This version of Dirt Pie contains a homemade decadent chocolate pudding, no cool whip, and the traditional Oreo crust we all love so much! Gummy worms are optional but so much fun! It's so simple to make and will be enjoyed by adults and kids alike!
We love making desserts with Oreos. They can make an easy base or a nostalgic add-in flavor! Check out our Easy Oreo Pizza Recipe, Oreo Biscotti, and Oreo Frappuccino to name a few!
I love serving this Dirt Pie recipe for kids' parties, especially Halloween! I wanted the kids to enjoy a more homemade version of this dessert without the use of cool whip and with a homemade silky and delicious chocolate pudding filling. They absolutely love topping this pie with gummy worms! What could be more fun?!
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Recipe Highlights
- Homemade Oreo cookie crust for a rich, chocolatey base
- Silky smooth creamy chocolate pudding made from scratch
- Make-ahead friendly for easy entertaining
Ingredient Notes
- Oreo Cookies: Use regular Oreos for the crust, reserving some for the topping. You can grind them with a food processor or use a rolling pin to crush them in a ziptop bag.
- Unsalted Butter: helps to bind the crust together.
- Granulated Sugar
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Use Dutch-processed cocoa for this recipe.
- Cornstarch: Acts as a thickening agent, ensuring the pudding sets properly.
- Egg Yolks: Add richness and help thicken the pudding. They also contribute to a silky texture.
- Whole Milk: use whole milk for the creamiest pudding, but 2% works as well.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the chocolate flavor and adds depth to the pudding.
- Gummy Worms: add extra fun to the Oreo "dirt"!
How to Make a Dirt Pie with Homemade Pudding and no Cool Whip!
- Step 1: Process Oreo cookies.
- Step 2: Add butter to cookies to form the crust.
- Step 3: Press crust mixture into pie plate.
- Step 4: Combine dry pudding ingredients in a small saucepan. Then add wet ingredients.
- Step 5: Cook pudding until it reaches a thick silky smooth consistency. Set aside to cool.
- Step 6: Assemble pie by adding the cooled pudding to the cooled crust. Top with additional Oreo crumbs and gummy worms! Serve chilled and enjoy!
Tips for making the best Oreo Dirt Pie!
- Perfect Crust: Press the Oreo mixture firmly into the pie dish. If there are any dry parts to the mixture, mix it again to ensure it doesn't crack when baking.
- Smooth Pudding: Strain the cooked pudding through a fine-mesh sieve for a super smooth texture.
- Prevent Skin Formation: When chilling the cooked pudding, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming.
- Slicing: For clean slices, dip your knife in hot water and wipe it dry between cuts.
Recipe Substitutions
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free chocolate sandwich cookies for the crust.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute coconut milk for whole milk and use dairy-free butter.
Storage Tips
For longer storage, freeze the pie without the gummy worm topping for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving. Store the pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
More Halloween Party Recipes
Try our Candy Cookies for your dessert table. Serve this Black Vodka in your spooky Halloween Cocktails!
Recipe
Dirt Pie
This version of Dirt Pie contains a homemade decadent chocolate pudding, no cool whip, and the traditional Oreo crust we all love so much! Gummy worms are optional but so much fun! It's so simple to make and will be enjoyed by adults and kids alike!
Ingredients
Oreo Cookie Crust:
- 24 Oreo cookies reserve about a half cup of crumbs for the topping
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
Homemade Chocolate Pudding Filling:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ⅓ cup cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 4 large egg yolks
- 3 cups whole milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping:
- crushed Oreo cookies reserved from the pie crust
- Gummy worms
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a food processor, pulse 24 Oreo cookies until they become fine crumbs. Reserve about ½ cup of crumbs for topping.
- Mix the remaining Oreo crumbs with 5 tablespoons melted unsalted butter until well combined.
- Press the mixture evenly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish.
- Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes. Remove from oven and let it cool completely.
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together 1 cup granulated sugar, ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder, ⅓ cup cornstarch, and ½ teaspoon salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk 4 large egg yolks and 3 cups whole milk until combined.
- Gradually whisk the milk mixture into the saucepan with the dry ingredients until smooth.
- Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens and comes to a boil. Continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes to ensure a thick consistency, then remove from heat.
- Stir in 2 tablespoons unsalted butter and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until fully melted and incorporated.
- Pour the pudding into a bowl and cover with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface of the pudding to prevent a skin from forming.
- Let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set further.
- Once the Oreo crust is cool and the pudding has set, pour the pudding into the crust and spread it evenly.
- Sprinkle the top with the reserved crushed Oreo cookies.
- Arrange gummy worms on top, gently pressing them into the crumbs to secure them.
- Refrigerate the assembled pie for at least 4 hours or until set and firm for perfect slicing.
- Slice the dirt pie and serve chilled. Enjoy!
Notes
Tips for making the best Dirt Pie!
- Perfect Crust: Press the Oreo mixture firmly into the pie dish. If there are any dry parts to the mixture, mix it again to ensure it doesn't crack when baking.
- Smooth Pudding: Strain the cooked pudding through a fine-mesh sieve for a super smooth texture.
- Prevent Skin Formation: When chilling the cooked pudding, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming.
- Slicing: For clean slices, dip your knife in hot water and wipe it dry between cuts.
Nutrition
Calories: 469kcalCarbohydrates: 63gProtein: 7gFat: 23gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0.4gCholesterol: 135mgSodium: 327mgPotassium: 317mgFiber: 3gSugar: 44gVitamin A: 585IUCalcium: 142mgIron: 5mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
I hope you love this Dirt Pie. If you make this recipe, leave a comment and a rating! I'd love to know how you liked it. Enjoy, xoxo!
Natalie says
So fun! I'm going to make this for our Halloween party this year and make a little graveyard with headstones. The kids will love the worms coming out of the "dirt." Thanks for sharing!