Pumpkin Patch Dirt Cups are a fun, no‑bake fall dessert featuring layers of pumpkin‑flavored pudding, crushed chocolate cookies (to resemble “dirt”), and festive candy pumpkin toppers—perfect for Halloween parties or cozy autumn get‑togethers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s super easy and quick to assemble—no baking required.
The playful presentation (layers and candy pumpkins) makes it fun for kids and adults alike.
The flavors—pumpkin spice, creamy pudding, and chocolate cookie “soil”—create a satisfying contrast.
You can make these ahead and refrigerate, which is perfect for parties.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 box instant chocolate pudding mix
1 box instant vanilla pudding mix (or pumpkin spice instant pudding, if available)
½ cup canned pumpkin puree
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
Milk (amount per pudding mix instructions)
Whipped topping (e.g. Cool Whip, or you can whip heavy cream + powdered sugar)
Crushed Oreos or chocolate sandwich cookies
Candy pumpkins or small Halloween candy for decorating

directions

Prepare puddings. In one bowl, whisk together the chocolate pudding mix and the required amount of cold milk until smooth; refrigerate to thicken. In another bowl, whisk the vanilla (or pumpkin spice) pudding mix with milk.
Add pumpkin flavor. To the vanilla pudding, stir in pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice until smooth and well combined.
Fold in whipped topping. Lightly fold the whipped topping into the pumpkin pudding mixture to lighten the texture.
Crush cookies. Place Oreos or chocolate sandwich cookies (whole, cream included) into a food processor or a sealed plastic bag and crush them into fine crumbs (like “dirt”).
Layer into cups. Using clear plastic or glass cups, layer: cookie crumbs first, then pudding mixture, then crumbs, then pudding again, finishing with a top layer of cookie crumbs.
Decorate. Top each cup with candy pumpkins or other Halloween candy. You can also dye shredded coconut green to resemble grass and sprinkle it on top.
Chill. Refrigerate the cups until ready to serve.

Servings and timing

Servings: About 8–10 cups (depending on cup size) Gathered In The Kitchen+1
Prep time: ~15 minutes Gathered In The Kitchen+2Dang That’s Sweet+2
Chill / set time: At least 2 hours in refrigerator Gathered In The Kitchen

Variations

Use pumpkin‑spice pudding mix instead of vanilla to intensify pumpkin flavor.
Swap candies — gummy worms, candy corn, or seasonal sprinkles can replace candy pumpkins.
Make as a cake/dish — Assemble in a large trifle dish instead of individual cups.
Use flavored cookies — Try chocolate‑wafer cookies or chocolate grahams instead of Oreos.
Dye coconut “grass.” Mix shredded coconut with a drop of green food coloring and sprinkle on top to mimic grass.
Add a cookie stem. Use a small stick or pretzel as a “stem” in each candy pumpkin.

storage/reheating

Store the assembled cups covered (with plastic wrap or lids) in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. Many versions of this dessert are noted to hold well that long. Dang That’s Sweet+1
There is no reheating requirement—they are served cold.
If the top “dirt” layer seems to absorb moisture over time, you can re‑crush a few fresh cookies and sprinkle on top before serving.

FAQs

What size cup should I use?

You can use 8–10 oz clear plastic or glass cups so the layers are visible and the portions are generous.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes — prepare and assemble them a day in advance and store in the refrigerator. Add fresh decorative touches (like candy pumpkins) just before serving.

Can I skip the whipped topping?

You can, but the texture will be denser. Whipped topping lightens the pumpkin pudding and gives a creamier mouthfeel.

Can I use a homemade pumpkin pudding instead of instant mix?

Yes — you can substitute with a cooked pudding made from scratch, but ensure it’s cooled before layering.

How can I make the “grass” effect?

Mix shredded coconut with a few drops of green food coloring, toss to coat, and sprinkle on top to mimic grass.

Can I freeze these?

Freezing is not ideal — the texture of the puddings and whipped topping may degrade. It’s best to keep them refrigerated.

What if my cookie crumbs get soggy?

To refresh, crush a few extra cookies just before serving and sprinkle over the top layer to restore the “dirt” texture.

Which kind of candy pumpkins should I use?

Small, soft candy pumpkins (such as mellow creme pumpkins) work well—they’re lightweight and edible.

Can I use a different spice blend?

Yes — you can experiment with cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice if you don’t have pumpkin pie spice on hand.

What if I don’t have a food processor?

You can place the cookies in a sealed heavy plastic bag and use a rolling pin or can to crush them manually until they become fine crumbs.

Conclusion

Pumpkin Patch Dirt Cups are a delightful, no‑bake dessert that brings festive fall spirit and fun to any occasion. With minimal effort, you get a beautiful layered treat combining creamy pumpkin‑spiced pudding, rich chocolate “dirt,” and playful candy decorations. Perfect for Halloween parties, seasonal gatherings, or just a cozy evening at home, these cups are sure to be a crowd favorite; plus, you can prepare them in advance and store them in the fridge for several days. Enjoy making (and digging into) your mini pumpkin patches!