These Easter Dirt Cups are a fun and festive treat that’s perfect for Easter celebrations or a spring-themed snack. With layers of creamy pudding, crushed Oreo cookies, and colorful coconut “grass,” these dessert cups are easy to make and sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy and No-Bake: These dirt cups are incredibly easy to assemble with no baking required, making them a perfect option for busy bakers or those looking for a quick and delicious treat.
- Festive and Fun: The layered presentation with the “dirt” (crushed Oreos), “grass” (coconut flakes), and Easter candies makes these treats visually appealing and perfect for Easter or spring gatherings.
- Kid-Friendly: These dirt cups are a great option for a kid-friendly snack or dessert that’s both tasty and fun to eat.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious Easter Dirt Cups:
- Vanilla instant pudding mix: Provides a creamy and flavorful base for the dessert.
- Cold milk: Used to prepare the pudding.
- Cool Whip: Thawed, adds lightness and creaminess to the pudding layers.
- Oreo cookies: Finely crushed, with the filling removed, creates the “dirt” layer.
- Food coloring: For coloring the pudding layers and the coconut flakes.
- Shredded coconut: Creates the “grass” topping.
- Candy eggs and Peeps: Optional, for decoration and a festive touch.
- Mason jars or small cups: For layering the ingredients.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
How to Make Easter Dirt Cups
Step 1: Prepare the Pudding
In a medium bowl, whisk together the vanilla instant pudding mix and cold milk for 2 minutes, or until thickened. Let the pudding set for 5 minutes.
Step 2: Color the Pudding
Divide the pudding mixture into two bowls. Add a few drops of food coloring to each bowl to create your desired colors. This recipe uses purple and light pink, but you can use any colors you like. Gently fold the Cool Whip into each bowl of colored pudding until well combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Dirt Cups
In each mason jar or small cup, add a layer of crushed Oreo cookies. Top with a layer of one of the colored pudding mixtures. Repeat the layers, alternating between the different colored puddings, and ending with a layer of crushed Oreo cookies.
Step 4: Chill
Refrigerate the dirt cups for at least 1 hour to allow the pudding to set and the flavors to meld.
Step 5: Make the “Grass”
While the dirt cups are chilling, prepare the coconut “grass.” Add the shredded coconut to a container with a lid. Add a few drops of green food coloring and a touch of water. Close the lid and shake the container until the coconut is evenly coated with the green color.
Step 6: Decorate and Serve
Just before serving, sprinkle the green coconut flakes over the top of each dirt cup to create the “grass.” Decorate with candy eggs and Peeps, if desired. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use high-quality ingredients: For the best flavor, use high-quality pudding mix and fresh candies.
- Chill thoroughly: Chilling the dirt cups allows the pudding to set properly and creates a more refreshing dessert.
- Get creative with decorations: Use your imagination to decorate the dirt cups with different candies, sprinkles, or even edible flowers.
How to Serve Easter Dirt Cups
- Easter Treats: These Easter Dirt Cups are perfect for Easter parties, egg hunts, or classroom treats.
- Spring Snack: Enjoy them as a fun and festive spring snack for kids and adults alike.
- Dessert: Serve them as a simple yet satisfying dessert after a meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
FAQs
Can I use a different flavor of pudding mix?
Yes, you can use other flavors of pudding mix, such as chocolate or butterscotch.
Can I use a different type of cookie for the “dirt”?
Yes, you can use other types of cookies, such as chocolate graham crackers or chocolate sandwich cookies.
Can I add other ingredients to the dirt cups?
Absolutely! Feel free to add layers of whipped cream, fruit, or chocolate pudding to the dirt cups.
How can I make these dirt cups vegan?
You can use vegan pudding mix, plant-based milk, and a vegan whipped topping alternative.
There you have it! A fun, festive, and easy-to-make recipe for Easter Dirt Cups that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!
PrintEaster Dirt Cups Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 18 dirt cups 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
These adorable Easter Dirt Cups are a fun and festive dessert that’s perfect for kids and adults alike. Layers of creamy pudding, crushed Oreo cookies, and colorful coconut make for a delightful treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
Ingredients
- 1 package (3.9 oz.) vanilla instant pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
- 1 container (8 oz.) Cool Whip, thawed
- 1 package Oreo cookies (finely crushed, filling removed)
- Food coloring (various colors)
- Shredded coconut
- Candy eggs
- Peeps
Instructions
- Prepare Pudding: In a medium bowl, whisk together the vanilla instant pudding mix and cold milk for 2 minutes. Let stand for 5 minutes to set.
- Color the Pudding: Divide the pudding mixture into two separate bowls. Add food coloring to each bowl to create your desired colors (e.g., purple and pink).
- Fold in Cool Whip: Gently fold the thawed Cool Whip into each bowl of colored pudding.
- Layer the Cups:
- Add one tablespoon of finely crushed Oreo cookies to the bottom of each mason jar or serving cup.
- Top with a layer of one colored pudding mixture.
- Repeat layers, alternating colored pudding and crushed cookies, ending with a layer of crushed cookies on top.
- Chill: Refrigerate the dirt cups for at least 1 hour to allow them to set.
- Color the Coconut: Place shredded coconut in a container with a lid. Add a few drops of food coloring and a touch of water. Shake until the coconut is evenly colored.
- Garnish and Serve: Just before serving, top each dirt cup with the colored shredded coconut, candy eggs, and Peeps.
Notes
- You can use any flavor of instant pudding you like.
- For a richer flavor, use whole milk instead of low-fat.
- Get creative with the colors and toppings!
- To crush the oreos, put them in a zip lock bag, and crush them with a rolling pin.
- For a chocolate version, use chocolate pudding, and chocolate cool whip.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 dirt cup
- Calories: 220kcal
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 5mg