Can I make Pumpkin Patch Dirt Cups ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the pudding and cookie layers up to 24 hours in advance. Just add the candy pumpkins and decorations a few hours before serving to keep them looking fresh and upright. These cups actually taste even better when chilled overnight.

What can I use instead of candy pumpkins?

If you can’t find Mellowcreme Pumpkins, try using orange jelly beans, mini frosted donuts shaped like pumpkins, or even fresh fruit like peeled clementines with a green candy stem. You can also go full spooky with gummy eyeballs or mini skull candies.

Are these dirt cups gluten-free or dairy-free?

Not by default, but it’s easy to adjust. Use gluten-free chocolate sandwich cookies and dairy-free pudding mix (look for brands made with almond or coconut milk). Swap in coconut whipped topping and you’re all set for an allergy-friendly Halloween dessert.

Can kids help make these Halloween dirt cups?

Absolutely! In fact, this is a perfect no-bake activity for little hands. Kids love crushing cookies, layering the pudding, and decorating with pumpkins and vines. It’s mess-friendly and fun.

Pumpkin Patch Dirt Cups: Easy Halloween Recipe Kids Love

Ingredients

Scale

1 box (3.9 oz) instant chocolate pudding mix

2 cups cold milk

1 cup whipped topping

20–24 chocolate sandwich cookies (Oreos), crushed

Candy pumpkins

Green frosting or green candy melts

Optional: gummy worms or Halloween sprinkles

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Instructions

1. Whisk together pudding mix and milk until thickened.

2. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then fold in the whipped topping.

3. Crush cookies into fine crumbs using a zip-top bag and rolling pin.

4. Spoon pudding mixture into clear cups, filling 2/3 of the way.

5. Top each cup with crushed cookie “dirt”.

6. Press candy pumpkins into the top and add green vines using frosting.

7. Chill until ready to serve.

Notes

Can be made a day ahead; decorate right before serving.

Use gluten-free and dairy-free swaps as needed.

Switch up toppings with gummy worms, Halloween sprinkles, or edible eyeballs.

Author: Chef Saly
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 310
Sugar: 26g
Sodium: 320mg
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 48g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 15mg