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Easy 10-Min Pumpkin Patch Pudding Cups with Oreo Dirt

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These no-bake pumpkin pudding cups with Oreo dirt are a quick and easy fall dessert that comes together in just 10 minutes. Creamy pumpkin pudding layered with crunchy chocolate cookie crumbs and topped with candy pumpkins creates an adorable pumpkin patch presentation that’s perfect for Halloween, Thanksgiving, or any autumn gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 box (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
  • 1 cup cold milk
  • ¾ cup pumpkin puree (100% pure, not pie filling)
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (optional)
  • 12 Oreo cookies (regular, not Double Stuf)
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter (optional, for clumpy dirt texture)
  • 6–8 candy pumpkins or gummy worms (for decoration)
  • Whipped topping (optional, for extra creaminess)

Instructions

  1. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and 1 cup of cold milk for about 2 minutes until it starts to thicken. Add ¾ cup pumpkin puree, 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract. Whisk until fully combined and the color is a consistent pale orange. If desired, add optional powdered sugar for extra sweetness. Set aside.
  2. Place 12 Oreo cookies in a zip-top bag, squeeze out excess air, and crush with a rolling pin into uneven pieces (some fine crumbs, some small chunks) to resemble dirt. If using optional melted butter, add it to the bag, seal, and massage into the crumbs until evenly distributed.
  3. Layer the cups: In 6 clear cups or jars, add about 1-2 tablespoons of Oreo dirt to the bottom as a crunchy base. Spoon pumpkin pudding on top, filling each cup about halfway. Smooth the pudding into an even layer with the back of a spoon or small offset spatula. Tap the cup gently on the counter to settle the pudding.
  4. Sprinkle another 1-2 tablespoons of Oreo crumbs on top of the pudding for the visible ‘dirt’ layer. Do not press down. If using whipped topping, add a dollop between the pudding and top dirt layer.
  5. Gently place a candy pumpkin or two on top of each cup, pressing slightly into the Oreo dirt. If using gummy worms, let them poke out as if crawling out of the dirt. Cover cups with plastic wrap or lids and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or 15 minutes in the freezer if in a hurry) to allow the pudding to fully set.
  6. Serve cold straight from the fridge for the best contrast between creamy pudding and crunchy Oreo dirt.

Notes

Use cold milk straight from the fridge for proper pudding setting. Taste pumpkin puree before mixing; add a pinch of salt if bland. Don’t overmix the pudding. Crush Oreos in small batches for even texture. For perfect layers, use a piping bag for the pudding. Make Oreo dirt ahead of time (store in airtight container up to a week, but add melted butter only when ready to assemble). Don’t skip the chilling step to avoid muddy layers. Add candy decorations right before serving to prevent bleeding. These cups can be made up to 3 days ahead; store covered in refrigerator. For gluten-free, use gluten-free chocolate sandwich cookies. For dairy-free, use oat or almond milk and skip the butter. For lower sugar, use sugar-free pudding mix and skip powdered sugar.

Nutrition

Keywords: pumpkin pudding cups, Oreo dirt dessert, no-bake pumpkin dessert, easy fall dessert, pumpkin patch dessert, Halloween dessert, Thanksgiving dessert, kid-friendly dessert

Find it online: https://junomeals.com/easy-10-min-pumpkin-patch-pudding-cups-with-oreo-dirt/