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Easy No-Bake Pumpkin Patch Dirt Pudding Cups: Best Fall Dessert

pumpkin patch dirt pudding cups - featured image

These no-bake pumpkin dirt pudding cups feature a creamy pumpkin mousse layered with chocolate cookie ‘dirt’ and topped with gummy worms. They come together in under 15 minutes and are perfect for fall gatherings or a quick weeknight treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
  • 1 1/2 cups chocolate sandwich cookies (about 15 cookies, like Oreos)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup gummy worms
  • Optional: small pumpkin candies, candy corn, or chocolate leaves for decoration
  • Fresh mint leaves (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Make the pumpkin mousse base: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add the pumpkin puree, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, and cinnamon. Beat until well combined and silky. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
  2. Whip the cream: In a separate medium bowl, pour the cold heavy whipping cream. Beat on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form, about 3-4 minutes. (Chill the bowl and beaters in the freezer for 10 minutes before whipping for best results.)
  3. Fold it together: Gently fold the whipped cream into the pumpkin mixture using a spatula. Cut through the center and around the sides until no white streaks remain. The mixture should be light, fluffy, and pale orange.
  4. Crush the cookies: Pulse the chocolate sandwich cookies in a food processor until finely crushed. Alternatively, place them in a zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin. Transfer crumbs to a small bowl and stir in melted butter and 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon until the crumbs look like damp dirt.
  5. Layer the cups: In small clear cups or glasses, start with a layer of cookie crumbs (about 2 tablespoons). Add a generous layer of pumpkin mousse (about 1/3 cup). Repeat with another layer of crumbs and mousse, ending with a final sprinkle of crumbs on top.
  6. Chill: Refrigerate the cups for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the mousse to set.
  7. Decorate and serve: Just before serving, press a few gummy worms into the top of each cup so they look like they’re crawling out of the dirt. Add a mint leaf or small pumpkin candy if desired. Serve cold.

Notes

For best texture, ensure cream cheese is truly softened (leave out for 30 minutes). Do not use pumpkin pie filling—use 100% pure pumpkin puree. These cups taste even better the next day. Keep refrigerated until serving. Add gummy worms just before serving to prevent sogginess.

Nutrition

Keywords: no-bake pumpkin dessert, dirt pudding cups, fall dessert, Halloween dessert, pumpkin mousse, easy dessert, kid-friendly