Creamy Pumpkin Dirt Cups Recipe

Fun & Spooky Pumpkin Dirt Cups Recipe for Fall Treats

Sweet autumn calls for a spooky dirt cups recipe that blends childhood nostalgia with seasonal pumpkin magic.

These delightful desserts combine creamy textures with playful Halloween vibes.

Chocolate pudding and crushed cookies create a delectable base for pumpkin-infused fun.

Layers of chocolate and pumpkin blend into a treat that delights both kids and adults.

Crushed Oreos mimic dirt while pumpkin adds a festive twist to the classic dessert.

Gummy worms peeking through the layers make these cups an irresistible Halloween-themed indulgence.

You’ll love how simple and impressive these pumpkin dirt cups are to serve at any autumn gathering.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 7

Pumpkin Dirt Cup Ingredient Guide

For Base and Creaminess:
  • Chocolate Instant Pudding: Creates rich, smooth chocolate foundation that forms the core of the dessert.
  • Milk: Activates pudding mix and ensures silky, luxurious texture.
  • Cool Whip: Adds light, airy creaminess and helps create a fluffy dessert structure.
For Crumbly Texture:
  • Oreo Cookies: Provides delightful chocolate cookie crumble that mimics soil-like appearance.
For Decorative Touches:
  • Candy Pumpkins: Whimsical autumn-themed topping that brings seasonal charm.
  • Shredded Coconut: Offers delicate, snow-like texture to enhance visual appeal.
  • Green Food Coloring

Tools That Help Layer These Halloween Cups

  • Medium bowl: Perfect for mixing pudding and milk smoothly.
  • Whisk: Essential for blending pudding mix without lumps.
  • Measuring tablespoon: Helps create even cookie layers in cups.
  • Individual serving cups or glasses: Ideal for layering and presenting the dessert.
  • Spoon or spatula: Great for folding in Cool Whip and creating layers.
  • Small container with lid: Useful for coloring shredded coconut.
  • Measuring cups: Needed for accurately measuring milk and ingredients.

Steps to Build Spooky Pumpkin Dirt Cups

Pumpkin Dirt Dessert Cups

  • Pudding Magic Preparation

Grab your favorite pudding mix and milk for a creamy base. Whisk everything together until smooth and let it rest briefly to develop its rich texture.

  • Whipped Cloud Fusion

Gently fold in fluffy whipped topping, creating a dreamy, light mixture that will make your dessert irresistibly soft and airy.

  • Cookie Foundation

Sprinkle a generous layer of crushed cookies at the bottom of each serving cup, creating a delightful crunchy base for your sweet creation.

  • Layered Delights

Build your dessert by alternating pudding and cookie layers, creating a beautiful visual and taste experience that will wow everyone.

  • Chilling Time

Pop your assembled dessert cups into the refrigerator and let them chill, allowing the flavors to mingle and the texture to set perfectly.

  • Green Coconut Topping

Transform plain coconut into a magical green landscape by adding a splash of food coloring, creating a whimsical garnish for your dessert.

  • Final Decoration

Just before serving, sprinkle your green coconut on top and add adorable candy pumpkins to complete this festive and delicious treat.

  • Creamy Pudding Perfection: Whip the pudding mixture until smooth and airy for an extra luxurious texture that melts in your mouth.
  • Festive Cookie Crunch: Use graham crackers or chocolate sandwich cookies for different flavor profiles that complement the pumpkin theme.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare these dirt cups up to two days in advance, keeping them covered in the refrigerator to let flavors meld and develop.
  • Spooky Decorating Tricks: Swap candy pumpkins with gummy worms, chocolate spiders, or edible Halloween sprinkles for a playful seasonal twist.
  • Kid-Friendly Fun Zone: Get children involved by letting them layer ingredients, crush cookies, or sprinkle toppings, turning dessert preparation into a delightful family activity.

