Can I make these cups without Cool Whip?

Absolutely! You can substitute homemade whipped cream for Cool Whip. Simply whip 2 cups of heavy cream with 1/4 cup powdered sugar until stiff peaks form, then fold it into your set pudding. The texture might be slightly different but equally delicious.

How far in advance can I make Easter Dirt Cups?

You can prepare the cups with the pudding and cookie layers up to 24 hours ahead of time. I recommend adding the Peeps and decorative candies shortly before serving to maintain their appearance, as marshmallow Peeps can harden when refrigerated for too long.

Can I use sugar-free or low-fat ingredients for a lighter version?

Yes! This recipe works well with sugar-free pudding mix, light Cool Whip, and reduced-fat Oreos. The appearance will be nearly identical, and while the taste may differ slightly, it will still be delicious.

My pudding seems too runny. What went wrong?

If your pudding mixture seems too loose, there are a few possible causes. Make sure you're using instant (not cook-and-serve) pudding, that your milk is cold, and that you've allowed enough chilling time. You can also reduce the milk slightly (by about 1/4 cup) for a firmer pudding.

Easter Dirt Cups Recipe

Description

Easter Dirt Cups are a fun and festive no-bake treat perfect for any spring or Easter celebration. Featuring layers of creamy vanilla pudding, whipped topping, and crushed Oreos, these adorable cups are finished off with colorful decorations, including Peeps, candy eggs, and sprinkles. They’re not only delicious but also a whimsical dessert that’s sure to please both kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Pudding Mixture:

1 box Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix (3.3 oz)
2 cups Milk
16 oz Cool Whip

Other:

25 Oreo Cookies
12 Peeps
Easter Candy Eggs
Easter Sprinkles

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Instructions

Prepare the Pudding:
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the vanilla pudding mix and milk until smooth. Refrigerate the mixture for about 10 minutes, or until it’s set.
Combine with Cool Whip:
Gently fold the Cool Whip into the pudding until well blended and smooth. Return the mixture to the refrigerator and chill for another 20 minutes. This will help thicken the texture.
Crush the Oreos:
While the pudding mixture is chilling, place the Oreo cookies in a food processor or blender and pulse until they’re crushed into fine crumbs. Set aside.
Assemble the Cups:
Begin layering the Easter Dirt Cups by filling each small serving cup ⅓ of the way with the pudding mixture. Add a layer of crushed Oreos on top of the pudding. Repeat the layers, finishing with a layer of crushed Oreos as the topmost layer.
Decorate and Serve:
Top each cup with a marshmallow peep, then sprinkle with Easter-themed candy eggs and sprinkles for a festive finishing touch.

Notes

If you don’t have a food processor, you can crush Oreos by placing them in a sealed bag and smashing them with a rolling pin.
Use clear cups to showcase the layers for an attractive presentation.
You can customize the candy decorations with any seasonal or themed treats.
For added variety, try using chocolate pudding instead of vanilla.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 320kcal
Sugar: 35g
Sodium: 290
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 10mg