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Best Easy Chocolate Dirt Cups for Spring Parties

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These easy chocolate dirt cups come together in under 20 minutes using instant pudding and crushed cookies. They’re a nostalgic, crowd-pleasing dessert perfect for spring parties, Easter, and any celebration where you want something fun and delicious.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 box (3.9 oz) instant chocolate pudding mix
  • 2 cups cold whole milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 package (14.3 oz) chocolate sandwich cookies (e.g., Oreos)
  • 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
  • 1 cup gummy worms
  • Optional: small edible flowers, green sprinkles, mini chocolate eggs

Instructions

  1. Crush the cookies: Place all chocolate sandwich cookies in a food processor and pulse until fine crumbs form. Alternatively, place cookies in a large zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin until you have a mix of fine crumbs and small pebbly pieces. Set aside.
  2. Mix the cookie crumbs with butter: Pour melted butter over crushed cookies and stir with a fork until evenly moistened. Set aside.
  3. Make the pudding: Pour cold milk into a large mixing bowl. Add instant chocolate pudding mix and vanilla extract. Whisk vigorously for about 2 minutes until the pudding starts to thicken and is smooth with no lumps.
  4. Let the pudding set: Let the pudding sit for about 5 minutes to fully thicken. It should be thick enough to hold its shape when scooped.
  5. Assemble the dirt cups: Spoon pudding into 6 to 8 small cups, filling each about two-thirds full. Tap cups gently on the counter to settle the pudding and remove air bubbles.
  6. Add the ‘dirt’ layer: Sprinkle buttered cookie crumbs generously over the pudding layer (about 2 to 3 tablespoons per cup). Press down gently with the back of a spoon to help crumbs stick.
  7. Decorate with gummy worms: Place 2 to 3 gummy worms on top of each dirt cup, positioning some to look like they’re crawling out of the ‘dirt’.
  8. Chill before serving: Refrigerate assembled dirt cups for at least 30 minutes before serving. They can be made up to 24 hours ahead, but for best texture, store pudding and crumbs separately and assemble an hour before serving.

Notes

For best results, use cold whole milk and instant pudding mix (not cook-and-serve). The cookie crumbs will soften over time, so assemble no more than 2 hours ahead for maximum crunch. For a dairy-free version, use unsweetened oat milk and dairy-free butter. For gluten-free, use gluten-free chocolate sandwich cookies and certified gluten-free pudding mix. Extra cookie crumbs are great for snacking or adding more ‘dirt’ to each cup.

Nutrition

Keywords: chocolate dirt cups, easy dessert, spring party dessert, no-bake dessert, kids dessert, Easter dessert, chocolate pudding cups, gummy worms

Find it online: https://perkypan.com/best-easy-chocolate-dirt-cups-for-spring-parties/