Oreo Dirt Cups

Around here National Oreo Day feels like a pretty good excuse to make a sweet treat in the kitchen. Over the years I’ve shared several Oreo favorites on the blog — Oreo Fluff, Oreo Balls, Oreo Brownies, and even Homemade Oreos. But one dessert that always gets big smiles from kids is Oreo Dirt Cups.

This recipe is simple, a little messy (in the best way), and perfect for letting kids get creative. When the Oreos are crushed up to look like dirt and topped with gummy worms, it turns dessert into a fun activity too.

We like to set out punch cups and let everyone build their own dirt and worm creation. It’s always entertaining to see how each cup turns out — some people go heavy on the “dirt,” while others pile on the worms!

These dirt cups have also become a favorite activity at our Community Vacation Bible School. Just imagine quadrupling this recipe and setting out the ingredients so all the kids can build their own cup. It’s messy, fun, and always a highlight of the weekend.

I still remember the first year I shared this recipe with our Vacation Bible School kitchen committee. When they looked over the ingredients, I could tell they were wondering why we were going to so much trouble for simple dirt cups. But there’s something special about adding the creamed cream cheese and powdered sugar mixture along with the Cool Whip to the pudding that makes these extra delicious and a little more memorable. That creamy step takes them from ordinary dirt cups to something kids (and adults) look forward to each year—so don’t skip it!

Split the cream cheese and powdered sugar mixture in half between your pudding and
blend with a hand mixer for an extra creamy Oreo Dirt Pudding Cup!

If you’re celebrating National Oreo Day or just looking for an easy dessert kids can help make, this one is always a hit.

Oreo Dirt Cups

Ingredients

• 1 family size package Oreos (18.12 oz)

• 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla

• 1 box (3.4 oz) instant chocolate pudding

• 1 box (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding

• 3 cups milk

• 1 container (8 oz) frozen whipped topping, thawed

• Gummy worms

• Punch cups

Directions

1. In a large bowl, use a hand mixer to cream together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth and well combined.

2. In two separate bowls, whisk together each pudding mix with 1½ cups of milk until thickened. Fold half of the whipped topping into each pudding mixture.

3. Add half of the cream cheese mixture to each pudding bowl and use a hand mixer to blend until smooth and fully combined.

4. In a food processor, crush the Oreos until they resemble dirt.

5. Let kids build their own dirt cups by layering crushed Oreos, pudding mixture, and gummy worms in punch cups.

Recipe Tips

No food processor? No problem.
Place the Oreos in a large zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin or the bottom of a glass until they resemble dirt.

Make it ahead.
You can prepare the pudding mixtures and crushed Oreos a few hours ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. Let kids assemble their cups right before serving for the most fun.

Perfect for groups.
One batch makes about 20 punch cups, depending on how full you make them. This recipe is easy to double (or quadruple) for birthday parties, classroom treats, or Vacation Bible School.

Let kids get creative.
Set up a little “dirt cup bar” with the pudding, crushed Oreos, and gummy worms and let everyone build their own creation.

Don’t skip the cream cheese mixture.
It might seem like an extra step, but blending the cream cheese and powdered sugar into the pudding makes these dirt cups extra creamy and memorable.

Worm tip (according to my son).
For the best worms, use Albanese gummy worms — they have the best flavor and texture and are the clear favorite in our house!

Recipes like this remind me that some of the best memories are made in the kitchen — with kids laughing and a little Oreo “dirt” scattered around. Simple treats like these have a way of becoming the ones everyone remembers.

Did you grow up making dirt cups, or is this a new tradition in your kitchen? I’d love to hear how you make them!