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- 1 box (15.25 oz) chocolate cake mix - 1 box (3.9 oz) instant chocolate pudding mix - 3 cups milk - 1 cup whipped topping - 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened - 1 cup powdered sugar - 1 package (14 oz) Oreo cookies, crushed - Edible gummy worms for decoration - Mini tombstone candies or small dark chocolate pieces - A splash of vanilla extract for extra depth - A dash of espresso powder to enhance chocolate flavor - Crushed nuts for added texture - Use gluten-free cake mix for a gluten-free option. - Swap cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese for a vegan choice. - Replace whipped topping with coconut whipped cream for a lighter feel. - Almond milk can replace regular milk for nut-free diets. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by preheating your oven. Follow the instructions on the cake mix box. Prepare a 9x13-inch baking pan. Grease it if needed. Pour the cake batter into the pan. Bake until a toothpick comes out clean. This usually takes about 30 minutes. Once baked, let the cake cool on a wire rack. This step is key for a good texture. In a large bowl, mix the instant chocolate pudding and milk. Use a whisk to blend until smooth. Let it sit for about 5 minutes. This waiting time helps the pudding thicken. You want it to be creamy and rich. In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar. Use a hand mixer for a smooth texture. Make sure there are no lumps. Gently fold in the whipped topping. This keeps the mixture light and fluffy. It adds a nice creamy layer to your cups. Once the cake is cool, crumble it into small pieces. In a large mixing bowl, add half of the crumbled cake to the pudding. Mix gently until well combined. You want a nice blend of cake and pudding. This creates a delightful flavor in each bite. Grab clear plastic cups or small jars for serving. Start by adding a scoop of the cake and pudding mixture to the bottom. Next, layer on the cream cheese mixture. Keep adding layers until the cups are full. End with a layer of pudding on top. This creates a nice height and looks great. Now for the fun part! Sprinkle crushed Oreo cookies on top. This looks like dirt and adds a crunch. Insert gummy worms into the Oreo topping. They create a spooky effect. Add mini tombstone candies for a creepy touch. It makes your dessert look like a graveyard. To get the best flavor, chill the cups for at least 2 hours. This helps the layers set nicely. When serving, place the cups on a spooky tray. You can add some Halloween decorations around them. Dark napkins can enhance the theme too. Enjoy your delicious and fun Graveyard Dirt Cake Cups! To get nice layers in your cups, start with a flat base. Use a spoon to add your first layer. Make sure it's smooth and even. Mix the cake and pudding well, so they blend nicely. Alternate between the pudding and cream cheese mixtures. This gives a nice contrast. Keep your layers even for the best look. Crushing Oreo cookies is key for the "dirt" look. To do this, place the cookies in a zip-top bag. Seal it tight, and use a rolling pin to crush them. Aim for fine crumbs, but some small chunks add texture. You can also use a food processor for faster results. Just pulse until they look like dirt. For a spooky look, use clear cups to show off your layers. Place mini tombstones and gummy worms on top. Use a tray with Halloween decor to display them. Dark napkins can add a nice touch. You can even add fake spiders around the cups for fun. The more spooky details, the better! Pro Tips Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your cream cheese and whipped topping are at room temperature for a smoother mixture that blends easily. Chill for Best Results: Allowing the dessert cups to chill for a minimum of 2 hours enhances the flavors and helps the layers set properly. Layering Technique: For a better visual effect, use a piping bag to layer the cream cheese mixture, ensuring clean and defined layers between the cake and pudding. Customize Your Decorations: Get creative with the toppings! Use different candies or edible decorations to create your unique graveyard scene. {{image_4}} You can switch up the flavors in your Graveyard Dirt Cake Cups. Use vanilla cake mix and vanilla pudding for a lighter taste. Add peanut butter to the cream cheese mix for a nutty twist. You can even try a red velvet cake mix for a fun color change. Each flavor adds a unique spin to this spooky dessert. While Oreos work great, other cookies can shine too. Try chocolate wafers for a similar taste. Gingersnaps can add a spicy kick. If you want a fruity twist, crushed graham crackers can work well. Use what you love to make this dessert your own. You can make these cups vegan by using plant-based milk and dairy-free cream cheese. For a gluten-free version, choose a gluten-free chocolate cake mix and cookies. Both options keep the spooky fun while meeting different dietary needs. Enjoy the same treat without worry! Store your leftover Graveyard Dirt Cake Cups in the fridge. Use an airtight container to keep them fresh. If you used plastic cups, cover each cup tightly with plastic wrap. This helps prevent drying and keeps flavors intact. These delightful cups last about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. After that, the texture may change, and the flavors may fade. To enjoy them at their best, try to eat them within this time frame. You can freeze these cups for later enjoyment. Just make sure to cover them well. Use plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to one month in the freezer. When ready to enjoy, thaw them in the fridge overnight. This keeps the layers intact and delicious! Yes, you can use homemade chocolate cake! Just ensure it is moist and not too crumbly. A rich cake will add depth to the cups. Bake it as you like, then let it cool completely before crumbling. This way, you get a fresh taste that many love! You can get creative with decorations! Try using: - Candy corn for a vibrant touch. - Chocolate sprinkles to mimic dirt. - Ghost-shaped candies for a spooky vibe. You can also use edible glitter for a magical effect. The goal is to make it fun and eye-catching! You can prepare the graveyard cups a day in advance. Just follow all steps, then chill them in the fridge. This allows the flavors to blend nicely. Make sure to add the gummy worms and tombstones right before serving, so they stay fresh! Absolutely! To make a larger batch, simply double the recipe. Use a big baking pan and extra cups. Just remember to adjust the chilling time to ensure all layers set well. More cups mean more fun at your Halloween gathering! You learned about the key ingredients needed for the Graveyard Dirt Cake. I shared steps to bake the cake, prepare the pudding, and layer it all in cups. We discussed tips for great layers and fun decorations. You also found ways to customize this treat for any diet. In the end, this dessert is fun, easy, and perfect for Halloween. Enjoy making it!

