Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cupcakes are a perfect mix of chocolatey goodness and creamy frosting, with a fun Halloween twist. The crushed Oreos give a “dirt” texture, while gummy worms add a playful surprise. They’re easy to make from a boxed cake mix and can be assembled quickly for parties or festive dessert tables.

Ingredients

For the Cupcakes:

1 box Betty Crocker Chocolate Fudge Cake Mix plus ingredients needed to make on package:
3 eggs
1 ¼ cups water or milk
½ cup vegetable oil

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

½ cup milk chocolate chips, melted
1 stick (½ cup) butter, softened
8 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
½ cup cocoa powder
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For the Toppings:

15 Oreos, crushed
1–2 packs gummy worms

Directions

Preheat oven and prepare cupcake pan according to cake mix instructions. Line with cupcake liners.
Prepare the chocolate cake batter according to package directions and bake as instructed. Allow cupcakes to cool completely.
For the frosting, beat softened butter and cream cheese until smooth. Add melted chocolate, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract. Mix until creamy and fluffy.
Frost cooled cupcakes generously with the cream cheese frosting.
Sprinkle crushed Oreos on top of the frosting to resemble dirt.
Decorate with gummy worms, letting some peek out from the “dirt” for a fun effect.
Chill slightly before serving, or serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12 cupcakes (or more depending on pan size)
Prep time: 20 minutes
Bake time: 18–22 minutes (depending on package instructions)
Total time: 40–45 minutes

Variations

Use different candy worms or gummy critters for variety.
Add a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce over the “dirt” for extra decadence.
Swap chocolate cake for a brownie cupcake base for a richer flavor.
Mix crushed cookies into the frosting for extra “dirt” texture inside the frosting layer.

Storage

Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Frosting is best served chilled or at room temperature. Do not freeze after decorating with gummy worms, as they can become sticky or melt.

FAQs

Can I make these cupcakes from scratch?
Yes, a homemade chocolate cupcake recipe works perfectly instead of a boxed mix.

Can I use cream cheese frosting without chocolate?
Yes! Vanilla cream cheese frosting can be used, but chocolate adds richness and complements the “dirt” theme.

How do I prevent gummy worms from melting?
Add them to the cupcakes just before serving or store refrigerated until ready to serve.

Can I make mini dirt cupcakes?
Absolutely! Use mini muffin pans and adjust baking time to 10–12 minutes.

Conclusion

Dirt Cupcakes with Gummy Worms are a fun, spooky, and delicious addition to any Halloween celebration. With chocolatey cupcakes, creamy frosting, “dirt” from Oreos, and playful gummy worms, they’re sure to delight kids and adults alike. Easy to make, customizable, and visually fun, these cupcakes are a festive hit for any Halloween dessert table.

Dirt Cupcakes with Gummy Worms