Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Dirt Cups combine the classic flavors of chocolate pudding and Oreos with Halloween-inspired decorations. Each cup is customizable, letting you create fun “graveyard” scenes while still delivering a sweet, creamy treat. They’re kid-friendly, visually impressive, and simple to prepare without baking.

Ingredients

38.2 ounces Oreo cookies (about 2 family-size packages)
4 cups whole milk
7.8 ounces instant chocolate pudding mix (about 2 packages)
16 ounces whipped topping, thawed
1 cup chocolate syrup, divided
Milano cookies
Black cookie icing
Ghost Peeps
Mini pumpkin candies
Halloween sprinkles

Directions

Place Oreos into a food processor in batches and pulse until they form crumbs. Transfer crumbs to a large bowl and set aside.
In a separate bowl, whisk together milk and chocolate pudding mix for 2 minutes until it begins to thicken. Fold in the whipped topping until smooth and streak-free.
Stir in ½ cup of chocolate syrup for a marbled effect. Refrigerate pudding until ready to assemble.
Lay out 18 cups (around 9-ounce size). Start with 2 tablespoons of Oreo crumbs at the bottom of each cup. Top with just under ¼ cup of pudding. Repeat with 2 more tablespoons of crumbs and the remaining pudding. Finish with 1 tablespoon of crumbs on top.
Mix remaining ½ cup of chocolate syrup with leftover cookie crumbs until clumpy and moist-looking. Set aside.
Decorate Milano cookies with black icing to say “RIP” (or any message). Add them along with ghost Peeps to the cups, pressing gently into the pudding.
Top cups with clumpy cookie crumbs to resemble uneven dirt, then sprinkle mini pumpkins and Halloween decorations.
Chill until serving, or serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 18 cups (approx. 9 ounces each)
Prep time: 20 minutes
Assemble time: 15 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

Use smaller cups for younger children or portion control.
Swap Milano cookies for any small chocolate cookie for different tombstone shapes.
Add edible glitter or candy bones for extra spooky flair.
Make a layered dessert in a large bowl instead of individual cups for an easy-to-scoop version.

Storage

Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Do not freeze, as the whipped topping and pudding can separate. Best enjoyed the same day for optimal texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different cookie for the “dirt”?
Yes! Chocolate wafer cookies or crushed graham crackers work as alternatives.

Can I prepare these ahead of time?
Yes, assemble a few hours ahead and store in the fridge, but decorate with Peeps just before serving to prevent melting.

How do I make the pudding more chocolatey?
Add a few tablespoons of cocoa powder to the pudding mix before folding in whipped topping.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Substitute plant-based milk, dairy-free pudding mix, and whipped topping to make this recipe vegan-friendly.

Conclusion

Graveyard Dirt Cups are a playful, delicious way to celebrate Halloween. With layers of chocolate pudding, Oreo “dirt,” and festive decorations, they’re perfect for kids and adults alike. Easy to assemble and fully customizable, these cups bring spooky fun to any dessert table.

Graveyard Dirt Cups