No-Bake Dirt Cup Dessert Recipe: Mini Dirt Cake Cups for Parties

This quick and easy dirt cake recipe is a childhood classic that always takes me back. Layers of fluffy chocolate pudding and crushed Oreo cookies are assembled into individual dirt cake cups, then finished with a few gummy worms for fun. These are perfect for kids’ parties or whenever you want an easy, nostalgic treat.

Oreo Dirt Pudding Cups

Whether you call it dirt cake or dirt pudding, this no-bake dessert is simple and delicious. It layers boxed chocolate pudding, whipped topping and cream cheese filling, and plenty of crushed Oreo cookies. I use boxed instant pudding for ease and the nostalgic flavor it brings.

I portion these into individual cups because they’re fun and convenient, but you can easily make the same filling in a 9×13 pan or a trifle dish if you prefer. Individual cups mean each person gets their own gummy worms and toppings.

Dirt pudding cups topped with crushed Oreo cookies and gummy worms.

Make One Dirt Cake (Instead of Cups)

If you prefer, make this recipe in a 9×13 pan rather than individual cups. A single pan is easier for serving a crowd, while cups are great for portion control and presentation.

Dirt Cake Cups Recipe

Feel like a kid again with these quick and easy dirt cake cups — creamy chocolate pudding, Oreo crumbs, and gummy worms.

Prep Time:
20 minutes

Total Time:
20 minutes

Equipment

Kitchen scale (optional)
Hand mixer

Serves 8

Ingredients

3.9 ounces instant chocolate pudding mix (1 box)
2 cups whole milk, chilled*
8 ounces whipped topping, thawed**
¼ cup unsalted butter, room temperature (½ stick)
8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature (1 brick)***
1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
16 ounces Oreo cookies, crushed (about 40 cookies)
24 gummy worms

US Customary | Metric

Instructions

Mix the instant pudding mix with the milk according to package directions. Let it set for 5 minutes, then fold in the thawed whipped topping.
Using a hand or stand mixer, cream the butter and cream cheese together. Add the powdered sugar and beat until light and airy.
Stir the pudding mixture into the cream cheese mixture until well combined.
Transfer the filling to a large resealable bag and snip off a corner to use as a piping bag for easy assembly.
Layer the cups: pipe some filling into each cup, add a layer of crushed Oreos, pipe more filling, then top with additional crushed cookies and a few gummy worms. Chill before serving.

Notes

*Use whole milk for the creamiest pudding — I don’t recommend substituting other dairy.

**Choose a full-fat whipped topping for best texture.

***Avoid low-fat cream cheese for the best flavor and consistency.

Tips:

A food processor makes quick work of crushing Oreos. If you don’t have one, place cookies in a resealable bag and crush with a rolling pin.
If the pudding is too thin, you may have added slightly too much milk — follow the instant pudding package directions carefully for best results.
You can assemble this recipe in a 9×13 pan instead of cups if you prefer.

Storage: Store dirt cake cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Add gummy worms just before serving if you want them extra fresh.

Author: Becky Hardin

Course: Dessert, pudding, Snack

Cuisine: American

How to Make Dirt Cups Step-by-Step

Prep: Gather ingredients and set the cream cheese, butter, and whipped topping out for 30–60 minutes to soften. Crush about 40 Oreo cookies in a food processor or a sealed bag with a rolling pin.

Prepare the Pudding: Whisk the chocolate instant pudding mix with 2 cups of chilled whole milk according to package directions. Let it set for 5 minutes.

Chocolate pudding in a glass bowl with a whisk.

Add Whipped Topping: Fold 8 ounces of thawed whipped topping into the set pudding until smooth and light.

Chocolate pudding mixture with whipped topping mixed in.

Beat the Cream Cheese: Cream together ¼ cup unsalted butter and 8 ounces cream cheese. Add 1 cup sifted powdered sugar and beat until light and airy.

Creamed butter and cream cheese in a glass bowl.

Combine: Stir the pudding mixture into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined. Transfer to a resealable bag and snip a corner to pipe.

Fluffy chocolate pudding mixture in a glass bowl.

Layer the Cups: Pipe filling into each cup, add a layer of crushed Oreos, pipe more filling, and finish with a top layer of cookie crumbs and gummy worms. Chill before serving for best texture.

Layered dirt cake cup with a wooden spoon.

How to Store and Make Ahead

Once assembled, cover the cups and refrigerate for up to 3 days. These make-ahead cups are ideal for parties — consider adding gummy worms right before serving to keep them bright and chewy.