Graveyard Dirt Cake Cups

A spooky dessert featuring layers of chocolate cake, pudding, and cream cheese, topped with crushed Oreos and gummy worms.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 3 hours
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 box chocolate cake mix (15.25 oz)
  • 1 box instant chocolate pudding mix (3.9 oz)
  • 3 cups milk
  • 1 cup whipped topping
  • 1 package cream cheese (8 oz), softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 package Oreo cookies (14 oz), crushed
  • as needed edible gummy worms for decoration
  • as needed mini tombstone candies or small dark chocolate pieces

Instructions
 

  • Bake the Cake: Preheat your oven according to the instructions on the chocolate cake mix package. Prepare a 9x13-inch baking pan and pour in the cake batter. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
  • Prepare the Pudding: In a large mixing bowl, combine the instant chocolate pudding mix and milk. Whisk until smooth and let sit for about 5 minutes until thickened.
  • Make the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Gently fold in the whipped topping until fully combined.
  • Combine Ingredients: Crumble the cooled cake into small pieces. In a large mixing bowl, add half of the crumbled cake to the pudding mixture and mix until well incorporated.
  • Layer the Cups: In clear plastic cups or small jars, layer the dessert starting with a scoop of the chocolate cake and pudding mixture, followed by a layer of the cream cheese mixture. Continue layering until the cups are filled, ending with a layer of pudding.
  • Add the Dirt: Sprinkle crushed Oreo cookie crumbs on top of the final pudding layer to mimic soil.
  • Decorate: Insert edible gummy worms into the Oreo topping and add mini tombstone candies or dark chocolate pieces for gravestones.
  • Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the dessert cups for at least 2 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Notes

Display the cups on a festive tray with Halloween decorations for a fun touch.
Keyword chocolate, dessert, Halloween