Dirt Cupcakes

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If you’re looking for a fun, kid-approved dessert that is just as cute as it is delicious, these Dirt Cupcakes are it! Made with rich, chocolate cupcakes, creamy chocolate frosting, crushed Oreo “dirt,” and topped with gummy worms, they’re perfect for birthday parties, classroom treats, or Halloween spreads.

The best part? They’re incredibly easy to make thanks to a boxed cake mix upgrade- and they look like you spent way more time than you actually did.

Why You’ll Love These Dirt Cupcakes

• Extra rich flavor thanks to added chocolate pudding mix
• Super fun presentation kids absolutely love
• Perfect for parties (especially some boy birthday, Halloween, or Spring garden themes!)
• Simple ingredients + easy steps

Ingredients

• 1 box chocolate cake mix + ingredients listed on the box (water, oil, eggs)
• 1 (3.9 oz.) box of chocolate instant pudding mix
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 2-3 tbsp. milk
• 30 Oreo cookies, creme removed and crushed
• 24 gummy worms

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Cupcakes

Preheat your oven according to the cake mix instructions and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.

In a large bowl, combine chocolate cake mix, chocolate pudding mix, and the water, oil, and eggs from the box instructions.

Mix until smooth. The batter will be thicker than normal- this is what makes the cupcakes extra moist and rich!

Fill each cupcake liner about 1/2 to 2/3 full. Tap the pan gently on the counter to level the batter.

Bake according to the package directions (about 20 minutes), and allow the cupcakes to cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Frosting

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the butter and cream cheese, mixing until smooth and creamy.

Add the vanilla, salt, cocoa powder, and powdered sugar. Beat until combined, then add the milk, 1 tbsp. at a time until the frosting is thick but pipeable.

Step 3: Decorate Your Dirt Cupcakes

Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, pipe the chocolate frosting on each cupcake.

Next, sprinkle crushed Oreo cookie crumbs over top (this is your “dirt”)

Finally, add a gummy worm on top of each cupcake.

Tips for the Best Dirt Cupcakes

• Remove the Oreo dirt filling for a more realistic “dirt” look
• Use a food processor for super fine crumbs
• Chill frosting for 10-15 minutes if it feels too soft to pipe
• Add extra gummy worms for a more playful, messy look

Fun Variations

• Spring garden cupcakes- add candy flowers or green sprinkles
• Halloween Dirt Cups- use Halloween gummy worms or candy bugs- check out these cute Halloween Dirt Cups
• Flower pot style- serve in mini terra cotta pots for a cute twist
• These Carrot Patch Cupcakes are super cute for Spring, or check out our Peeps Dirt Cups for Easter!

You might also like these other fun “dirt” dessert ideas

Dirt Pudding Cups

Easter Dirt Cake

Halloween Dirt Cake