Dirt Pudding is a classic, nostalgic childhood recipe! It’s creamy, crunchy, chocolatey, and wiggly??. I layer chocolately pudding, fluffy whipped topping, and sweet cream cheese with crushed Oreos and those iconic gummy worms. It’s weird, fun, and ALWAYS a hit at my parties.
I remember first trying this at a party and thinking it looked disgusting (like, why were worms in dessert?!). But then I had a bite… and went totally crazy over it. I tested my own version a few weeks later, and it’s been a go-to ever since...especially for kid parties and themed events.
Whether you’re throwing a birthday bash, planning a spring garden party, or need a dessert that screams “Halloween vibes,” this one's SO versatile. Everyone loves Oreos! By the way, you ever had Fried Oreos?? They are amazing.
And if you love trifle desserts, you'll LOVE my summer berry trifle!
Why You’ll Love This Dirt and Worms Recipe
- A no-bake dessert that’s almost too easy
- Fun for birthday parties, Halloween, Earth Day, or school treats
- Only 6 main ingredients
- Kid-friendly, kid-approved, and kid-makeable
- Easy to make gluten-free or dairy-free
- Make it ahead and chill overnight — party day win!
Ingredient Tips
(Full measurements in recipe card below)
- Oreos – Regular or double-stuffed. Gluten-free Oreos work great too.
- Pudding mix – French Vanilla Jell-O pudding is my go-to for flavor, but chocolate pudding works if you want that rich “mud” look.
- Milk – 2% or whole milk for best results. Use almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version.
- Cream Cheese – Full-fat is the way to go here for that creamy, tangy layer. Swap in dairy-free cream cheese if needed.
- Powdered Sugar – Dissolves smoothly, so no gritty texture and adds sweetness to the fluffy cream cheese layer.
- Whipped Topping – Cool Whip Extra Creamy is my fave. You can use a coconut-based whip for a dairy-free twist or make your own whipped cream with heavy cream and powdered sugar.
- Gummy Worms – Mandatory. Wiggle a few out of the top for full “dirt and worms” effect.
Fun Ways to Serve Dirt and Worms
- Casserole dish: For my dirt pudding, you can use a 9x13 inch casserole dish. I prefer glass so you can see the layers.
- Glass trifle dish: If you want to see more layers, I highly suggest making this in a glass trifle dish! It's a pretty presentation and would make a great centerpiece for a kid's birthday party!
- Small Mason jars: Use small Mason jars to make individual servings of dirt pudding!
- Mini flower pots – Use small terracotta pots for a garden party theme.
- Small Plastic Cups: You can serve as individual dirt cups for on the go snacking!
- Plastic bucket: You can really get into the "dirt" theme by making this pudding in a plastic bucket, and serve with a sand shovel for extra credit!
- Dump truck toy – Perfect for a construction-themed birthday. Kids lose their minds over this.
How to Store Leftovers
Refrigerate: Cover tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freeze: You can freeze dirt pudding! Just place in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw in fridge before serving.
FAQ About Dirt and Worms
Why is it called Dirt and Worms?
Because we’re making dessert look like dirt and worms — crushed Oreos mimic soil, and gummy worms make it fun and wiggly.
Can I use chocolate pudding instead?
Absolutely! It’ll make the “dirt” look darker and even more realistic.
Is this the same as dirt cake?
Yep — just a fun name variation. Whether you call it dirt cake, dirt pudding, or dirt and worms, it’s the same delicious combo.
How far ahead can I make this?
You can prep this up to 2 days in advance and keep it chilled until serving. Just add worms right before serving so they don’t get soggy.
Other Sweet Desserts To Serve
Dirt and Worms Dessert
Equipment
- 1 Trifle dish or glass baking dish
Ingredients
- 2 14 ounce Packages of Oreos Single Stuffed
- 3 ½ cups milk
- 2 3.4 ounce Packages of French vanilla pudding mix
- 8 ounces Cream cheese softened
- 1 cup Powdered sugar
- 16 ounces Whipped topping thawed
- Gummy worms optional, for topping
Instructions
- Place Oreos into a large Ziploc bag, press out the air, and seal. Use a rolling pin or meat mallet to crush them into crumbs and set aside
- In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth, then set aside for now
- In another large mixing bowl, whisk together milk and pudding mix for 2 minutes. Set aside for a few minutes or until mixture thickens.
- Take the pudding out of the fridge and gently fold the cream cheese mixture into it with a rubber spatula. Once combined, fold the whipped topping in as well.
- *If using trifle: Sprinkle a little less than half of the crushed Oreos onto the bottom of a trifle dish. Add half of the whipped mixture neatly. Add more crushed Oreos to your trifle, reserving some for the top. Add the rest of the topping. Finish with reserved Oreos and gummy worms. (See photo above!)*If using 9x13 casserole: (Note! You will have leftovers!) Add the crushed oreos halfway up the casserole dish reserving some Oreos for the top. Add the whipped topping until it reaches the top. Finished with reserved Oreos and gummy worms.
- If there are any leftovers, layer them in mini cups and serve with spoons!
Notes
What To Serve Dirt & Worms In
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- Casserole dish: Most of us have a 9x13 inch casserole dish. I prefer glass so you can see the layers! Note* If you use this, you will have more leftover.
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- Glass trifle dish: If you want pretty layers like in the photos here, make this in a glass trifle dish! It's a pretty presentation and would make a great centerpiece.
-
- Small Mason jars: Use small Mason jars to make individual servings of dirt pudding!
-
- Small Plastic Cups: These are inexpensive and great for individual servings.
-
- Plastic bucket: You can really get into the "dirt" theme by making this pudding in a plastic bucket, and serve with a sand shovel for extra credit!
Tried the recipe? I'd love to hear your thoughts below!