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Lighter Halloween Dirt Cups with Gummy Worms

lighter halloween dirt cups - featured image

A healthier twist on classic dirt cups, made with Greek yogurt and sugar-free pudding mix for a creamy, tangy treat that’s quick to assemble and perfect for Halloween parties.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups plain Greek yogurt (preferably Fage 2%)
  • 1 box (1 ounce) sugar-free vanilla pudding mix (e.g., Jell-O brand)
  • 12 chocolate sandwich cookies (e.g., Oreos, regular not double-stuffed)
  • 24 gummy worms (sour variety recommended)
  • 1 cup whipped topping (optional, sugar-free Cool Whip or homemade whipped cream)
  • A few drops green food coloring (optional, for slime effect)
  • 6 to 8 small clear cups (4-ounce size)

Instructions

  1. Crush the cookies: Place 12 chocolate sandwich cookies in a ziploc bag, seal tightly, and crush with a rolling pin or your hands into fine crumbs with some larger pieces for texture. Set aside.
  2. Mix the yogurt base: In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups plain Greek yogurt with 1 box sugar-free vanilla pudding mix. Whisk vigorously for about 1 minute until the pudding mix is fully dissolved and the mixture thickens. If too thick, add a tablespoon of milk or water; if too thin, let sit for 2 minutes to thicken further.
  3. Optional: add color: If desired, divide the yogurt mixture in half and add a few drops of green food coloring to one half, stirring until evenly colored.
  4. Layer the cups: In each clear cup, add a layer of cookie crumbs (about 1 tablespoon) at the bottom. Then add a layer of the yogurt mixture (about 2 tablespoons). If using green coloring, alternate layers of white and green for a spooky effect.
  5. Add the worms: Gently press 2 to 3 gummy worms into the yogurt mixture, leaving the ends sticking out to look like they are crawling out.
  6. Top with more ‘dirt’ and worms: Add another thin layer of cookie crumbs on top. Press a few more gummy worms into the top, letting them dangle over the edge. Optionally, add a dollop of whipped topping and sprinkle with more crumbs.
  7. Chill (optional but recommended): Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld and texture set. They can be served immediately but are better after chilling.

Notes

For best texture, use room temperature Greek yogurt (let sit out for 15 minutes before mixing). Crush cookies in batches to avoid bag explosions. Make ahead up to 3 days, but add gummy worms just before serving to keep them fresh. Dust sticky worms with cocoa powder for easier handling. Overmixing the yogurt can make it watery; stop as soon as it thickens.

Nutrition

Keywords: Halloween dirt cups, gummy worms, Greek yogurt dessert, sugar-free treat, easy Halloween recipe, healthier dessert, no-bake dessert