Introduction

These Fun Graveyard Dirt Cake Cups are a deliciously spooky dessert perfect for Halloween or any party. Layers of creamy chocolate pudding and Oreo crumbs create a rich, dirt-like texture, while festive decorations add a playful touch. They’re easy to assemble and sure to impress your guests!

Ingredients

2 packages family size Oreo cookies (19.1 oz each)
1 cup chocolate syrup (divided, use good quality for richer flavor)
16 oz whipped topping, thawed
2 packages instant chocolate pudding mix (3.9 oz each, Jell-O brand recommended)
4 cups whole milk (cold)
Black cookie decorating icing (Betty Crocker is a reliable choice)
Milano cookies
Mini pumpkin-shaped candies
Assorted Halloween-themed sprinkles
Ghost-shaped marshmallow treats

Instructions

Step 1: Place the Oreo cookies into a food processor in batches and process until they form fine crumbs. Transfer all the crumbs into a large bowl and set aside.
Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the whole milk and instant chocolate pudding mix for about 2 minutes, until the mixture begins to thicken. Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Drizzle 1/2 cup of chocolate syrup into the pudding mixture and gently swirl a few times to create streaks. Place the pudding in the fridge until ready to assemble.
Step 4: Arrange 18 serving cups (about 9 ounces each). Add 2 tablespoons of Oreo crumbs to the bottom of each cup, then spoon just under 1/4 cup of the pudding mixture over the crumbs. Repeat with another layer of 2 tablespoons Oreo crumbs and the remaining pudding. Top each cup with 1 tablespoon of Oreo crumbs. Gently tap the cups between layers to even them out.
Step 5: Stir the remaining 1/2 cup chocolate syrup into the leftover Oreo crumbs until clumpy and moist. Set aside for decoration.
Step 6: Use black decorating icing to write ‘RIP’ or spooky sayings on Milano cookies. Press these into the tops of the cups like gravestones. Add ghost-shaped marshmallow treats, mini pumpkin candies, and sprinkle with Halloween-themed sprinkles. Finally, top each cup with the clumpy ‘fresh dirt’ crumbs to resemble freshly dug earth.
Step 7: Chill the decorated graveyard cups in the refrigerator until ready to serve, or enjoy immediately for a spooky treat.

Tips & Variations

Use chilled whole milk for the pudding to help it set better and create a creamier texture.
Customize decorations with different cookies or candy shapes to fit your theme.
Let kids decorate their own cups for a fun activity and personalized touch.
For extra richness, substitute half the milk with heavy cream when making the pudding.

Storage

Store the assembled and decorated cups covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best texture, consume within 24 hours as the Oreo crumbs may soften over time. To reheat, serve chilled or allow to sit at room temperature for 10 minutes—do not microwave.

How to Serve

A clear glass cup holds a layered dessert with three thick layers, starting with a dark brown crumbly base at the bottom, followed by a lighter beige creamy layer mixed with cookie crumbs, and another dark crumbly layer in the middle. On top, there is a thick swirl of light brown chocolate mousse or cream, decorated with a drizzle of dark chocolate sauce running down the sides. A single round chocolate cookie is placed upright on top, and chocolate crumbs along with colorful candy sprinkles are scattered around the base on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different cookie instead of Oreos?

Yes, chocolate wafer cookies or any chocolate sandwich cookies can work as a crumb layer, but Oreos are preferred for their classic flavor and texture.

Can I make these cups ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and assemble the cups a day in advance. Keep them covered in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and decoration quality.

Fun Graveyard Dirt Cake Cups Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 139 reviews

These Fun Graveyard Dirt Cake Cups are a festive and spooky no-bake dessert perfect for Halloween parties. Layers of Oreo cookie crumbs and creamy chocolate pudding are stacked in individual cups and topped with chocolate syrup-soaked crumbs that resemble dirt, along with fun Halloween-themed decorations like ghost marshmallows, mini pumpkin candies, and decorated Milano cookie gravestones. Easy to assemble and delightfully creepy, this dessert is great for kids and adults alike.

Author: zara
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 18 cups 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Crumb Layers

2 packages family size Oreo cookies (19.1 oz each)
1 cup chocolate syrup, divided (use good quality for richer flavor)

Pudding Filling

16 oz whipped topping, thawed
2 packages (3.9 oz each) instant chocolate pudding mix (Jell-O brand recommended)
4 cups whole milk, cold

Spooky Decorations

Black cookie decorating icing (Betty Crocker recommended)
Milano cookies
Mini pumpkin-shaped candies
Assorted Halloween-themed sprinkles
Ghost-shaped marshmallow treats

Instructions

Prepare Oreo Cookie Crumbs: Place the Oreo cookies in batches into a food processor and pulse until they become fine crumbs. Transfer all processed crumbs into a large bowl and set aside.
Make the Chocolate Pudding Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the cold whole milk and instant chocolate pudding mix for about 2 minutes until it starts to thicken. Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping until the mixture is smooth and no streaks remain.
Add Chocolate Syrup to Pudding: Drizzle 1/2 cup of the chocolate syrup into the pudding mixture. Gently swirl it through so it appears streaky. Place the pudding mixture into the refrigerator until ready to assemble.
Assemble the Individual Graveyard Cups: Arrange 18 serving cups (~9 ounces each). Add 2 tablespoons of Oreo crumbs to the bottom of each cup, followed by just under 1/4 cup of the pudding mixture. Repeat with another 2 tablespoons of crumbs and the remaining pudding. Top each cup with 1 tablespoon of Oreo crumbs. Gently tap the cups between layers to even them out.
Make ‘Fresh Dirt’ Cookie Crumbs: Stir the remaining 1/2 cup of chocolate syrup into the leftover Oreo crumbs until the mixture becomes clumpy and moist with an uneven texture. Set aside for decoration.
Decorate the Graveyard Cups: Use black decorating icing to write ‘RIP’ or spooky sayings on Milano cookies. Press them into the tops of the cups as gravestones. Add ghost-shaped marshmallow treats and mini pumpkin candies for extra Halloween flair. Sprinkle on assorted Halloween-themed sprinkles. Top each cup with clumpy ‘fresh dirt’ cookie crumbs. Be creative with the designs to make them fun and spooky.
Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the decorated cups until ready to serve or enjoy immediately for a festive treat.

Notes

For best pudding consistency, ensure the milk is cold before mixing.
Use high-quality chocolate syrup for richer flavor in both the pudding and decorative crumb layers.
The recipe yields about 18 individual servings using 9-ounce cups.
Decorating can be customized with other Halloween-themed candies or sprinkles.
These cups can be prepared a few hours ahead and chilled until serving.
Gentle tapping between layers helps avoid air pockets and creates even layers.

Keywords: Halloween dessert, dirt cake cups, Oreo pudding cups, no-bake dessert, spooky Halloween treats, ghost marshmallow, chocolate pudding cups