ChristmasFruit Cakes

Christmas Dirt Cups

Updated on 5 min read

Christmas Dirt Cups are a delightful and easy-to-make dessert that combines the classic elements of chocolate pudding, crushed Oreos, and gummy worms with a festive holiday twist. This treat is perfect for kids and adults alike, making it an ideal addition to any holiday gathering. The appeal of these cups lies in their simplicity, creativity, and the joy they bring to both the maker and the eater. In this post, we’ll dive into the details of how to make Christmas Dirt Cups, along with some creative variations and practical tips to ensure your dessert turns out perfectly.

Ingredients

To make the basic Christmas Dirt Cups, you’ll need the following ingredients:

  • 1 3.9 oz. package of chocolate instant pudding mix (or homemade pudding if you prefer)
  • 2 cups of cold milk (whole or 2% milk works best)
  • 1 8 oz. tub of whipped topping (Cool Whip or similar), thawed
  • 20 Oreo cookies, finely crushed (you can use other types of cookies like Nilla wafers or Graham crackers for variations)
  • 10-15 gummy worms (or other festive candies like candy canes, holly berries, or Christmas-themed gummies)
  • Optional: festive sprinkles, edible flowers, or other holiday decorations

Step-by-Step Directions

  1. Prepare the Pudding:
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the pudding mix and cold milk until well combined. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes to thicken.
  1. Fold in the Whipped Topping:
  • Gently fold the whipped topping into the pudding mixture. Be careful not to stir too much, as this can deflate the whipped topping and make it less fluffy.
  1. Assemble the Cups:
  • Spoon the pudding mixture into small cups or glasses. You can use plastic cups, glass jars, or even festive holiday-themed cups.
  • Top each cup with a layer of crushed Oreos to resemble dirt. You can also add a few gummy worms on top to look like they are crawling out of the “dirt”.
  1. Decorate with Festive Touches:
  • For a Christmas theme, you can add festive sprinkles, candy canes, or red and green M&M’s to the top of each cup. You can also use edible flowers or small Christmas-themed candies to make them more appealing.

Serving Tips

  • Serve Chilled: Refrigerate the cups until you’re ready to serve them. This will ensure the pudding stays firm and the cookies remain crunchy.
  • Just Before Serving: Add any final decorations or gummy worms just before serving to keep them fresh and in place.

Storage Tips

  • Cover and Refrigerate: Cover the cups with plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to four days. The cookies will get slightly softer over time, but the dessert will still be delicious.
  • Assemble Just Before Serving: For the best texture, it’s recommended to assemble the cups just before serving. However, if you need to prepare them ahead of time, make sure to keep the cookies and gummy worms separate until serving.

Creative Variations

  1. Halloween to Christmas Transition:
  • Use candy canes instead of gummy worms for a festive touch.
  • Replace the gummy worms with holly berries or red and green M&M’s.
  • Add a few sprinkles in Christmas colors (red, green, gold) for extra festivity.
  1. Sand Cups:
  • Use vanilla pudding instead of chocolate pudding.
  • Substitute the Oreos with crushed Nilla wafers or Golden Oreos.
  • Top with Teddy Grahams or small marshmallows to resemble sand.
  1. Easter Dirt Cups:
  • Use vanilla or pastel-colored pudding.
  • Top with crushed Nilla wafers or pastel-colored cookies.
  • Add Peeps marshmallows, candy eggs, or coconut flakes dyed green for grass.
  1. Summer Dirt Cups:
  • Use lemon or strawberry pudding for a lighter flavor.
  • Top with crushed cookies like Biscoff or shortbread.
  • Add gummy insects or tropical candies like pineapple chunks.
  1. Adult Version:
  • Use a richer pudding made with heavy cream and dark chocolate.
  • Top with crushed cookies like Belvita or Milano cookies.
  • Add edible flowers or small chocolate chips for a more sophisticated look.

FAQ

  1. How long do Christmas Dirt Cups stay good for in the fridge?
  • Christmas Dirt Cups can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days. However, the cookies will soften over time, so it’s best to assemble them just before serving for the best texture.
  1. Can I make the pudding ahead of time?
  • Yes, you can make the pudding the day before and refrigerate it overnight. However, it’s best to assemble the cups just before serving to keep the cookies crunchy and the gummy worms fresh.
  1. What type of cookies can I use instead of Oreos?
  • You can use various types of cookies like Nilla wafers, Golden Oreos, Graham crackers, or even Biscoff cookies to change up the flavor and texture.
  1. How do I crush the cookies without a food processor?
  • If you don’t have a food processor, you can place the cookies in a resealable bag and crush them with a rolling pin. This method works just as well.
  1. Can I use homemade pudding instead of instant pudding mix?
  • Absolutely Using homemade pudding can give your Christmas Dirt Cups a richer and more decadent flavor. Simply make your homemade pudding according to your recipe and let it chill before assembling the cups.

Conclusion

Christmas Dirt Cups are a versatile and delicious dessert that can be enjoyed by everyone. With their easy preparation and creative variations, they make an ideal treat for any holiday gathering. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced baker, this dessert is sure to bring smiles and joy to all who taste it. So go ahead, get creative, and make this festive dessert a part of your holiday traditions