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We are bringing it back old-school this week with one of my childhood Halloween favorites – Dairy-Free Dirt Worm Pudding. Coconut-based chocolate pudding is topped with crushed gluten free chocolate cookies and gummy worms for a treat that is equal parts spooky and sweet!
If there’s one dessert that takes me right back to my younger years it’s this deliciously creamy, chocolate-y, and oh-so-fun concoction that I can’t help but make every year around this time. Call me crazy, but I think there is just something so exciting about feeling like you’re digging into a bowl of “mud”, “dirt”, and “worms”. It absolutely brings out the kid in me every time!
This Dairy-Free Dirt Worm Pudding is THE perfect dessert for your next classroom get together, bake sale, or adult party (hey big kids want to have fun too!). It’s perfect in individual disposable plastic cups, and can be pre-made in advance and easily transported – just make sure you keep your toppings ready to assemble right before serving so they don’t get soggy!
If you’ve been with me for a while now, you know I’ve made a Dirt Worm Pudding before that lives on my incredible friend Vanessa’s website Clean Eating with a Dirty Mind. That recipe is delicious, and perfect if you’re looking for a true “from scratch” Paleo creation, complete with homemade gummy worms and homemade “dirt”! Â If you’re looking for just as much deliciousness but want to save some time (while still being gluten and dairy-free), then this Dairy-Free Dirt Worm Pudding (with some shortcuts) is right up your alley friend.
We start this delicious and kid-friendly dessert with a creamy pudding base made from full-fat coconut milk (I love this brand) and cocoa powder. Â By adding a few key flavor players (maple syrup, gelatin, and vanilla) we created a dessert so much like the pudding snack cups I remember from childhood! Â Remember to use true gelatin (not collagen peptides) to get the base to set, and you will need at least 3-4 hours of chilling time to get the right consistency – so plan ahead.
Next, we’re going to use some higher-quality packaged convenience foods to save time! Â You can totally make any of these components from scratch (peek at the old recipe here), but for this version we used some of our favorite go-to brands for treats including these gluten-free chocolate sandwich cookies, and pre-made worms (we like these and these). Incorporating these convenience items really makes these desserts a simple Halloween dessert!
There you have it folks, the quintessential childhood spooky dessert, all ready for you to whip up for your next gathering! Â This one is so simple, even the kiddos can get involved and help make it. I LOVE pudding (clearly because we have even more of these easy little treats here and here), but I NEED to know – what’s your favorite childhood dessert? Â I’d love to hear!
Ingredients
- 1 13 1/2 ounce can of full-fat coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons unflavored gelatin
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup gluten-free chocolate sandwich cookies crushed
- 1 cup gummy worms our favorites here and here
Instructions
- In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, warm the coconut milk over medium heat until it simmers.
- Pour it into a blender and add the rest of the ingredients. Â Blend until smooth, transfer to five 4-oz jars or disposable plastic cups and refrigerate for 3-4 hours, until set.
- Right before serving, sprinkle crushed cookies on top of pudding, and decorate with desired amount of gummy worms.
- Serve and enjoy!
Kristina says
This looks delicious! I’m down for anything chocolate, especially when topped with GF Oreos. 🙂
Melissa says
Would these be OK to make a full 24 hours before serving and keep in the fridge until the party starts?
Amber Goulden says
Yes absolutely!
Mia says
Which pudding tastes better? Your paleo banana pudding or this pudding? I’m excited to make this for my kids. Thanks!