Classic Dirt Pudding Recipe for Kids and Parties

Dirt pudding, made small-batch for two — a fun Halloween treat to make with kids. This version uses microwave chocolate pudding and assembles into two dirt-and-worm cups.

Everyone will love this Dirt and Worms Recipe

These dirt and worms pudding cups are an easy, playful dessert to make with kids. The chocolate pudding is cooked in the microwave (or on the stove if you prefer), then chilled and layered with crushed sandwich cookies and gummy worms. The recipe yields two small cups — perfect for a parent and child or two kids — and the assembly is a great activity for little helpers.

Chocolate Dirt Pudding Recipe Ingredients

• Chocolate sandwich cookies — 6 cookies, crushed.
• Sugar — 1/4 cup granulated sugar.
• Cocoa powder — 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (natural or Dutch-process works).
• Cornstarch — 1 1/2 tablespoons to thicken the pudding.
• Milk — 1 cup whole milk (2% works better than skim).
• Vanilla — 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract.
• Butter — 1 tablespoon butter, stirred in after cooking for richness.
• Gummy worms — about 4 worms (2 per cup), or more if desired.

How to make Dirt Pudding

This recipe makes a small batch of chocolate pudding in the microwave and uses cornstarch instead of eggs for thickening. If you prefer not to use a microwave, stove instructions are included below.

1. Crush the 6 sandwich cookies in a food processor or place them in a sealed plastic bag and crush with a rolling pin. Set the crumbs aside.
   

   

2. In a medium microwave-safe bowl, whisk together the sugar, cocoa powder, and cornstarch until well combined and free of lumps.
3. Slowly add the milk while whisking constantly to keep the mixture smooth.
4. Microwave on HIGH for 2 minutes. Remove and whisk, then microwave for 1 minute, whisk again, and microwave for a final 1 minute. The pudding should become thick and glossy.
   

   

5. Remove from the microwave and strain the pudding through a fine-mesh sieve into a small bowl, using a spatula to press it through and scraping the underside of the sieve. Stir in the vanilla and butter until melted. Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface and refrigerate 2–4 hours, or until completely chilled.
6. To assemble the cups, layer crushed cookies, pudding, and gummy worms. Repeat layers to fill two small serving cups. Serve immediately or keep chilled up to 24 hours (gummy worms may soften if stored longer).
   

   

Stovetop method (no microwave)

If you prefer to cook the pudding on the stove:

1. In a small saucepan, whisk together the sugar, cocoa powder, and cornstarch to break up lumps.
2. Slowly whisk in the milk until smooth.
3. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens, about 6–8 minutes. The pudding should coat the back of a spoon and hold a line when you run your finger through it.
4. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla and butter, then chill as directed above before assembling the cups.

Easy Dirt Pudding Variations

• Make more — The recipe yields two small cups. You can double or triple the ingredients to serve more people; if using a microwave, avoid making too large a single batch to prevent overflow while cooking.
• Vegan option — To make a vegan version, use a vegan ready-made pudding mix or test non-dairy milks with a thickener that works for your brand. Substitute vegan butter and choose pectin-based gummy worms instead of gelatin-based ones.

Yield: 2

Dirt Pudding Recipe

Small-batch dirt pudding cups — a kid-friendly chocolate dessert for two.

Prep Time
15 minutes

Cook Time
4 minutes

Additional Time
4 hours

Total Time
4 hours 19 minutes

Ingredients

• 6 chocolate sandwich cookies
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 4 gummy worms, to serve

Instructions

1. Crush the cookies and set crumbs aside.
2. Whisk sugar, cocoa, and cornstarch together in a microwave-safe bowl.
3. Slowly whisk in milk until smooth.
4. Microwave 2 minutes, whisk, then 1 minute twice more until thick and shiny.
5. Strain into a bowl, stir in vanilla and butter, cover with plastic wrap on the surface, and chill 2–4 hours.
6. Layer cookies, pudding, and gummy worms into two small cups and serve.

Notes

This makes two modest servings; younger children may prefer smaller portions. For best texture, consume within a day.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

2

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 589
Total Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: 327mg
Carbohydrates: 92g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 51g
Protein: 11g