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    Home

    Halloween Dirt Cups with Chocolate Cheesecake Filling

    October 7, 2021 by Chenée Lewis

    40 shares
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    These easy Halloween dirt cups with cream cheese filling are the best dirt dessert Halloween recipe! Make these dirt cups for adults or kids this year and make it a spooky celebration! And if you like these Halloween dessert dirt cups, you'll love my Halloween Chocolate Covered Strawberries, my Halloween Oreo White Chocolate Bark or these fun DIY Halloween Painted Glass Jars!

    halloween dirt cups
    Easy Halloween Dirt Cups

    *This post contains affiliate links — as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please see my disclosure for details*.

    Easy Halloween Dirt Cups Recipe

    It's SPOOKY SEASON! And this year I've got the best easy treat for your celebration! These Halloween dessert dirt cups are so simple and delicious, and the fun toppings are so festive! Best of all, they're so customizable -- you can use any fun Halloween candy to top them that you like! These delicious dessert cups are perfect for a fun kid's activity that everyone can join in on!

    Dirt Cups with Cream Cheese Filling

    When I decided to make these, I opted for a no-bake chocolate cheesecake filling rather than the typical chocolate pudding that I've seen on similar treats. I just prefer cheesecake to pudding, and it was so easy to make, so I didn't mind the extra step!

    ingredients for halloween dirt cups
    Halloween Dessert Dirt Cups Ingredients

    Easy Halloween Dirt Cups - What You'll Need

    • cocoa powder - unsweetened cocoa powder is what gives our cheesecake filling its chocolate flavor!
    • powdered sugar - powdered sugar adds subtle sweetness while keeping the filling light. If you swap the store-bought whipped topping for heavy cream, you may want to add a bit more powdered sugar to your preferred level of sweetness.
    • cream cheese - your cream cheese should be softened to room temperature. see below for a quick tip to soften it quickly!
    • vanilla - for the best flavor, be sure to use a high-quality pure vanilla extract. Or better yet, check out my post on how to make vanilla extract at home with just 2 ingredients!
    • whipped topping - to make this recipe easier, you can use thawed whipped topping (like Cool Whip), or if you like, you can whip some heavy cream to make it even more delicious!
    • Oreo cookies - about 24 regular Oreo cookies or any chocolate sandwich cookie would work for this recipe. You'll either use a food processor or a rolling pin to crush your cookies to form the dirt.
    • Milano cookies - we'll use any flavor of Milano cookies to create the shape of tombstones for that spooky graveyard look!
    • food coloring marker - I used an edible food coloring marker to write the "R.I.P." on the Milano cookies.
    • candy toppings - I used gummi worms, candy corn pumpkins, and candy googly eyes for more of the spooky graveyard look. Feel free to use whatever candies you prefer!
    dirt dessert halloween cups
    Dirt Dessert Halloween Cups

    Equipment

    For this halloween dirt cups recipe, you'll need an electric mixer to cream the cream cheese. You also might want to use a food processor to crush your Oreos, or you could also use a rolling pin and a plastic freezer bag to crush them.

    How to Make Halloween Dirt Cups

    These Oreo dirt cups are so easy to make! Here's all you have to do to put them together:

    1. Beat the cream cheese and vanilla with an electric mixer until it's smooth. Then add in your powdered sugar and cocoa powder and mix them in well.
    2. If you're using store-bought whipped topping, mix it in now -- or you can whip some heavy cream in a separate bowl and fold it in.
    3. Grab your cups and start layering! Start with a thin layer of Oreo crumbs, top with some of your cheesecake mixture, then more crumbs, then more cheesecake, and finally cover the top with crumbs to create your dirt look!
    4. Use your food coloring marker to decorate the Milano cookies like gravestones, and add them along with your gummi worms, candy pumpkins, and googly eyes!
    5. Refrigerate your Halloween dessert dirt cups until you're ready to serve them!
    halloween dirt cups from above
    Halloween Dirt Cups Recipe

    Tips and F.A.Q.

    How do I soften my cream cheese quickly?

    To soften your block of cream cheese for this blueberry cream cheese coffee cake, just remove it from the foil and place on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or until softened. It should be ready to add to this recipe!

    How can these Halloween dessert dirt cups be stored?

    You can store these dessert cups in the fridge for up to 2 days. To make ahead, keep the cheesecake filling stored in an airtight container separate from the Oreo crumbles, and assemble right before serving.

    dirt cups with gummi worms

    How can I customize these Halloween dirt cups?

    If you like, you can make a vanilla no-bake cheesecake layer by just omitting the cocoa powder! You can also add a bit of lemon zest for a brighter cheesecake flavor and some orange food coloring for a festive touch. You can also use different types of candy according to your preference, like marshmallow ghosts, candy bones, or royal icing zombie hands!

