These Pumpkin Patch Dirt Cups are a fun and festive Halloween treat that's perfect for kids and adults alike! They're a no-bake dessert that combines layers of creamy chocolate pudding, Cool Whip, and crushed Oreo "dirt," all topped with green-tinted coconut "grass" and candy pumpkins. I love how this recipe is both easy to make and incredibly adorable. It's a perfect activity for a Halloween party, a classroom treat, or a fun project with the kids. Get ready to create a spooky and delicious dessert!
Why You'll Love These Pumpkin Patch Dirt Cups
- Easy and No-Bake: This recipe requires no baking and is incredibly easy to assemble.
- Fun and Festive: The "dirt" and "pumpkin patch" design is perfect for Halloween.
- Kid-Friendly: Kids will love helping to make (and eat!) these fun treats.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the ingredients to your liking.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can assemble these dirt cups ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator.
Ingredients for Pumpkin Patch Dirt Cups
Here's what you'll need to make these spooky treats. The full list with measurements is in the recipe card below.
Main Ingredients
- Chocolate Instant Pudding (Pudding Mix)
- Milk (Dairy)
- Cool Whip (Topping)
- Oreo Cookies (Cookies)
- Candy Pumpkins (Candy)
- Shredded Coconut (Topping)
- Green food coloring (Coloring)
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card below.)
Variations
I love these Pumpkin Patch Dirt Cups as is, but here are a few ideas for variations:
- Different Pudding Flavor: Use vanilla pudding, butterscotch pudding, or even white chocolate pudding instead of chocolate.
- Add Gummy Worms: Add some gummy worms to the "dirt" layer for an extra creepy touch.
- Different Cookies: Use different types of cookies for the "dirt," such as chocolate graham crackers or chocolate wafers.
- Add Candy Corn: Use candy corn instead of, or in addition to, the candy pumpkins.
- Make it a Parfait: Layer the ingredients in tall glasses for a parfait-style dessert.
How to Make Pumpkin Patch Dirt Cups
Let me show you how easy it is to make these Pumpkin Patch Dirt Cups:
Crush Oreos
- I crush the Oreos in a food processor or place them in a gallon-size Ziploc bag and crush them with a rolling pin.
Make Pudding
- I whisk together the pudding mix and milk in a medium bowl for 2 minutes. Follow the package directions for the pudding.
- I allow it to set for 5 minutes.
Fold in Cool Whip
- I fold in the Cool Whip.
Layer in Cups
- I add one tablespoon of crushed cookies into the bottom of the cups.
- I top with a layer of the pudding mixture.
- I repeat the layers, alternating with the colored pudding until ending with the cookie mixture.
Chill
- I refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Color Coconut and Decorate
- I add my shredded coconut to a container with a lid.
- I add a few drops of green food coloring and a touch of water.
- I shake until colored.
- Right before serving, I add some of the colored shredded coconut on top.
- I top with candy pumpkins.
Tips and Tricks for the BEST Dirt Cups
Here are my secrets for making these dirt cups truly spooktacular:
- Crush Oreos Finely: Crush the Oreos into fine crumbs to create a realistic "dirt" layer.
- Chill Before Serving: Chilling the dirt cups for at least an hour allows the pudding to set completely and the flavors to meld.
- Get Creative with Toppings: Use your imagination and have fun with the toppings!
- Use Clear Cups: Using clear cups allows you to see the layers of the dessert.
How to Serve
These Pumpkin Patch Dirt Cups are perfect for:
- Halloween Parties: A fun and festive treat for your Halloween party.
- Classroom Treats: A great treat to send to school for a Halloween party.
- Fall Gatherings: A perfect dessert for any fall celebration.
- Kids' Parties: A fun and easy dessert that kids will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
You can assemble these dirt cups ahead of time and store them, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add the coconut "grass" and candy pumpkins just before serving.
FAQs about Pumpkin Patch Dirt Cups
- Can I use a different type of cookie?
- Yes, you can use chocolate graham crackers, chocolate wafers, or any other type of cookie you like.
- Can I make these without the Cool Whip?
- You can substitute the Cool Whip with homemade whipped cream.
- Can I use a different type of pudding?
- Yes, you can.
Enjoy these fun, festive, and easy-to-make Pumpkin Patch Dirt Cups! They're a perfect Halloween treat that everyone will love.
Print
Pumpkin Patch Dirt Cups
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chill Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 12-14 cups 1x
- Category: Dessert, No-Bake, Snack, Halloween, Fall
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Pumpkin Patch Dirt Cups are a fun and easy no-bake dessert, perfect for Halloween or fall gatherings. Layers of creamy chocolate pudding, whipped topping, and crushed Oreo "dirt" create a delicious and visually appealing treat, topped with green-tinted coconut "grass" and candy pumpkins.
Ingredients
- 1 (3.9-ounce) package chocolate instant pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk (whole, 2%, or skim)
- 8 ounces Cool Whip, thawed
- 1 (15-16 ounce) package Oreo cookies, regular or double-stuffed
- Candy pumpkins (such as Brach's Mellowcreme Pumpkins)
- ½ cup shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened)
- Green food coloring (gel recommended)
- Water (a few drops)
Instructions
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Crush Oreos: Crush the Oreo cookies into fine crumbs. You can use a food processor or place the cookies in a large resealable plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin.
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Prepare Pudding: In a medium bowl, whisk together the chocolate instant pudding mix and the cold milk for 2 minutes, according to the package directions. Let the pudding set for about 5 minutes, or until thickened.
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Fold in Cool Whip: Gently fold the thawed Cool Whip into the set pudding until well combined.
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Assemble Dirt Cups:
- Layer 1 (Oreo Crumbs): Add about 1 tablespoon of crushed Oreo cookies to the bottom of each cup.
- Layer 2 (Pudding Mixture): Top the Oreo crumbs with a layer of the chocolate pudding mixture.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat the layers, alternating between Oreo crumbs and pudding, until the cups are nearly full. End with a layer of Oreo crumbs on top.
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Chill: Cover the cups with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the pudding to set completely and the flavors to meld.
-
Prepare Green Coconut "Grass":
- Place the shredded coconut in a small resealable plastic bag or a container with a lid.
- Add a few drops of green gel food coloring (or liquid food coloring) and a few drops of water to the coconut.
- Seal the bag/container tightly and shake vigorously until the coconut is evenly tinted green.
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Decorate and Serve: Right before serving, remove the dirt cups from the refrigerator. Sprinkle the green-tinted coconut "grass" over the top of each cup. Place one or more candy pumpkins on top of the coconut. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Instant Pudding: Use chocolate instant pudding mix, not cook-and-serve pudding.
- Milk: You can use whole milk, 2%, skim milk, or even a plant-based milk alternative.
- Cool Whip: Make sure the Cool Whip is thawed before folding it into the pudding. You can substitute homemade whipped cream, but it may not hold its shape as well.
- Oreo Cookies: You can use regular Oreos, Double Stuf Oreos, or any flavor variation you like.
- Candy Pumpkins: Brach's Mellowcreme Pumpkins are a classic choice, but you can use any type of pumpkin-shaped candy.
- Green Coconut: Gel food coloring is recommended for the most vibrant color, but liquid food coloring will also work.
- Make-Ahead: These dirt cups can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Add the coconut "grass" and candy pumpkins just before serving.
- Serving Suggestions: These dirt cups are perfect for Halloween parties, fall gatherings, or any occasion. You can customize the toppings to fit different themes.
- Cups: We used 9 ounce plastic cups.
