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Easy Halloween Dirt Cups: 5-Minute No-Bake Dessert

Easy Halloween Dirt Cups - featured image

A stress-free, kid-approved Halloween dessert featuring layers of chocolate cake crumbs, creamy instant pudding, and gummy worms. This no-bake treat is perfect for parties and requires minimal prep time.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 box chocolate cake mix
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • Water or milk (as directed on box)
  • 2 boxes instant chocolate pudding mix
  • 4 cups cold whole milk
  • 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping (e.g., Cool Whip)
  • 12 bags gummy worms
  • Chocolate sprinkles or crushed cookies (optional)
  • Candy eyes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare chocolate cake mix according to package directions using milk instead of water. Pour into a 9×13 inch baking pan and bake for 25-30 minutes until fully cooked but moist.
  2. Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This step is crucial to prevent the pudding from melting.
  3. Once cool, break the cake into chunks and crush into fine, sand-like crumbs using a food processor or rolling pin in a ziplock bag.
  4. Transfer crumbs to a large bowl and toss with melted butter until evenly coated.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the instant chocolate pudding mix and cold milk. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes until thick.
  6. Gently fold the whipped topping into the thickened pudding until combined and airy.
  7. Assemble the cups by adding a layer of cake crumbs, followed by a layer of pudding mixture. Repeat until the cup is full.
  8. Push gummy worms into the top pudding layer, leaving heads poking out. Add sprinkles or candy eyes if desired.
  9. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Ensure the cake is completely cool before crushing to avoid melting the pudding. Use cold milk to help the pudding set faster. Do not overmix the whipped topping to maintain a light texture. For gluten-free or dairy-free versions, use appropriate substitutes for cake mix, milk, and whipped topping.

Nutrition

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