Brownie Dirt Pudding Delicacy

Brownie dirt pudding cups are a delicious and easy Halloween dessert! Dress them up with graveyard decorations for a spooky afternoon snack or party treat.

Several decorated brownie dirt puddings arranged on a Halloween themed platter.

The weather may only just be starting to cool off, but I’ve been mentally ready for fall for a couple of months now. I’m not much of a Halloween person and never have been. I mean, let’s be honest, I’m the girl who walked through haunted houses with her eyes shut the entire time, clinging to the person in front until I reached my mid-twenties.

I fast-forward through scary movie trailer commercials because otherwise, I’ll have nightmares for at least three days. I’ve always preferred pretty fall décor that can stay up until Thanksgiving. Halloween popcorn balls are about as spooky as I care to get. However, my daughter, Elle, is a certified Halloween enthusiast. I think her love for the season ignited the year our neighbors decided to creepy-fy their house with glowing eyes, ghosts, witch legs sticking out of bushes, faux headstones with bones, and eerie handprints on their garage windows. Just the kind of stuff that fuels my nightmares…yet Elle adores it.

Finally, I conceded a bit and we have a flickering light bulb for our light post and adorably creepy ghosts. We also make sure to gather all the toppings and decorations for Halloween monster sugar cookies and these brownie dirt puddings that we decorate to look like mini graveyards.

Halloween Brownie Dirt Pudding Cups

It truly doesn’t matter your age; both kids and adults can appreciate dirt puddings. After all, what’s not to love about chocolate pudding and crushed Oreos? To make these extra special, I like to add a chewy brownie layer at the bottom, enhancing that delightful chocolatey flavor. These dirt puddings are a fun twist on my brownie trifle.

While you can make these at any time of year—who doesn’t love gummy worms?—this season calls for going all out with graveyard decorations. For my spooky twist, I like to use items such as gummy worms, candy bones or eyeballs, black cat candies, ghosts, and even zombie hands. You can find these in your grocery store or in the cake decorating section of your local craft store if you prefer to avoid online shopping.

This year, I topped them off with paper headstones and shovel-shaped spoons, but you can also create your own with a headstone printable.

I’ll admit: decorating these brownie dirt puddings with the kids brings out my inner child too!

Shovel-shaped spoon holding up a bite of brownie dirt pudding.

How to Make My Dirt Pudding Cups

Brownie dirt pudding may look adorable dressed up as a graveyard, and it certainly impresses kids (and kids at heart!)—but it’s really easy to prepare. I understand that parents don’t have unlimited time to create elaborate Halloween treats; we’re all busy this time of year!

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • 1 9×9-inch pan of baked and cooled brownies
  • 1 (3.9-ounce) box of instant chocolate pudding
  • ½ cup cold milk
  • 1 (14-ounce) can of sweetened condensed milk
  • 8 ounces thawed Cool Whip
  • 8 crushed Oreos
  • Your choice of edible Halloween-themed candy and headstone toppers
Brownie dirt pudding ingredients arranged on a countertop.

For the brownies, you can opt for any brownie recipe you love. However, I must say, this dessert tastes just as delightful if you start with your favorite boxed brownie mix—my choice being Ghirardelli brownie mixes.

If you’d prefer to purchase a ready-made brownie from your local bakery for an effortless dessert, I won’t judge!

The pudding layer is super quick and easy with instant pudding. Trust me, we’re keeping it straightforward! For the “dirt” layer, I prefer using Oreo cookie crumbs, but you can also mix in some brownie crumbs if you haven’t snacked them all away!

Making This Recipe

For individual dirt pudding cups, go for 4-ounce ramekins or 6-ounce ramekins (or opt for plastic dessert cups for a kids-safe edition!). Begin by prepping the brownie base; cut the brownie into circles using a cookie or biscuit cutter, or even a small drinking glass. Ensure the brownie fits snugly into the bottom of your serving dish. Don’t concern yourself with having enough for all your serving dishes; we’re going to halve them for use in half of the cups!

Brownie rounds cut in half horizontally and resting on a white cutting board.
Halved brownie rounds in the bottom of glass serving dishes.

Once you’ve cut the brownie circles, slice each in half horizontally so that you have two thinner brownie circles from each. Place one brownie circle into the bottom of each serving dish.

Chocolate pudding whisked together in a mixing bowl.
Cool whip folded into chocolate pudding in a mixing bowl.

In a large bowl, whisk together the instant pudding mix, cold milk, and sweetened condensed milk until smooth, then gently fold in the Cool Whip until no streaks remain.

Spoon or pipe the chocolate pudding mixture into each of the serving dishes. Top the pudding layer with crushed Oreos or a blend of crushed Oreos and brownie crumbs.

Assembled brownie dirt puddings in individual serving dishes.

Chill the puddings for at least two hours before serving. Decorate as desired with your paper headstones and Halloween candies right before serving.

Make-Ahead Tips

If you’re preparing these brownie dirt puddings for a Halloween gathering, check out these tips for getting them ready in advance:

  • Prepare the brownies and chocolate pudding mixture up to a day ahead of time. Store the pudding in the refrigerator overnight.
  • Assemble individual cups up to eight hours in advance. Add decorations, such as paper headstones or gummy worms, that won’t weep from condensation in the fridge. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
  • Add any decorations made from royal icing that wouldn’t withstand being in the fridge just before serving.
Four individual brownie dirt puddings, decorated with Halloween candies, arranged on a black platter.

FAQs

Can I make this dirt pudding recipe as one big dessert instead of in individual serving dishes?

Absolutely! You can create one large dirt pudding. Just use a trifle dish or a clear serving bowl, layering in brownie cubes before adding pudding and cookie crumbs. Chill it and decorate as usual with Halloween candies. Feel free to top with additional whipped topping or whipped cream, especially if it’s for adults!

What’s the best way to crush the Oreo cookies?

To achieve the perfect “dirt” effect, ensure your Oreos are finely crushed. The easiest way is using a mini food processor. Alternatively, you can place the cookies in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin, although it may take longer to achieve finer crumbs.

Ingredient Quantity
Baked and cooled brownies 1 9×9-inch pan
Instant chocolate pudding 1 box (3.9 ounces)
Cold milk ½ cup
Sweetened condensed milk 1 can (14 ounces)
Thawed Cool Whip 8 ounces
Crushed Oreos 8 pieces
Edible Halloween candy As desired

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