These spooky Graveyard Chocolate Pudding Cups are a fun treat! Soft chocolate pudding layered with crushed cookies looks just like dirt, topped with gummy worms and spooky decorations.
Perfect for kids (and kids at heart), these cups are a blast to make! I love serving them at Halloween parties; the smiles on faces when they see the worms poke out are priceless! 🎃
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chocolate Sandwich Cookies: Oreos are ideal for this recipe as they create the perfect “dirt” effect. If you want a different taste, feel free to use any similar chocolate cookie. You could even try gluten-free cookies if needed!
Instant Chocolate Pudding Mix: This is where the chocolate flavor comes from! If you want a different flavor, you could use vanilla pudding or even try a butterscotch flavor for a unique spin.
Heavy Whipping Cream: Essential for making the whipped topping light and fluffy. You can substitute it with whipped topping for a quicker option, but it won’t be as rich. Coconut cream is also a great alternative for a dairy-free version.
Marshmallow Tombstones: These are fun decorations! If they’re not available, you can use simple cookies with icing instead, or even DIY tombstones using chocolate bars and white icing!
How Do I Achieve Perfect Ganache Drips?
Creating a smooth ganache drip can be a little challenging, but it’s all about timing and temperature! Here’s how to do it:
- Start by heating the cream until it just simmers; don’t let it boil.
- Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate and let it sit for a minute. This allows the chocolate to melt without cooking. Stir until it’s completely smooth and glossy.
- Allow the ganache to cool slightly until it thickens a touch but is still pourable. This helps prevent it from running all the way down the cup too quickly!
- Pour the ganache around the edges of the pudding cups first. Then, let it flow down for that beautiful drip effect.
Graveyard Chocolate Pudding Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dirt Base:
- 24 chocolate sandwich cookies (like Oreos), finely crushed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Chocolate Pudding:
- 2 cups cold milk
- 1 package (3.9 oz) instant chocolate pudding mix
For the Whipped Cream:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Ganache Drip:
- 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
For Decorating:
- Halloween themed marshmallow tombstones or candy decorations
- Colorful sprinkles
- Gummy worms (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dessert will take you about 30 minutes to prepare and an additional hour to chill in the refrigerator. That means you can get everything set up and then enjoy some time to relax while the pudding cups firm up!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Cookie Crumb Base:
In a medium bowl, combine the finely crushed chocolate sandwich cookies with melted butter. Stir well until the crumbs are evenly moistened. Press about 2 tablespoons of this mixture firmly into the bottom of each clear serving cup or small jar to create the “dirt” layer.
2. Making the Chocolate Pudding:
In another mixing bowl, whisk the instant chocolate pudding mix with 2 cups of cold milk. Keep whisking for about 2 minutes, or until the mixture is thickened. Set this bowl aside for a moment.
3. Whipping the Cream:
In a clean, cold bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until you achieve stiff peaks. This means that when you lift the whisk, the cream holds its shape nicely!
4. Combining Pudding and Whipped Cream:
Carefully fold the whipped cream into the prepared chocolate pudding mixture. Be gentle here, as you want to keep it light and fluffy without deflating the cream.
5. Layering the Pudding Cups:
Spoon or pipe the fluffy pudding mixture over the cookie crumb base in each cup until they are nearly full, leaving a little space for the ganache on top.
6. Preparing Chocolate Ganache Drip:
In a small saucepan, heat 1/3 cup of heavy cream until it just begins to simmer. Pour this hot cream over the chopped semi-sweet chocolate in a heat-proof bowl. Let it sit for 1-2 minutes. Then, stir until the chocolate melts completely and the mixture is smooth and glossy.
7. Adding the Ganache Drip:
Allow the ganache to cool slightly until it thickens a bit but remains pourable. Carefully pour it over the pudding layer, letting it drip down the sides of the cups for a spooky effect.
8. Adding the Final “Dirt” Layer:
Sprinkle more crushed cookie crumbs on top of the ganache layer to resemble dirt, making sure to cover the ganache nicely.
9. Decorating the Graveyard:
Top each cup with your marshmallow tombstones or candy ghosts. Sprinkle colorful sprinkles around and add gummy worms poking out for that eerie graveyard feel!
10. Chilling:
Cover each cup with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This will help all the layers set nicely, making them easy to enjoy when it’s time to serve.
Enjoy your spooky Graveyard Chocolate Pudding Cups! They’re perfect for Halloween parties or any chocolate dessert cravings!
Can I Use Different Types of Cookies for the Base?
Absolutely! While Oreos are classic and provide a nice chocolate flavor, you can use any chocolate sandwich cookie. You can even experiment with vanilla cookies for a different taste or gluten-free options if needed!
How Can I Make These Pudding Cups Dairy-Free?
To make these pudding cups dairy-free, simply substitute the regular milk with almond, coconut, or oat milk. For the whipped cream, you can use coconut cream or a store-bought dairy-free whipped topping. Ensure that the chocolate used for the ganache is dairy-free, too!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare these pudding cups a day in advance! Just follow the recipe steps and store the finished cups in the fridge. They stay fresh and are perfect for serving at parties!
What is the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pudding cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If the ganache starts to soften, you can chill them briefly before serving to firm them back up!