Halloween is the perfect excuse to have some fun in the kitchen, and this Halloween dirt cake is a festive treat that’s as creepy as it is delicious. Made with layers of creamy chocolate pudding, crushed chocolate cookies, and topped with gummy worms, candy tombstones, and little ghost decorations, it’s a dessert that looks like a spooky graveyard but tastes rich, chocolatey, and irresistible.
This recipe is easy enough for kids to help make and makes the perfect centerpiece for a Halloween party table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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No-bake dessert that comes together quickly.
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Fun, festive, and kid-friendly.
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Easy to customize with your favorite Halloween candies.
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Perfect for parties, potlucks, and spooky gatherings.
Ingredients
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1 package chocolate sandwich cookies (crushed into crumbs)
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2 cups cold milk
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1 box instant chocolate pudding mix (5.1 oz)
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1 package cream cheese, softened (8 oz)
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½ cup butter, softened
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1 cup powdered sugar
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1 container whipped topping (8 oz)
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Gummy worms, candy ghosts, candy tombstones, or other Halloween candy for decorating
Instructions
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Make the cookies: Crush the cookies into fine crumbs using a food processor or by placing them in a zip-top bag and crushing with a rolling pin.
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Prepare the pudding: In a large bowl, whisk together the pudding mix and milk until thickened. Set aside.
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Cream mixture: In another bowl, beat together softened cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar until smooth.
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Combine: Fold the cream mixture into the pudding, then fold in the whipped topping until combined and creamy.
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Layer the cake: In a large glass dish, layer crushed cookies on the bottom, then spread pudding mixture over the top. Repeat until the dish is full, ending with a layer of cookie crumbs on top.
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Decorate: Add gummy worms, candy ghosts, and tombstones on top to create the “graveyard” look. Chill for at least 1 hour before serving.
Tips & Variations
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Swap chocolate pudding for vanilla or pumpkin spice pudding for a fun twist.
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Use clear cups instead of a large dish to make individual “dirt cups.”
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Add candy pumpkins, candy bones, or edible eyes for extra Halloween flair.
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Make it ahead—this dessert tastes even better after chilling overnight.
Final Thoughts
This Halloween dirt cake is a playful, no-bake dessert that’s sure to wow both kids and adults at your next spooky gathering. It’s creamy, chocolatey, and so much fun to decorate. With its festive toppings and rich flavor, this treat is bound to become a Halloween tradition.