Spooky Fun: Halloween Dirt Cake with Gummy Worms

Sometimes, Halloween desserts are all about the theatrics. But this Dirt Cake takes a different route—it’s a playful surprise that taps into childhood memories of digging for hidden treasures. The moment you scoop into it, the rich chocolate layers and squishy gummy worms evoke a sense of chaos and joy that’s perfect for the holiday.

What I love most is how easily this recipe becomes a centerpiece, even amidst all the costumes and candy. It’s simple enough to prepare ahead, yet whimsical enough to steal the show. Plus, the dirt-like appearance makes it an instant conversation starter among guests of all ages.

Halloween Dirt Cake

Dirt Cake is a layered dessert featuring creamy pudding and crushed cookies topped with gummy worms to resemble soil and underground treasures. The dessert has a thick, crumbly texture with playful gummy accents, and its appearance mimics dirty earth with worm-like garnishes.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Servings: 8

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients

  

• 1 package chocolate sandwich cookies for crushing into crumbs
• 3 cups instant chocolate pudding powder or make as directed with milk
• 4 cups milk for pudding preparation
• 8 oz cream cheese softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar for sweetness
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups whipped topping such as Cool Whip, thawed
• to taste gummy worms for decoration

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Serving dish or trifle bowl
• Spatula
• Food processor or plastic bag and rolling pin

Method

 

1. Place the chocolate cookies in a food processor or inside a plastic bag and crush them into fine crumbs using a rolling pin or a heavy object.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the instant chocolate pudding powder and milk until the pudding begins to thicken, about 2 minutes.
3. In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until smooth and creamy.
4. Fold the cream cheese mixture into the pudding until fully combined and smooth.
5. Gently fold in the whipped topping to lighten the mixture and add air, resulting in a fluffy consistency.
6. Add half of the crushed cookie crumbs into the mixture and stir until evenly incorporated, creating a chocolatey, dirt-like color.
7. Pour the mixture into a serving dish or trifle bowl, smoothing the top with a spatula.
8. Sprinkle the remaining crushed cookie crumbs evenly over the top to resemble soil.
9. Decorate the surface with gummy worms by burying some into the crumbs and placing others on top to resemble worms underground.
10. Refrigerate the dirt cake for at least 2 hours or until set, allowing flavors to meld and the texture to firm up.
11. Serve chilled, with additional gummy worms if desired, for a whimsical Halloween dessert.

As the night winds down, this cake remains a delightful reminder of Halloween’s messy, colorful spirit. It pairs beautifully with a mug of warm apple cider or that last handful of candy corn. Sharing this dessert brings a burst of fun and nostalgia to any spooky gathering, making it a treat no one forgets.

Whether you’re hosting a big party or a quiet family night, this Dirt Cake with Gummy Worms adds a nostalgic twist to Halloween classics. It’s a simple joy—messy, whimsical, and very, very tasty. Sometimes, the best Halloween memories come from unexpected little bites like this one.

Lily Hayes

Hi, I’m Lily Hayes, the cook, writer, and heart behind Loving This Process. This blog is built on a simple idea that food is not just about the final dish, but about everything that happens while you’re making it. The thinking, the tasting, the adjusting, the learning, and the quiet moments in between. Food has been a constant presence in my life, not as something flashy or perfect, but as something deeply grounding. Cooking has always felt like a process worth savoring, even when it’s messy, slow, or imperfect.