These dinosaur dirt cups are so good! And they are quick to make. Just layer Oreos and pudding.
How to Make Dinosaur Dirt Cups
- Blend it: Place the Oreos in a food processor and process until fine crumbs form. Set aside.
- Prepare the pudding: Add the cold milk and chocolate pudding to a bowl. Using an electric mixer, beat for about two minutes until thickened. Fold in whipped cream.
- Prepare the cups: Layer cups with crushed Oreos and chocolate pudding mixture. Top with dinosaur gummy candies, Dinomite sprinkles, and M&M’s peanut chocolate candy (if using). Chill for at least one hour before serving.
Make-Ahead and Freezing Instructions
To Make-Ahead: Dirt cups can be made one day in advance fully assembled or two to three days in advance if you only add the Oreos just before serving. Make sure to keep the cups in the refrigerator covered with plastic wrap.
To Freeze: Assemble the cups, cover them, and put them in the freezer without the gummies for up to three months. To thaw, leave them in the refrigerator overnight and add the gummies just before serving.
Recipe Variations for Dinosaur Dirt Cups
Vanilla twist: Substitute chocolate pudding with vanilla pudding mix. Follow the same instructions for a creamy vanilla flavor.
Strawberry dirt cups: Replace Oreos with crushed shortbread cookies. Mix strawberry instant pudding with cold milk.
Minty swap: Swap chocolate pudding with mint chocolate pudding mix. Top with crushed peppermint candies.
Gluten-free option: For a celiac-friendly treat, use gluten-free chocolate sandwich cookies instead of Oreos. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
Vegan alternative: Use dairy-free milk and pudding mix. Coconut or almond milk works well with the pudding. For the creamy layer, choose a vegan whipped topping like coconut cream.
Coconut cups: Crush coconut-flavored cookies instead of Oreos. Substitute chocolate pudding with coconut pudding mix.
Peanut butter option: Add a layer of peanut butter between the crushed Oreos and pudding mix. Top with peanut butter cups for an extra nutty flavor.
Cookie monster cups: Replace Oreos with your favorite chocolate chip cookies. Mix chocolate pudding as directed and layer with cookie crumbs. Top with gummy worms.
Caramel mix: Drizzle caramel sauce between the layers of crushed Oreos and pudding mix. Top with caramel candies for an extra sweet touch.
Double chocolate: Use chocolate sandwich cookies with chocolate filling instead of Oreos. Add chocolate chips to the pudding mix for an extra chocolatey experience.
Dinosaur Dirt Cups
Ingredients
- 20 Oreo cookies
- 2 cups cold milk
- 1 4 oz. package chocolate instant pudding mix
- 1 8 oz. container cool whip, thawed
- Dinosaurs Gummy Candies, optional
- Dinomite Sprinkles, optional
- M&M’S Peanut Chocolate Candy, optional
Instructions
- Place the Oreos in a food processor and process until fine crumbs form. Set aside.
- Add the cold milk and chocolate pudding to a bowl.
- Using an electric mixer beat until thicken, about 2 minutes.
- Fold in whipped cream.
- Layer cups with crushed Oreo and chocolate pudding mixture.
- Top with dinosaurs gummy candies, Dinomite sprinkles and M&M’S peanut chocolate candy (if using).
- Chili for minimum 1 hour before serving.
Notes
- Crushing Oreos: To get that smooth, dirt-like texture in the dessert, use a food processor or place the Oreos in a zip-lock bag before crushing them with a rolling pin.
- Thicken pudding: Beat the pudding mixture until creamy, but don’t overmix, as it can cause a runny texture.
- Folding in whipped cream: Gently fold whipped cream into the pudding mixture to maintain its light and fluffy texture. Use a spatula and incorporate it with a gentle, sweeping motion.
- Layering cups: Layer crushed Oreos and pudding mixture evenly in cups for a balanced flavor in each bite. Start with a layer of Oreos, followed by pudding, and repeat until you run out of ingredients. Make sure you end with Oreos on top.
- Optional toppings: Customize with optional toppings like dinosaur gummy candies, Dinomite sprinkles, gummy worms, or M&M’s peanut chocolate candy for added fun and flavor.
- Chilling time: Allow the assembled cups to chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour before serving. This helps set the dessert and enhances its taste.
