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Easy Pumpkin Patch Dirt Cups with Gummy Worms

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These no-bake dirt cups feature layers of creamy pumpkin cheesecake filling, vanilla pudding, and chocolate Oreo ‘dirt,’ topped with gummy worms for a fun and festive fall treat that comes together in under 20 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 package (14.3 oz) Oreo cookies (about 36 cookies)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 box (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
  • 1 1/2 cups cold milk
  • Gummy worms (sour recommended)
  • Optional: crushed graham crackers, candy pumpkins, or chocolate shavings

Instructions

  1. Make the chocolate dirt: Place Oreos (filling and all) in a food processor and pulse until fine crumbs form. Transfer to a medium bowl and stir in melted butter until evenly moistened. Set aside.
  2. Prepare the pudding: In a small bowl, whisk together instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk for about 2 minutes until thickened. Refrigerate for at least 5 minutes to set.
  3. Make the pumpkin cheesecake filling: In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth (about 2 minutes). Add pumpkin puree, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and salt. Beat on medium speed until fully combined and silky.
  4. Layer the cups: Spoon about 2 tablespoons of chocolate dirt into the bottom of each cup. Press down gently with the back of a spoon.
  5. Add the pudding layer: Spoon about 2 tablespoons of vanilla pudding over the dirt layer and spread evenly.
  6. Add the pumpkin layer: Spoon about 3 tablespoons of pumpkin cheesecake filling over the pudding and smooth the top.
  7. Top with more dirt: Sprinkle a generous layer of chocolate Oreo crumbs over the top to completely cover the pumpkin filling.
  8. Plant the worms: Gently push 2-3 gummy worms into the top layer of dirt, letting some wiggle out.
  9. Chill before serving: Refrigerate cups for at least 30 minutes before serving. They are even better after 1-2 hours.

Notes

Use room temperature cream cheese for a smooth filling. Don’t overmix the pumpkin filling once powdered sugar is added. For best results, chill the cups for at least 30 minutes. Gummy worms can be added just before serving to keep them chewy. Can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance.

Nutrition

Keywords: pumpkin dirt cups, Halloween dessert, no-bake pumpkin dessert, gummy worms, fall treat, easy dessert, kids dessert

Find it online: https://merrymorsel.com/easy-pumpkin-patch-dirt-cups-with-gummy-worms/