Chocolate Dirt Pie Cups

If you're looking for a playful and delicious dessert, these Chocolate Dirt Pie Cups are the perfect choice. With layers of chocolate cookie crumbs, creamy cheese filling, and chocolate pudding, each bite is a delightful mix of textures and flavors. Let's take a look at the ingredients you'll need to create this fun dessert.

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter: 1/2 cup melted, to bind the chocolate cookie crumbs together.
• Chocolate cookie crumbs: 1 cup for the base layer, giving the dessert a crunchy, chocolatey start.
• Cream cheese: 1 package (8 oz), softened, for the creamy middle layer.
• Powdered sugar: 1 cup to sweeten the cream cheese mixture.
• Heavy cream: 1 cup, whipped to airy perfection to give the filling a light and fluffy texture.
• Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon to enhance the flavor of the filling.
• Chocolate pudding: 1 cup for a rich and smooth top layer.
• Gummy worms: 1/2 cup, for a fun and colorful garnish.
• Whipped cream: Optional, for an extra creamy topping.

Instructions

Step 1:

In a bowl, combine the chocolate cookie crumbs with the melted unsalted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. This will form the base of your dirt pie cups.

Step 2:

Divide the cookie mixture evenly among your serving cups, pressing it down to create a firm base layer.

Step 3:

In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and silky. This mixture will form the creamy middle layer.

Step 4:

Whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, creating a light and fluffy filling.

Step 5:

Spoon the cream cheese filling over the chocolate cookie base in each cup, smoothing the top.

Step 6:

Spread a layer of chocolate pudding over the cream cheese filling, creating the final dessert layer.

Step 7:

Top each cup with gummy worms for a fun and colorful garnish. If desired, add a dollop of whipped cream on top for extra indulgence.

Step 8:

Refrigerate the cups for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the layers to set.

Serving and Storage Tips

• These Chocolate Dirt Pie Cups are best served chilled, so be sure to refrigerate them for at least 1 hour before serving.
• If you're making them ahead of time, they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just cover the cups with plastic wrap to keep them fresh.
• For a fun presentation, you can serve these in small, clear plastic cups so guests can see the layers of cookie crumbs, cream, and pudding.

Helpful Notes

• If you don't have chocolate cookie crumbs, you can easily make your own by crushing chocolate sandwich cookies like Oreos.
• Feel free to customize this dessert by adding different toppings like crushed nuts or chocolate shavings.
• You can also swap out the gummy worms for other fun candies, making it a great dessert for kids' parties.

Tips from well-known chefs

• Chef Duff Goldman recommends using high-quality chocolate pudding for a richer flavor in layered desserts.
• Chef Claire Saffitz suggests whipping the cream just until stiff peaks form to ensure a light and airy texture.
• Chef Christina Tosi advises freezing the cookie crumbs briefly before layering to help create a firmer base.