A Halloween classic in my house has always been Dirt Dessert. Dirt Dessert is super fun for kids because not only can you be creative with gummy worms and Halloween candies, it also looks like the real thing! We see this old-time dessert show up on occasion at parties. For whatever reason Dirt Dessert has become a favorite of my kids over the years; so much so that we now make it every year.
Jump to RecipeThere are many different recipes for Dirt Dessert floating around out there. Believe me, I’ve spent a lot more time than I care to admit researching which one is the best. While you can never go wrong with pudding, whipped cream topping, and Oreo cookies, some recipes fall flat. I have adapted the best from many recipes with a few other ingredients that I think make this version stand out.
To start, make the “dirt” by putting 1 large package of regular Oreo cookies into a food processor and pulsing until the cookies resemble coarse coffee grounds. Do not over process. If you do not have a food processor you can also accomplish this by placing the cookies in a gallon-size plastic storage bag and crush the cookies with a rolling pin into a coarse crumb. Set the crushed Oreos aside until the final assembly.
To make the filling I use chocolate fudge pudding with a bit of vanilla added to the mixture. I think the chocolate more closely resembles the dirt than does vanilla pudding which many other recipes use. You can use your favorite version of pudding, including the cooked version if you prefer. But if you do make the stovetop version, you will need to make sure it is completely chilled before combining with the remaining ingredients. I use instant pudding because it is already cold and ready to go. Mix the pudding with the milk according to package instructions, adding in the vanilla and setting aside while you mix the other ingredients.
The remaining ingredients are what make this recipe rich and over the top. In a separate mixing bowl cream a half stick of butter that has been softened (not melted) until not lumpy. Add the softened cream cheese and beat together with a cup of powdered sugar. Once thoroughly combined, remove the bowl from the mixer and do the rest by hand.
Incorporate a tub of whipped cream topping by gently folding in until mostly combined. Use the folding technique by taking a plastic spatula and cutting through the center of the mixture each time turning over while turning the bowl a quarter turn until combined. This method helps to keep the whipped cream topping from deflating and the mixture light and fluffy.
Finally, add the pudding mixture into the whipped cream mixture. Combine by using the same folding technique until it has the consistency of light and airy whipped pudding.
Then the fun part– the assembly. This is a great part to do with the kids. Let them be creative! Many recipes incorporate gummy worms, for a realistic and creepy addition. Use individual serving containers such as cups or small pails; or create a graveyard scene or a pumpkin patch by using a 9×13 inch pan. I used a large Halloween pail for mine, with creepy skeleton figures and gravestones.
The assembly is done by layering each of the ingredients on top of one another. Start by putting half the crushed Oreos on the bottom of the pan, then spoon the pudding mixture on top and smooth out gently. If you are using gummy worms, add these strategically into the pudding so each serving gets a gummy worm. Finally, cover the mixture with the remaining crushed cookies and decorate with your favorite Halloween themed goodies!
Halloween Dirt Dessert
Equipment
- Food Processor or food storage bag and rolling pin
- Mixer
- Bowl
- Whisk, spatula
- Decorative bucket or 9×13 inch pan
Ingredients
- 1 package Oreo cookies (2 sleeves)
- 1 3.9 oz pkg Instant Chocolate Fudge Pudding Mix
- 2 cups milk
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1/2 stick butter softened
- 8 oz Cream Cheese softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 8 oz Cool Whip whipped topping
Instructions
- Crush OREOs in a food processor or plastic bag using a rolling pin. Set aside until ready to assemble.
- Combine instant chocolate pudding mix and milk in a bowl and whisk according to instructions on the package until the consistency of pudding. Add vanilla and combine. Set aside to thicken while preparing the remaining ingredients.
- In a stand mixer, soften butter and cream cheese together, and then add the powdered sugar until well combined. Remove the bowl from the mixer and add the whip cream. Fold in gently with a plastic spatula until blended well blended.
- Add pudding mixture to the cream cheese mixture and blend until well combined being careful not to deflate as you fold together. Do not over stir the mixture, a few streaks in the pudding mixture is fine.
- To assemble, put half the crushed Oreos on the bottom of the container and pour the pudding mixture over the top. Spread out evenly, If adding candy such as Gummy Worms, arrange these evenly on top of the mixture. Distribute the remaining crushed Oreos over the top and decorate with Halloween themed candies and decorations to create a graveyard scene.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve. Enjoy!
Let me know how it turns out for you. I would love to hear the creative Dirt Dessert ideas you came up with that made it extra fun for your Halloween. Please share!