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 chocolate sandwich cookies and gummy worms for a treat that is equal parts spooky and sweet!
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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 Halloween 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’re looking for more fun Halloween themed treats, look no further than our Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats, Witch’s Finger Cookies, and Rice Crispy Ghost Bars – spooky!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s easy to make – this recipe truly is just about as easy as it gets. The pudding will need to be made (really simple, I promise) at least 4 hours in advance (so, time is something you’ll need to account for), but the entire process is truly fail-proof.
- It’s a childhood favorite – who didn’t love this mud, dirt, and worm concoction as a kid?! These cute little cups will transport you right back to your childhood!
Recipe Ingredients
You don’t need much to make these spooky little treats. Find ingredient notes (including substitutions and swaps) below.
- Coconut milk – the trick to making this pudding dairy-free is using coconut milk! You’ll need canned, full-fat coconut milk (found in a pantry aisle of your grocery store) for this. Steer clear of the low-fat variation!
- Gelatin – unflavored gelatin is what enables the pudding to set. If you’re unsure where to start when it comes to gelatin, this grass-fed gelatin powder is a great option.
- Chocolate sandwich cookies – grab a box of Oreos (regular or gluten-free) or any other brand of chocolate sandwich cookie.
- Gummy worms – we stick with dye-free candies around here – these Black Forest gummy worms are our favorite.
A full ingredient list with exact amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
Recipe Variations and Modifications
- Make it gluten-free – if you’re gluten-free (we are!), be sure to use a gluten-free chocolate sandwich cookie here. These Kinnikinnick Chocolate Sandwich Creme Cookies are our favorite.
How to Make Dairy-Free Dirt Worm Pudding
As mentioned above, this recipe is incredibly easy to pull off! Follow along below.
Step 1: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, warm the coconut milk over medium heat until it simmers.
Step 2: Pour the coconut milk into a blender and add the rest of the ingredients. Blend until smooth.
Step 3: Transfer to five 4-ounce jars or disposable plastic cups and refrigerate for 3-4 hours, until set.
Step 4: Right before serving, sprinkle crushed cookies on top of pudding, and decorate with desired amount of gummy worms. Serve and enjoy!
How to Store
Store any leftover pudding in an airtight container by itself in the refrigerator for up to a week. Store any leftover toppings (cookies and gummy worms) in airtight containers also.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can make the pudding itself 5 days in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble! Feel free to go ahead and crush your cookies (“dirt”) ahead of time too, that way they’ll be ready to assemble too.
This recipe was created specifically for coconut milk, so we don’t recommend subbing for anything else. While it *may* turn out, there’s a greater chance that the ratios will be off and the recipe will be a flop.
First off, do not store your gummy worms in the fridge! The cooler the worms get, the harder they’ll be. Because the worms sit on top of the crumbled cookie and not the chilled pudding, they shouldn’t get too hard in the time before assembling and serving.
More Favorite Festive Halloween Recipes
If you tried this Dirt Worm Pudding or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below!
Dairy-Free Dirt Worm Pudding
Ingredients
- 2 13.5-ounce cans of full-fat coconut milk
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 4 teaspoons unflavored gelatin
- 2 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. 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!
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Which pudding tastes better? Your paleo banana pudding or this pudding? I’m excited to make this for my kids. Thanks!
Would these be OK to make a full 24 hours before serving and keep in the fridge until the party starts?
Yes absolutely!
This looks delicious! I’m down for anything chocolate, especially when topped with GF Oreos. 🙂