking crumbs, but you could smash up whole Oreos into fine crumbs to create the “dirt” instead. If you want to experiment, try incorporating fun flavoured Oreos!
Candy: Gummy worms and candy pumpkins make for a fun and festive topping. Feel free to switch it up and use a different topping or theme.

How to Make Fun Halloween Dirt Cups – Step by Step Instructions

Step 1 – Prepare the Homemade Pudding Mixture

Overhead image of blended avocados in a food processor.

Overhead image of healthy chocolate pudding in a food processor for Halloween dirt pudding cups.

Place the avocados in a food processor and blend on high until the avocado is broken down and mostly smooth.
Add the remaining ingredients, and continue to blend on high, scraping down the sides of the food processor with a spatula, until the pudding mixture is smooth and creamy.
Taste and adjust according to personal preference.

Step 2 – Layer the Dirt Pudding Cups

A spoonful of chocolate avocado pudding on a spoon.

6 Halloween dirt pudding cups layered with healthy chocolate pudding and Oreo crumbs.

Place 2 heaping tablespoons of the chocolate pudding mix into the bottom of each cup.
Top the pudding layer with 1 tablespoon oreo cookie crumbs to form the “dirt.” Equally, divide the remaining pudding among each of the 6 cups and top each cup with 1 more tablespoon of oreo cookie crumbs.
Decorate with a few gummy worms and/or candy pumpkins, if desired.

Keep scrolling to the recipe card below for the full printable recipe!

Recipe Tips:

For the Halloween pudding, use avocados that are very ripe as they will have a creamier consistency and will break down more easily to form a smooth pudding. If the avocados aren’t ripe enough, they may be too firm and harder break down, which may result in chunks throughout the pudding.

Make sure that you blend the pudding really well to avoid any chunks of avocado being present. I also recommend stirring the pudding a few times throughout the blending process to make sure all of the ingredients are fully incorporated.

You can add more maple syrup if you’d like your pudding to be sweeter or more cacao powder if you want it to be richer in flavour. Taste before adding the “dirt” layer and adjust according to your personal taste preferences.

If you prefer not to use Oreo cookie crumbs, you can also use chocolate granola for the dirt layer or finely chopped dark chocolate.

You can use regular gummy worms or look for a healthier variety. We used the “Smart Sweets” brand of gummy worms, which contain 4 grams of sugar and 9 grams of fibre for a pack of 12 small gummy worms.

Overhead image of dirt pudding cups with gummy worms and pumpkins.

Recipe FAQs

What size cups should I use for dirt cups?

7-9 ounce glass or clear plastic cups work well for this recipe. You can also use mason jars as well to make them even more fancy!

Can I make dirt cups the night before?

You can make them the night before but keep in mind that the oreo crumbs may absorb some of the moisture from the pudding and will therefore not have the same crunch. If you want to maintain that crunchy layer, I recommend making the pudding the night before and assembling the dirt cups immediately or a few hours before serving.

Are these dirt cups vegan?

Yes! As long as you use vegan candy toppings, these Halloween pudding cups are completely vegan. Just be sure to double check the ingredients list on the Oreo crumbs that you use if you do require a vegan option.

Are these dirt cups gluten-free?

As long as you use gluten-free Oreos and double-check the ingredients in any extra toppings used, these healthy dirt cups can easily be made gluten-free.

Can you freeze pudding cups?

Yes! If stored in an airtight container, you can freeze this recipe for up to 3 months. However, if you do, I recommend leaving off the toppings until you’re ready to serve.

Storage Guidelines

This Halloween dirt cups recipe is best served right away. However, if you want to make them ahead of time, follow the storage tips below to keep them fresh.

Refrigerator: Cover your dirt pudding cups with a plastic wrap, a sealable lid, or put them in an airtight container, and store them in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.

Freezer: For a longer-lasting option, transfer your dirt pudding cup ingredients to an airtight container or mason jar, and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. For the best results, leave off the tops until just before you’re ready to eat.

To Serve: Allow the pudding desserts to thaw in the fridge overnight. Then, just add your favourite toppings, and enjoy!

Other Halloween Pudding Cup Ideas

I stuck with pretty classic toppings like gummy worms and pumpkin candies, but anything you have on hand works! Feel free to get creative with alternative toppings.

Some other decoration ideas include:

Tombstone cookies
Marshmallow ghosts
Candy eyeballs
Other Halloween candies
Whipped cream or cool whip
Fresh berries
Banana slices or banana ghosts

Serving Suggestions

These Halloween pudding dirt cups are super filling on their own. However, they’re also the perfect way to finish off a savoury dinner if you have a bit of a sweet tooth.

Some of my favourite meals to serve this dessert with include:

Decorated Halloween dirt pudding cups topped with candy pumpkins and gummy worms.

Recipe Variations

To make gluten-free: Use gluten-free chocolate cookie crumbs.
To make dairy-free/vegan: Double check to make sure your Oreo cookie crumbs are vegan. Or use chocolate granola, crumbled up raw chocolate cookies, or chopped dairy-free chocolate chips for the dirt instead of Oreo cookie crumbs.
To make refined sugar-free: Skip the oreo crumb layer and replace the Halloween candy with fresh fruit instead.

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Course Dessert, Snack