Dirt pudding is a fun and whimsical dessert that brings out the child in everyone. This no-bake treat combines creamy chocolate pudding with crunchy crushed oreo cookies and playful gummy worms, making it a hit at parties and family gatherings. It's easy to make and perfect for those who love a bit of nostalgia in their desserts.
While most of the ingredients for dirt pudding are common, you might need to pick up a few specific items if they aren't already in your pantry. Instant chocolate pudding mix and cool whip are essential for the creamy base, and gummy worms add a fun, decorative touch. Make sure to grab a package of oreo cookies to crush for the 'dirt' layers.

Ingredients For Dirt Pudding Recipe
Milk: Used to mix with the pudding mix to create a smooth and creamy base.
Instant chocolate pudding mix: The main flavor component of the dessert, providing a rich chocolate taste.
Crushed oreo cookies: These create the 'dirt' layers in the pudding, adding a crunchy texture.
Cool whip: Folded into the pudding to make it light and fluffy.
Gummy worms: Used as a fun and decorative topping to resemble worms in dirt.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
To achieve a smoother texture in your pudding mixture, make sure to whisk the milk and instant chocolate pudding mix thoroughly until there are no lumps. When folding in the cool whip, use a gentle motion to maintain the light and airy consistency. For an extra touch, consider adding a layer of crushed oreos on top of the final layer of pudding before placing the gummy worms for a more visually appealing presentation.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
cold milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk provides a similar creamy texture and is a good option for those who are lactose intolerant or prefer a dairy-free alternative.
cold milk - Substitute with coconut milk: Coconut milk adds a slight coconut flavor and is also a great dairy-free option.
instant chocolate pudding mix - Substitute with homemade chocolate pudding: You can make your own pudding using cocoa powder, cornstarch, sugar, and milk for a more natural and customizable option.
instant chocolate pudding mix - Substitute with vanilla pudding mix with cocoa powder: If you have vanilla pudding mix on hand, you can add cocoa powder to achieve a chocolate flavor.
crushed oreo cookies - Substitute with crushed chocolate graham crackers: Chocolate graham crackers provide a similar texture and chocolate flavor.
crushed oreo cookies - Substitute with crushed chocolate chip cookies: Chocolate chip cookies offer a different but delicious texture and flavor.
thawed cool whip - Substitute with whipped cream: Freshly whipped cream can be used as a more natural alternative to Cool Whip.
thawed cool whip - Substitute with coconut whipped cream: Coconut whipped cream is a dairy-free option that adds a slight coconut flavor.
gummy worms - Substitute with gummy bears: Gummy bears can be used for a similar chewy texture and fun appearance.
gummy worms - Substitute with fruit snacks: Fruit snacks provide a similar chewy texture and can be a healthier alternative.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This Dessert
How to Store or Freeze This Dessert
To keep your dirt pudding fresh and delicious, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will help maintain its creamy texture and prevent any unwanted flavors from mingling with your delightful dessert.
If you plan to enjoy your dirt pudding over several days, consider layering it in a large trifle dish instead of individual cups. This way, you can scoop out portions as needed while keeping the rest sealed and fresh.
For a fun twist, you can prepare the dirt pudding in mason jars. These jars are not only aesthetically pleasing but also come with tight-fitting lids that are perfect for storage.
When freezing dirt pudding, be mindful that the texture may change slightly. The cool whip and pudding mixture can become a bit grainy after thawing. To freeze, transfer the dirt pudding into a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top for expansion.
Label your container with the date to keep track of freshness. Dirt pudding can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.
Avoid freezing the gummy worms as they can become hard and lose their chewy texture. Instead, add them fresh when you're ready to serve.
If you notice any separation or liquid pooling after thawing, give the dirt pudding a gentle stir to reincorporate the ingredients before serving.
For an extra touch of creativity, consider adding a layer of crushed oreos on top after thawing to restore the crunchy texture that might be lost during freezing.
How to Reheat Leftovers
- Gently stir the dirt pudding to redistribute any separated layers and ensure even texture.
- If the dirt pudding has become too firm, add a splash of cold milk and mix until smooth.
- For individual servings, transfer the dirt pudding to microwave-safe bowls or cups.
- Microwave on low power for 10-15 seconds, checking frequently to avoid overheating and melting the cool whip and gummy worms.
- Alternatively, allow the dirt pudding to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to soften naturally.
- Stir gently before serving to restore the creamy texture.
- If the dirt pudding has been stored in a large container, scoop out portions into individual cups before reheating or serving.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Mixing bowl: A large container used to combine the milk and instant pudding mix until smooth and thickened.
Whisk: A utensil used to blend the milk and pudding mix together, ensuring a smooth consistency.
Spatula: A tool used to fold in the cool whip into the pudding mixture, ensuring it is well combined.
Plastic cups: Containers used to layer the pudding mixture and crushed Oreos, creating individual servings.
Spoon: A utensil used to layer the pudding mixture and crushed Oreos in the plastic cups.
Refrigerator: An appliance used to chill the dirt pudding cups for at least 1 hour before serving.
Measuring cups: Tools used to measure the correct amount of milk for the pudding mix.
Rolling pin: An optional tool to crush the Oreo cookies if you prefer a finer texture.
Plastic bag: An optional item to place the Oreos in for crushing, making it easier to manage the crumbs.
Serving tray: A tray used to hold and transport the plastic cups filled with dirt pudding.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Use pre-crushed cookies: Save time by buying pre-crushed Oreo cookies instead of crushing them yourself.
Instant pudding mix: Opt for instant pudding mix to cut down on preparation time.
Ready-made whipped topping: Use thawed Cool Whip instead of making whipped cream from scratch.
Layer in bulk: Prepare all your plastic cups at once by setting up an assembly line for layering the pudding and cookies.
Chill quickly: Place the dirt pudding cups in the freezer for 20 minutes instead of the refrigerator to speed up the chilling process.

Dirt Pudding Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups Cold milk
- 1 package Instant chocolate pudding mix 3.9 oz package
- 1 package Oreo cookies Crushed
- 8 oz Cool Whip Thawed
- 1 package Gummy worms
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the milk and instant pudding mix until smooth and thickened.
- Fold in the Cool Whip until well combined.
- In plastic cups, layer the pudding mixture and crushed Oreos, starting with a layer of Oreos at the bottom.
- Top each cup with a few gummy worms for decoration.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Main Courses
More Amazing Recipes to Try 🙂
- Greek Pasta Salad Recipe25 Minutes
- Grilled Panini Recipe15 Minutes
- Chewy Coconut Cookies Recipe27 Minutes
- Braised Corned Beef Brisket Recipe4 Hours 15 Minutes
- Cannoli Recipe40 Minutes
- Baked Spaghetti Recipe1 Hours
- Boneless Buffalo Wings Recipe35 Minutes
- Lobster Bisque Recipe1 Hours
Leave a Reply