How to Serve Pumpkin Dirt Cups

  • Spooky Halloween Dessert Showcase: Perfect for themed parties and trick-or-treat gatherings, these pumpkin dirt cups will steal the show at any festive event.
  • Kiddie Party Favorite: Children will absolutely love creating and devouring these playful desserts, making them an interactive and delightful treat for birthday celebrations or school events.
  • Fall Festive Decoration: Enhance the presentation by adding autumn-themed candy corn, chocolate leaves, or tiny pumpkin candies to create a seasonal dessert that captures the essence of fall's warmth and charm.
  • Customizable Creativity: Experiment with different cookie crumbs like chocolate graham crackers or Oreos, and play with food coloring to match various party themes or personal preferences.

Storing Tips for Pumpkin Dirt Cups

  • Fridge-Ready Delight: Store these tasty treats in sealed containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the layers intact by placing containers flat to prevent mixing.
  • Batch Prep Magic: Make multiple dirt cups in advance for quick dessert options. Prepare ingredients separately and assemble just before serving to maintain cookie crunch.
  • Moisture Management: Cover each cup with plastic wrap directly touching the surface to prevent moisture buildup and maintain fresh flavors. This trick keeps your dessert looking perfect.
  • Topping Timing: Add candy pumpkins and green coconut just before serving to ensure maximum crispness and visual appeal. Decorative elements can become soggy if added too early.
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Creamy Pumpkin Dirt Cups Recipe

Creamy Pumpkin Dirt Cups Recipe


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4.8 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Creamy pumpkin dirt cups blend autumn’s sweetness with playful Halloween charm. Rich chocolate pudding and crushed cookies create a delightful seasonal dessert you’ll crave all fall long.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 package (3.9 oz/110 g) chocolate instant pudding
  • 8 oz (226 g) cool whip
  • 2 cups milk
  • 20 oreo cookies, crushed
  • Green food coloring
  • Candy pumpkins
  • Shredded coconut

Instructions

  1. Pudding Preparation: Whisk pudding mix and milk in a medium bowl until smooth, allowing the mixture to thicken for a few minutes.
  2. Creamy Fusion: Gently fold Cool Whip into the pudding, creating a light and airy texture that will form the core of the dessert.
  3. Cookie Foundation: Craft the base layer by evenly distributing crushed cookies across the bottom of each serving cup, establishing a crunchy groundwork.
  4. Layering Technique: Alternate between spreading the pudding mixture and sprinkling crushed cookies, ensuring each layer is uniform and visually appealing.
  5. Chilling Process: Refrigerate the dessert for at least one hour, allowing the flavors to meld and the texture to set perfectly.
  6. Festive Topping Preparation: Transform shredded coconut into a vibrant green garnish by adding food coloring and water in a sealed container, shaking until the color is consistent.
  7. Final Presentation: Immediately before serving, crown each dirt cup with the green coconut and strategically place candy pumpkins to create a whimsical Halloween-inspired masterpiece.

Notes

  • Pudding Perfection: Whisk the pudding mix and milk thoroughly to eliminate lumps and achieve a silky-smooth consistency.
  • Folding Technique: Gently fold Cool Whip into the pudding to maintain a light, airy texture without deflating the mixture.
  • Layering Strategy: Build layers evenly, alternating between crushed cookies and pudding for a balanced flavor and textural experience.
  • Chill for Success: Refrigerate the dessert for at least one hour to allow flavors to meld and achieve optimal set and taste.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: None
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 22g
  • Sodium: 220mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 41g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 10mg
Emily Roberts

Emily Roberts

Content Creator & Kitchen Tips Specialist

Expertise

Dietary Planning​, Public Health Nutrition, Nutritional Education​, Content Development​

Education

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

  • Degree: Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences
  • Focus: Research on dietary patterns and their impact on chronic diseases.​

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)

  • Credential: Expertise in translating nutrition science into practical advice. ​

Emily Roberts is our content specialist and registered dietitian at HealthyChoices.org. With her Master’s degree in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Illinois and her Registered Dietitian Nutritionist certification, Emily uses her deep nutrition knowledge to write helpful, easy-to-understand guides about healthy eating. 

Her warm, practical advice empowers readers to confidently make healthier choices, turning everyday meals into simple moments of wellness and joy.

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