Halloween Graveyard Dirt Cups

Welcome to the festive Halloween sweet treat you've been looking for all fall, the Graveyard Dirt Cups! With events like Halloween parties, school events, neighborhood parties, or just a fun family treat, this desert is easy and are a delight to both kids and adults.

Imagine digging into a creamy milk chocolate pudding with some crunchy oreo cookies. Well through digging in the dirt with gummy worms, while also reaching a whipped cream level, this sweat treat is easy and quick to make. Not only are these cups visually captivating, but they are a great way to get the entire family involved in the kitchen, regardless of your age!

In this instructable, I'll guide you through a step by step approach to creating these graveyard delights. With a graveyard decoration that's customizable to your choosing, these cups allow for your fall to get even festive. So grab your mixing bowls and lets transform this haunted season to a sweet treat!

Ingredients:

1. 1 package chocolate sandwich cookies (Oreos)
2. 2 cups cold milk
3. 1 package instant chocolate pudding mix
4. Cool Whip or cream cheese
5. 1/4 cup butter, softened
6. 1 cup powdered sugar
7. Gummy worms (for decoration)
8. Milano cookies or any cookie of your choice
9. Black edible gel or icing (for gravestones writing)
10. Clear plastic cups
11. Brightly colored food gels (such as green, purple, and orange)
12. Optional: Candy eyes or candy bones (for decorations in Graveyard)
13. Optional Colorful sprinkles (for additional decoration)

1. Crush the cookies (oreos): Using a food processor, blend the chocolate cookies until they resemble fine dirt (Having some larger chunks are acceptable).
2. Alternatively, place the cookies in a zip lock bag, and crush the oreos with a rolling pin until they are fine crumbs left.

1. Using a mixing bowl, pour you chocolate pudding mix and cold milk together. Whisk together from approximately 2-3 minutes until the pudding thickens.
2. Next, place your mixing bowl in the refrigerator for your chocolate pudding to set while you move into further steps.

1. In another bowl, take your softened cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar together using an electric mixer (*Note: If you don't have an electric mixer, beat with a whisk until smooth and fluffy). Use the electric mixer for about 1-2 minutes, or until fluffy and smooth.
2. Alternatively, buy a whipped topping (Cool Whip) as a substitute if preferred. (this can be used for dietary reasons or for times sake).

Layer #1: Using a plastic clear cup, start by adding a small layer of crushed chocolate cookie (oreo) to the bottom of each cup (roughly about 2-3 tablespoons).

Layer #2: Using a spoon, scoop in the cream cheese mixture (or Cool Whip), and spread it evenly on top of the crushed cookie layer. (Ensure no chocolate cookies can be seen).

Layer #3: Add a layer of the chocolate pudding on top of the cream cheese mixture. While filling the cup with chocolate pudding, ensure to leave 1/2" - 1" of room for the final layer.

Layer #4: Finish the remainder of the cup with a layer of cookie crumbs to represent the topsoil of the graveyard (tip: make sure NOT to pack down cookie crumbs to ensure a realistic looking topsoil).

1. Using your Milano cookies or any type of cookie (graham crackers) to make your gravestone.
2. Using black edible gel or icing, write down spooky messages on your cookie. Maybe consider drawing crosses, skulls, "RIP", or something creative of your choosing!
3. Allow icing or gel to sit for 3-4 minutes to ensure its set. Then proceed to the next step. (Consider adding Glow in the Dark food paint or icing for an exciting Gravestone surprise!)
4. You may also use your gel or icing to draw figures in the dirt (your crushed chocolate cookies, such as bones or grass, get creative!)

1. Gravestones: Take you gravestone cookie and dip in about 1/2 way into your top soil so it can stand upright.
2. Gummy worms: Add your gummy worms to the top soil and around the gravestone, make it look like its crawling out of the dirt. (You may add as many or as little as you would like)
3. Sprinkle the remainder of cookie crumbs on top for the final touch, and add some touches of cool whip or cream cheese mixture if desired.
4. Add additional decorations (optional): if desired, add a small plastic edible monster to stick into the graveyard, making it look like its emerging form the ground. Additionally, add edible candy eyes into your topsoil to add to the Halloween spirit!

1. Place your finished dirt cups into the fridge, and let them sit for roughly 1 hour.
2. Served chilled, and watch as the fun, colorful graveyard brings smiles and laughter to your Halloween gathering!