A classic quick-fix recipe for Halloween Dirt Cups does double-duty as the ultimate spooky sweet and festive tabletop décor!
Dirt cups are one of those fun Halloween party desserts that adults are just as excited to eat as the kids. They have the delicious nostalgia of rich chocolate pudding, a crunch from chocolate cookie “dirt,” and all the classic, fun candy toppings like gummy worms, candy or meringue bones, and mummy hands.
With a sweet surprise in each creamy, chocolatey bite, my Halloween Dirt Cups recipe is the spooky sweet you can’t wait to serve at your next ghoulish bash.
How Far In Advance Can Graveyard Cups Be Made?
The best part about Halloween Dirt Cups is that they actually get better if you make them ahead of time. You’ll need at least 2 hours of chill time for the pudding to fully set once it’s topped, but 24 hours of set time only improves these pudding cups.
You can absolutely make this dessert up to 2 days in advance, tightly sealing them with plastic wrap to store in the fridge. In general, you’ll want to eat these dirt cups within 3 days. After that, the cookies you use for layering will be less crunchy.
What if My Pudding Doesn’t Set?
No need to worry! Maybe you added too much milk or stirred the pudding too little, but there are plenty of easy ways to fix a runny pudding. First, make sure the pudding is thoroughly mixed until there aren’t any lumps.
I like to slowly sprinkle more instant pudding or powdered sugar until I reach the desired consistency. Be sure to taste as you go if you opt for the powdered sugar route. A quick pop in the freezer for 10 to 15 minutes will also help the pudding thicken quickly.
How To Make Dirt Pudding
In a large bowl, whisk together the instant chocolate pudding and milk. Let sit until soft-set, about 5 minutes before folding in the whipped topping. Once the pudding has set, layer it with crushed chocolate wafers in the serving cups of your choice. You can make individual puddings or one large trifle. Then it’s time to decorate with all the gummy worms, candy zombie hands (but them on Amazon here!) and bones, and even cardboard tombstones!
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In a large bowl, whisk together the instant chocolate pudding and milk. Let sit until soft-set, about 5 minutes.
Fold in the whipped topping then set the mixture aside.
Crush the chocolate wafers in a food processor or sealable plastic bag until they resemble coarse crumbs.
In serving bowls or glasses, layer the chocolate pudding and crushed chocolate wafers, ending with the chocolate wafers on top. Decorate with gummy worms, candy bones and candy mummy hands then serve.
