Halloween Popcorn Dirt Cake is a no-bake dessert made with crushed chocolate cookies, a creamy pudding filling, and Dell Cove® Scary Movie® popcorn “gravel” (made with our Graveyard Black kernels).
Want a dessert that’s fun to make, delicious to eat, and creepy-cute to serve? This dirt cake checks all the boxes. Layers of cookie “dirt,” creamy filling, and popcorn pebbles make it a frightfully fun centerpiece for your Halloween table. It’s spooky, sweet, and simple to make, the perfect Halloween treat for kids’ parties or movie nights.
Halloween Popcorn Dirt Cake is a spooky no-bake dessert with crushed cookies, creamy filling, and Dell Cove® popcorn “gravel.” Easy to make and fun to top with gummy worms or candy skulls, it’s the perfect Halloween treat for kids’ parties or movie nights.
Ingredients
1 Package (approx. 14 oz) Oreos or other chocolate sandwich cookie
8 oz Cream cheese
1 Stick (8 tbsp) butter, softened
½ Cup powdered sugar
3 ½ Cups whole milk
2 Packages (approx. 3.4 oz each) instant vanilla pudding
Start by popping about ¼ cup of Dell Cove® Scary Movie® Graveyard Black kernels in clear oil, such as vegetable, coconut, or canola.
Using clear oil keeps the popcorn white, so the pieces look like tiny pebbles instead of turning yellow. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt, then set the popcorn aside to cool. This will be your “gravel” topping at the end.
Place the chocolate sandwich cookies into a food processor and pulse until fine crumbs form. You want the texture to look like dirt, chunky enough to have some bite but small enough to layer easily.
Pour the cookie crumbs into a bowl and keep them handy for layering.
Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
This mixture will help give the filling a rich, tangy base that balances the sweetness of the pudding.
Step 4: Make the Pudding Mixture
In a second bowl, whisk the milk with the two packages of instant vanilla pudding until it thickens slightly. Stir in the Cool Whip until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Fold this pudding mixture into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined. You should have a smooth, creamy filling that’s easy to spread.
Step 5: Prepare Your Container
Pick your serving dish — a flower pot for maximum Halloween effect, a trifle dish for drama, or a simple bowl for easy serving.
If you’re using a real flower pot, seal the drainage hole with masking tape and line the pot with foil or parchment paper to make it food-safe.
Step 6: Layer the Dirt Cake
Spoon a layer of crushed cookies into the bottom of your container, followed by a layer of the creamy filling. Keep alternating cookies and filling until the container is full, making sure you start and end with cookies. The top layer should look like freshly turned dirt.
Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least an hour to set.
Step 7: Add Spooky Toppings
Right before serving, sprinkle the top with your popcorn “gravel.” Add gummy worms crawling out of the dirt and, if you like, a candy skull or two for extra creep factor.
Serve with a big spoon and watch it disappear at your Halloween party or movie night.
Recipe Video
Recipe Note
Serving Ideas
Serve in a clean flower pot for a creepy-cute Halloween centerpiece.
Scoop into mini pots, cups, or jars for individual servings at kids’ parties.
Top with gummy worms, candy skulls, or even candy pumpkins for extra flair.
Pair with Dell Cove® Scary Movie popcorn kits for a full Halloween movie snack spread.
FAQ
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes. Prep the layers a day in advance, then add the toppings just before serving.
Q: Can I make it gluten-free?
A: Absolutely. Use gluten-free sandwich cookies and Dell Cove® gluten-free popcorn kernels.
Q: Do I need to use a flower pot?
A: Nope. A trifle dish, casserole dish, or clear plastic cups work just fine.
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