Description
Pumpkin Patch Dirt Cups are a delightful no-bake dessert perfect for fall festivities or Halloween parties. Layers of creamy chocolate pudding, sweetened cream cheese, and crunchy chocolate cookie crumbs create a fun ‘dirt’ effect, topped off with adorable gummy pumpkins and optional green sprinkles or edible grass for a festive touch.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 1 package (15.25 oz) chocolate sandwich cookies, crushed
- 3 cups cold milk
- 2 packages (3.9 oz each) instant chocolate pudding mix
Cream Cheese Mixture
- 1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping, thawed
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Toppings
- 1 package gummy pumpkins
- Optional: green decorative sprinkles or edible grass
Instructions
- Crush the Cookies: Place the chocolate sandwich cookies in a resealable plastic bag and crush them into fine crumbs using a rolling pin. Set aside the crushed cookies.
- Prepare the Pudding: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together cold milk and instant chocolate pudding mix for about 2 minutes until thickened. Let it stand for 5 minutes to allow it to set further.
- Make the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a separate bowl, beat softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping until well incorporated.
- Combine Mixtures: Fold the cream cheese mixture into the chocolate pudding until the mixture is uniform and smooth.
- Assemble the Dirt Cups – First Layer: Spoon a layer of the chocolate pudding mixture into the bottom of each serving cup or glass.
- Add Cookie ‘Dirt’ Layer: Sprinkle a generous amount of crushed cookie crumbs over the pudding layer to create the dirt effect.
- Repeat Layers: Continue layering pudding mixture and cookie crumbs, alternating until the cups are filled to the desired level.
- Decorate: Top each cup with a gummy pumpkin and optionally add green decorative sprinkles or edible grass for a festive appearance.
- Chill: Refrigerate the assembled dirt cups for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to set firmly.
Notes
- For best results, use cold milk to help the pudding thicken properly.
- The dessert can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
- You can substitute regular whipped topping with dairy-free or vegan alternatives if desired.
- Use a rolling pin or food processor to crush cookies; food processor yields finer crumbs.
- Optional green sprinkles or edible grass add a more realistic ‘patch’ effect but can be omitted.
