Description

This Homemade Dirt Pudding Recipe transforms classic chocolate pudding into a fun and nostalgic dessert layered with crushed Oreo cookies and gummy worms to resemble dirt and worms. Perfect for a playful party treat or anytime you want a whimsical chocolate delight, it combines smooth, creamy homemade chocolate pudding with crunchy cookie crumbles and chewy gummy worms for a textural and visual treat that’s sure to delight kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chocolate Pudding

1 and 1/3 cups (267g) granulated sugar
1/2 cup (42g) unsweetened natural or Dutch-process cocoa powder
1/3 cup (40g) cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 and 1/2 cups (1,080ml) whole milk
3 Tablespoons (43g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

For Assembly

24–30 Oreo cookies (about 1 standard package)
24 gummy worms

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Instructions

Prepare the Chocolate Pudding: In a medium saucepan, whisk together granulated sugar, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt until well combined. Gradually pour in the milk while whisking to avoid lumps.
Cook the Pudding Mixture: Place the saucepan over medium heat and slowly bring the mixture to a boil, whisking occasionally. This process takes about 10 minutes, and it is important not to increase the heat to rush as it will hinder proper thickening. When the pudding starts bubbling around edges and then at the center, whisk constantly and let it boil for 1 minute until it thickly coats the back of a spoon without dripping.
Finish the Pudding: Remove the saucepan from heat. Whisk in the softened butter and vanilla extract until smooth and fully incorporated.
Cool the Pudding: Pour the pudding into a heatproof bowl. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then cover the surface directly with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate for 1 hour; it will still be slightly thin for ease of layering.
Prepare the Oreo Crumbs: Place Oreo cookies in a food processor or blender and pulse until they become fine crumbs suitable for layering.
Assemble the Dirt Pudding Cups: This recipe yields about 4 cups of pudding, enough for 8 servings of approximately 1/2 cup each. In individual cups or a 9-inch baking pan, start with a layer of 2 tablespoons Oreo crumbs at the bottom, spoon 1/4 cup pudding over the crumbs, then add another layer of Oreo crumbs, followed by another 1/4 cup of pudding, and finish with a top layer of Oreo crumbs. Garnish with a few gummy worms placed on top.
Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the assembled cups uncovered for 3 additional hours to fully set and develop flavors. The pudding can be stored in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days.

Notes

This chocolate pudding comes together in about 10 minutes on the stove, but requires chilling time to thicken fully.
Layering the pudding and Oreo crumbs is key to achieving the iconic ‘dirt’ look. Use approximately 2 tablespoons of crumbs and 1/4 cup of pudding per layer for individual servings.
Use plastic wrap pressed directly on pudding surface during chilling to prevent skin formation.
You can assemble the pudding in individual cups or a larger dish such as a 9-inch baking pan.
Leftover pudding cups should be covered and refrigerated, best consumed within 3 days for optimal freshness.
Feel free to substitute gummy worms with other candy if preferred.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/2 cup pudding with crumbs and gummy worm
Calories: 280
Sugar: 30g
Sodium: 120mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 20mg