    More No-Bake Recipes You'll Love

    • No Bake Oreo Cheesecake (with Cookies and SCREAM variation)
    • Cannoli Pie
    • Pumpkin Mousse Pie with Maple Cookie Crust
    • Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats
    • Halloween Oreo White Chocolate Bark
    halloween dirt cups

    Halloween Dirt Cups with Cream Cheese No-Bake Filling

    Print Pin Recipe Rate Recipe
    These easy Halloween dirt cups with cream cheese filling are the best dirt dessert for Halloween! Make these dirt cups for adults or kids this year!
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Total Time: 10 minutes
    Course: Dessert, Snack
    Cuisine :American
    Servings: 6 cups
    Calories: 535kcal
    Recipe Source: Chenée Lewis

    Equipment you may need

    • measuring cups and spoons
    • mixing bowls
    • hand mixer
    • rubber spatula
    • stand mixer
    • food processor
    • 9 oz clear cups

    Ingredients

    • 8 oz cream cheese - softened to room temperature
    • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
    • 1 cup powdered sugar
    • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
    • 8 oz whipped topping - or 1 cup cold heavy cream
    • 24 Oreo cookies - crushed
    • 6-10 Milano cookies
    • food coloring marker - or black cookie icing
    • Halloween candy decorations - I used gummi worms, candy corn pumpkins, and candy eyes

    Instructions

    • In a bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Mix in vanilla.
      8 oz cream cheese, 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
    • Add powdered sugar, followed by cocoa powder, until smooth.
      1 cup powdered sugar, ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
    • Fold in whipped topping, or if using heavy cream, beat heavy cream until stiff peaks form, then fold in.
      8 oz whipped topping
    • Add mixture to a pastry bag or gallon freezer bag and chill until ready to assemble.

    Assemble Dirt Cups

    • Add about 1 tablespoon of cookie crumbs to the bottom of each cup. Pipe 2 tablespoon of chocolate cream cheese filling on top. Repeat with another tablespoon of cookie crumbs and another 2 tablespoon of filling.
      24 Oreo cookies
    • Sprinkle another 3-4 teaspoon of cookie crumbs on top of each cup and pat with the back of a spoon to even. Decorate with Milano tombstones, candy pumpkins, googly eyes, and gummi worms.
      6-10 Milano cookies, food coloring marker, Halloween candy decorations
    • Serve immediately or chill up to 1 day before serving.

    Video

    Notes

    Storing/Make Ahead: You can store these dessert cups in the fridge for up to 2 days. To make ahead, keep the cheesecake filling stored in an airtight container separate from the Oreo crumbles, and assemble right before serving. 

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1 cup | Sodium: 371 mg | Calcium: 84 mg | Vitamin A: 537 IU | Sugar: 50 g | Fiber: 4 g | Potassium: 304 mg | Cholesterol: 42 mg | Calories: 535 kcal | Trans Fat: 1 g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2 g | Saturated Fat: 15 g | Fat: 28 g | Protein: 7 g | Carbohydrates: 69 g | Iron: 5 mg
    Nutrition Disclaimer
    Tags: dirt cups for adults, dirt cups with cream cheese, dirt dessert halloween, easy halloween dirt cups, halloween dessert dirt cups, Halloween dirt cups, halloween dirt cups recipe, how to make halloween dirt cups, worm dirt pudding cups halloween
    Did you try this recipe? Rate it below!I can't wait to see (and share) your results! Follow me on Instagram at @chenee_today and tag #cheneetoday!

    Pin these dirt dessert Halloween cups for later!

    pin on halloween dirt dessert cups
    Pin these dirt cups with cream cheese filling for later!
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Heather Johnson

      October 11, 2021 at 11:38 am

      5 stars
      omg - so much fun!!!! definitely making these for our halloween party - can't go wrong with oreos and cheesecake!

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        October 18, 2021 at 2:51 pm

        A match made in heaven!

        Reply
    2. Amanda Wren-Grimwood

      October 11, 2021 at 11:13 am

      5 stars
      These are such fun and so effective. I can't wait to make these with the kids - it will be great fun!

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        October 31, 2021 at 12:09 pm

        It's definitely a kid favorite! 🙂

        Reply
    3. Heather Perine

      October 11, 2021 at 10:58 am

      5 stars
      I love dirt cups and these are so cute! What a fun idea to make a Halloween graveyard version with the Milano cookies. Can't wait to try 🙂

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        October 18, 2021 at 10:06 am

        I hope you enjoy! They're so fun!

        Reply
    4. Andrea

      October 11, 2021 at 10:54 am

      5 stars
      Super fun and delicious! Love all the chocolate. Not just for kids.

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        October 18, 2021 at 10:06 am

        Definitely not! 😁

        Reply
    5. Claudia Lamascolo

      October 11, 2021 at 10:18 am

      5 stars
      These were so easy to make the the kids gobbled them up so festive too!

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        October 11, 2021 at 10:21 am

        So glad they were a hit! Thanks!

        Reply

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    I’m Chenée (kinda rhymes with “today”) and I love all types of baking! But my favorite recipes are ones that are quick and easy, and still yield impressive results. The ones you can't help but make again and again! That's what I share here, and I hope I can make your baking life a little easier along the way. MORE ABOUT CHENÉE >>

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