Dirt Pudding is a fun, easy, and delicious dessert that’s perfect for kids and adults alike! With layers of creamy chocolate pudding, crushed Oreos to resemble “dirt,” and gummy worms for a playful touch, this dessert is a guaranteed hit at parties, picnics, and even family gatherings. Not only does it look adorable, but it tastes absolutely amazing too. Whether you make individual servings in cups or a big family-sized bowl, Dirt Pudding is always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious, fun treat:
- 1 package (5.1 oz) instant chocolate pudding mix (or 2 boxes for a larger batch)
- 3 cups cold milk
- 1 (8 oz) tub of Cool Whip (or other whipped topping)
- 1 package (15 oz) Oreos (or any chocolate sandwich cookies)
- 1-2 cups gummy worms (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pudding
- Mix the pudding: In a large bowl, whisk the chocolate pudding mix with the cold milk. Whisk for about 2 minutes until the pudding thickens. Let it sit for 5 minutes to fully set.
Step 2: Make the Oreo “Dirt”
- Crush the Oreos: Place the Oreo cookies in a large zip-top bag or food processor. Crush them into small pieces (you want them to resemble dirt, so keep the texture a little chunky).
- Reserve some for topping: Set aside about 1 cup of the crushed Oreos for sprinkling on top later.
Step 3: Combine the Layers
- Fold in the whipped topping: Gently fold the Cool Whip into the chocolate pudding. Stir until well combined and creamy.
- Layer the pudding and Oreo “dirt”: In a large trifle dish, individual cups, or a 9×13 baking dish, start with a layer of the pudding mixture. Then add a layer of crushed Oreos on top. Repeat the layers, finishing with a layer of Oreos on top.
Step 4: Decorate
- Add gummy worms: Garnish the top of the dirt pudding with gummy worms for a fun, “crawling” effect. Feel free to use as many or as few as you like!
- Chill: Refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld together and the dessert to firm up a bit.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
- Scoop into cups, serve directly from a large bowl, or layer into small individual cups for a fun party treat!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 8-10 (depending on portion size)
Calories per Serving: Approximately 250-300 (based on 10 servings)
- Total Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 24g
- Protein: 3g
Preparation Time
- Total Time: About 1 hour (including chill time)
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Chilling Time: 1-2 hours
How to Serve
- Serve this fun dessert in small cups for parties, school events, or as a treat for kids’ birthday parties.
- You can also serve it in a large trifle dish for a family gathering or picnic.
- For a more festive look, add themed sprinkles, candy eyes, or even small plastic bugs!
Additional Tips
- Make it ahead: Dirt Pudding is a great make-ahead dessert. You can prepare it a day or two in advance and store it in the fridge until ready to serve.
- Customization: Try adding other fun candy toppings like chocolate sprinkles, mini marshmallows, or small chocolate rocks to your dirt pudding for more texture and flavor.
- Healthier Twist: Use reduced-fat pudding mix, low-fat whipped topping, and a lower-sugar version of Oreos to lighten up the dessert without sacrificing the flavor.
- Use Different Pudding Flavors: If you’re not a fan of chocolate, you can try vanilla pudding and top it with crushed graham crackers or vanilla sandwich cookies for a different take on the “dirt” theme.
Recipe Variations
- Pumpkin Dirt Pudding: For a Halloween twist, use pumpkin-flavored pudding or add some cinnamon and nutmeg to the pudding for a fall-inspired flavor. Top with candy corn and gummy worms for a spooky treat!
- Strawberry Dirt Pudding: Swap the chocolate pudding for strawberry pudding and top with crushed graham crackers for a fruity, light variation.
- Banana Split Dirt Pudding: Add sliced bananas between the layers of pudding and Oreos, and top with a drizzle of chocolate syrup and maraschino cherries for a banana split-inspired version.
Freezing and Storage
- Freezing: Dirt Pudding can be frozen! If you want to freeze it, just make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Let it thaw in the fridge for a few hours before serving.
- Storage: Keep leftover Dirt Pudding in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. It’s best eaten fresh, but it can be stored and still tastes great the next day.
Special Equipment
- Food processor (optional, for crushing Oreos)
- Large mixing bowl
- 9×13-inch baking dish or trifle dish (or individual cups for single servings)
- Whisk for the pudding mix
- Zip-top bag or rolling pin for crushing Oreos
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?
A1: Yes! Homemade whipped cream would work beautifully in this recipe. Just whip 1 cup of heavy cream with 2 tablespoons of sugar until stiff peaks form, and fold it into the pudding mixture.
Q2: How can I make this dessert gluten-free?
A2: Simply swap out the regular Oreos for gluten-free Oreos or another gluten-free chocolate sandwich cookie.
Q3: Can I use a different type of cookie besides Oreos?
A3: Absolutely! You can use graham crackers, chocolate chip cookies, or any other cookie you like. The texture and flavor will change slightly, but it will still be delicious.
Q4: Can I add more layers to this dessert?
A4: Yes! You can add extra layers of pudding and cookies for a bigger and more decadent dessert, or even alternate with layers of other toppings like chopped fruit or candy bars.
Q5: Is it possible to make Dirt Pudding in a large bowl?
A5: Yes! Just follow the same layering steps, but assemble the pudding in a large trifle dish or mixing bowl for a bigger serving.
This Dirt Pudding is a simple, fun, and delicious dessert that’s perfect for any occasion! Whether you make individual servings or go for the classic large bowl version, it’s sure to be a hit with everyone who enjoys a little playfulness with their dessert!
Print
Dirt Pudding
- Total Time: 1 hour
Ingredients
- 1 package (5.1 oz) instant chocolate pudding mix (or 2 boxes for a larger batch)
- 3 cups cold milk
- 1 (8 oz) tub of Cool Whip (or other whipped topping)
- 1 package (15 oz) Oreos (or any chocolate sandwich cookies)
- 1–2 cups gummy worms (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pudding
- Mix the pudding: In a large bowl, whisk the chocolate pudding mix with the cold milk. Whisk for about 2 minutes until the pudding thickens. Let it sit for 5 minutes to fully set.
Step 2: Make the Oreo “Dirt”
- Crush the Oreos: Place the Oreo cookies in a large zip-top bag or food processor. Crush them into small pieces (you want them to resemble dirt, so keep the texture a little chunky).
- Reserve some for topping: Set aside about 1 cup of the crushed Oreos for sprinkling on top later.
Step 3: Combine the Layers
- Fold in the whipped topping: Gently fold the Cool Whip into the chocolate pudding. Stir until well combined and creamy.
- Layer the pudding and Oreo “dirt”: In a large trifle dish, individual cups, or a 9×13 baking dish, start with a layer of the pudding mixture. Then add a layer of crushed Oreos on top. Repeat the layers, finishing with a layer of Oreos on top.
Step 4: Decorate
- Add gummy worms: Garnish the top of the dirt pudding with gummy worms for a fun, “crawling” effect. Feel free to use as many or as few as you like!
- Chill: Refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld together and the dessert to firm up a bit.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
- Scoop into cups, serve directly from a large bowl, or layer into small individual cups for a fun party treat!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 250 – 300 kcal
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Protein: 3g
