Graveyard Dirt Cups

Graveyard Dirt Cups are a super easy Halloween dessert to make with the kids. They’re a spooky, simple version of dirt cake made with cookie crumbs, chocolate pudding, and a whipped cream ghost on top.

 

It’s almost Halloween and the kids are getting so excited! Today I’m sharing a really fun, no-fuss treat you can whip up for a children’s Halloween party or a festive after-school snack.

Why We Love Graveyard Dirt Cups

• These cups are the ultimate mix of spooky and sweet.

• They come together in minutes, use simple ingredients you probably already have on hand, and are endlessly customizable.

• Kids will love helping crush the cookies, stir the pudding, and decorate with their own little ghosts and candy pumpkins.

• Plus, no baking is required, which makes them stress-free for busy parents.

What You Need

Ingredient Notes

• Cookies: Any chocolate sandwich cookies, chocolate chip cookies, or peanut butter sandwich cookies will work. Crush a portion of them for the “dirt” layer and leave the rest whole for mixing in.

• Pudding: Use pre-made chocolate pudding cups for convenience, or make homemade pudding if you prefer. You can also swap in vanilla or butterscotch pudding for fun flavor twists.

• Whipped Cream: A swirl of whipped cream creates the “ghost” topping. Add candy eyes for personality. We used spray whipped cream from the can to make it easy. Plus candy eyes.

• Decorations: We used candy pumpkins. You can also add gummy worms, or Halloween sprinkles to make these cups extra festive.

• Cups: We used the cups that come with mini Oreo cookies, but any small plastic cup you have will work. Just note that you may need to adjust the size of the paper to fit your cup.

How to Make Graveyard Dirt Cups

• Crush the cookies: Place chocolate sandwich cookies in a resealable bag and crush them with a rolling pin until they resemble dirt.

• Layer cookies and pudding: Divide remaining whole cookies among your cups. Scoop pudding on top and stir gently to combine.

• Wrap and decorate cups: Cut strips of orange paper to wrap around the cups. Tape the ends together and draw a pumpkin face with a black marker.

• Add ghost toppers: Spray whipped cream on top of each cup to form a ghost. Place candy eyes on the ghost and decorate with a candy pumpkin or sprinkles.

• Serve and enjoy: Chill for 10–15 minutes if you’d like them to set, or serve right away.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I make these ahead of time? Yes! You can prep the cookie and pudding layers a few hours ahead. Wait to add the whipped cream ghosts and decorations until just before serving.

• What if I don’t have pudding cups? You can make instant pudding from a box mix or cook a homemade version. Just let it chill before layering.

• Can I make them allergy-friendly? Yes! Use gluten-free cookies or pudding as needed. Dairy-free whipped topping and plant-based pudding cups work well too.

Quick Tips

• Chill the cookies and pudding mixture for a firmer texture before decorating.

• Use a piping bag with a 1M tip or a plastic bag with the corner snipped off for neater whipped cream ghosts.

• Let kids decorate their own cups with different expressions and toppings - it’s half the fun!

These Graveyard Dirt Cups are spooky, simple, and so much fun for Halloween. With just a few ingredients and plenty of creativity, you’ll have a treat that kids and adults will love.

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