My kids always request these dinosaur pudding cups! They use layered pudding and a crushed oreo topping for a delightful crunch.
How to Make Dinosaur Pudding Cups
- Blend it: Place the Oreos in a food processor and process until fine crumbs form. Set aside.
- Make the chocolate filling: Add two cups of cold milk and chocolate pudding to a bowl. Using an electric mixer, beat for about two minutes or until thickened. Fold in eight ounces of whipped cream. Set aside.
- Make the vanilla filling: Add two cups of cold milk and vanilla pudding to a bowl. Using an electric mixer, beat for about two minutes or until thickened. Fold in eight ounces of whipped cream. Set aside.
- Assemble: Add a few tablespoons of Oreo crumbs to the bottom of each cup. Create a layer with the chocolate pudding mixture, and then add a layer of vanilla pudding mixture on top. Top with Oreo crumbs, dinosaur gummy candies, Dinomite sprinkles, and M&M peanut chocolate candy (if using). Refrigerate for at least an hour before serving.
Make Ahead and Storing Instructions
To Make Ahead: Dinosaur pudding cups can be assembled up to 48 hours in advance. The pudding needs time to set no matter when you make it, so this will only make it better.
To Store: Cover the pudding cups with plastic wrap and store the leftovers in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to three days.
Recipe Variations for Dinosaur Pudding Cups
Tropical twist: Swap vanilla pudding mix for coconut cream pudding mix. Top with fresh pineapple chunks and toasted coconut flakes for a taste of the tropics.
Banana cream pudding: Replace chocolate pudding mix with banana cream pudding mix. Layer with sliced bananas, drizzle caramel sauce on top and enjoy the sweet twist.
Minty dirt pudding cups: Use mint chocolate chip pudding mix instead of vanilla. Garnish with crushed peppermint candies and a sprig of fresh mint.
Espresso cups: Substitute chocolate pudding mix with mocha pudding mix. Dissolve a shot of espresso in the milk for a caffeinated twist. Sprinkle with chocolate-covered espresso beans for extra crunch.
Lemon twist: Switch vanilla pudding mix with lemon pudding mix and layer with lemon zest and lemon slices for a zesty, citrusy treat.
Nutty option: Replace Oreo cookies with crushed graham crackers. Mix chopped nuts into the vanilla pudding layer for added crunch and flavor.
Raspberry ripple pudding cups: Use white chocolate pudding mix instead of vanilla. Swirl raspberry jam into the pudding layers to create yummy raspberry streaks.
Cookie dough cups: Swap chocolate pudding mix for cookie dough pudding mix. Fold in mini chocolate chips into the vanilla pudding layer.
Strawberry shortcake: Replace Oreo crumbs with crushed shortbread cookies, layer with sliced strawberries, and top with whipped cream for a classic dessert twist.
Peanut butter cups: Use peanut butter pudding mix instead of chocolate. Top with crushed peanut brittle and a drizzle of melted peanut butter.
Dinosaur Pudding Cups
Ingredients
- 12 Oreo cookies
- 4 cups cold milk
- 1 4 oz. package chocolate instant pudding mix
- 1 4 oz. package vanilla instant pudding mix
- 2 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.
- To make the chocolate filling, add 2 cups cold milk and chocolate pudding to a bowl.
- Using an electric mixer beat until thicken, about 2 minutes.
- Fold in 8 oz whipped cream. Set aside.
- To make the vanilla filling, add 2 cups cold milk and vanilla pudding to a bowl.
- Using an electric mixer beat until thicken, about 2 minutes.
- Fold in 8 oz whipped cream. Set aside.
- Add a few tablespoons of Oreo crumbs into the bottom of each cup.
- Layer cups with chocolate pudding mixture and vanilla pudding mixture.
- Top with Oreo crumbs, dinosaurs gummy candies, Dinomite sprinkles and M&M’S peanut chocolate candy (if using).
- Chili for minimum 1 hour before serving.
Notes
- Optional toppings: Feel free to get creative with toppings like dinosaur gummy candies, Dinomite sprinkles, and M&M’s peanut chocolate candy for added fun and flavor.
- Storage Tip: If making ahead, cover the pudding cups tightly with plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours to maintain freshness.
- Customize: Experiment with different pudding flavors or swap out Oreo cookies for your favorite type of cookie for a personalized touch.
- Whipped cream consistency: When folding in the whipped cream, gently mix to maintain a light and airy texture in the pudding layers.
- Crushing Oreos: For best results, crush the Oreos with a food processor, but if you don’t have one, put them in a sealed plastic bag and crush them using the back of a cup or a rolling pin to create a smooth base for the pudding cups.
- Layering technique: Layer the pudding mixtures evenly by scooping the pudding into a piping bag and piping it into the cup. Gently tap the side of the glass or tap it on the counter to smooth out the pudding.
