Homemade Easy Vegan Dirt Pudding Cups Recipe
If you have a soft spot for nostalgic treats with a plant-based twist, then you are going to adore these Homemade Easy Vegan Dirt Pudding Cups. This delightful dessert brings together creamy chocolate pudding, crunchy cookie crumbs, and fun gummy worms— all completely vegan and bursting with rich flavor and playful textures. Perfect for sharing with friends or surprising the kids, these dirt pudding cups are not only irresistibly tasty but surprisingly simple to make. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become your go-to for a whimsical, cruelty-free indulgence that even non-vegans will ask for seconds!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Homemade Easy Vegan Dirt Pudding Cups recipe plays an essential role. From the creamy coconut cream to the vibrant juices that create gummy worms, these simple components come together to build layers of texture, taste, and eye-catching color that make the dessert unforgettable.
- Coconut cream: Provides a rich, silky base for the pudding, ensuring that luscious mouthfeel.
- Chocolate chips: Melt down to infuse the pudding with deep chocolate flavor and added sweetness.
- Coconut sugar: Adds natural sweetness with a subtle caramel note, balancing the cocoa’s bitterness.
- Cacao powder: Intensifies the chocolate taste while contributing to that classic pudding color.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with warm, fragrant undertones.
- Arrowroot powder (or cornstarch): Acts as a thickening agent, turning the mixture into smooth pudding.
- Vegan gluten-free Oreos (or similar cookie): Provides that signature “dirt” look and adds delightful crunch.
- Green juice: Brightens up the gummy worms with a fresh, natural color and taste.
- Orange or carrot juice: Brings a pop of color and sweetness to the gummy worms, making them even more fun.
- Agar powder: A vegan gelatin alternative used to set the gummy worms perfectly.
How to Make Homemade Easy Vegan Dirt Pudding Cups
Step 1: Prepare the Vegan Chocolate Pudding
Begin by combining the coconut cream, coconut sugar, cacao powder, and vanilla extract in a medium saucepan. Heat this on medium-high until it’s warm enough to melt the chocolate chips easily. Once warm, add the chocolate chips and stir continuously until they have melted completely, reducing the heat to medium-low. Keep stirring patiently for about 10 minutes, allowing the mixture to thicken beautifully. Sift in the arrowroot powder, stirring thoroughly until it dissolves and the pudding achieves a smooth consistency. Remove from heat, transfer to a bowl, and let it cool at room temperature for 15 minutes before covering it with foil and letting it sit for 2 hours to set perfectly.
Step 2: Crumble the Vegan Oreos
While the pudding cools, take your vegan gluten-free Oreos or similar cookies, and crumble them into rough pieces. These will create the essential ‘dirt’ layer that adds texture and visual charm, turning this dessert into an instant crowd-pleaser.
Step 3: Make the Vegan Gummy Worms
To add a playful and colorful twist, heat the green juice in a small saucepan until it starts to bubble. Stir in half a teaspoon of agar powder and keep mixing on medium heat for 5 minutes to activate the gelatinous texture. Remove it from heat, then carefully pipe the liquid into worm molds. Repeat this fun process with your orange or carrot juice for an extra burst of bright color and natural sweetness. Let the molds sit at room temperature for 5 minutes, then transfer them to the fridge for 10 more minutes to fully set the gummy worms.
Step 4: Assemble the Dirt Pudding Cups
Now comes the fun part! Start by spooning a generous layer of the chocolate pudding into four small jars or cups. Next, sprinkle a thick layer of the Oreo cookie crumbs on top until the pudding is “covered” in dirt. Finally, arrange a few wiggly vegan gummy worms on top, making the presentation playful and inviting. These cups are ready to serve and impress instantly!
How to Serve Homemade Easy Vegan Dirt Pudding Cups
Garnishes
While the classic gummy worms are a must, you can also sprinkle some vegan mini chocolate chips or shredded coconut flakes on top. Adding fresh berries, like raspberries or blackberries, offers a pop of color and tartness that balances the sweetness.
Side Dishes
This is a dessert best enjoyed alongside light, refreshing dishes. Think of a crisp fruit salad or a zesty citrus sorbet that complements the creamy texture and deep chocolate flavor of the pudding cups without overwhelming them.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or special occasions, present the dirt pudding cups in clear glass jars, small mason jars, or even mini terracotta pots to amp up the “dirt garden” theme. Layering in edible flowers or fresh mint leaves adds sophistication to this playful treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, keep them covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors meld beautifully, but be sure to add gummy worms freshly when ready to serve, so they keep their shape and texture.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t recommended for these pudding cups, as the texture of the coconut cream pudding can become grainy and the gummy worms may lose their chewiness. For the best experience, enjoy them fresh or refrigerated.
Reheating
Since this is a cold dessert, reheating isn’t necessary. If the pudding feels too firm from refrigeration, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving to regain its creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I substitute coconut cream with another plant-based milk?
While you could try other creamy plant milks like cashew or oat milk, coconut cream provides the best richness and texture for this pudding. Using thinner milks might result in a less creamy and more watery consistency.
Are vegan gluten-free Oreos necessary, or can I use regular Oreos?
If you’re not strictly vegan or gluten-free, regular Oreos work fine. However, for those avoiding animal products or gluten, the vegan gluten-free Oreos keep this recipe accessible without sacrificing flavor or texture.
What if I don’t have agar powder for the gummy worms?
Agar powder is essential for making these gummy worms vegan. If you can’t find it, you could use a vegan gelatin substitute, but avoid traditional gelatin as it’s derived from animals. Some stores also carry agar flakes, which can be ground and used similarly.
Can I make the vegan gummy worms in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the gummy worms a day ahead and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Just add them to the pudding cups right before serving to keep their fun texture intact.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely! Kids love the fun gummy worms and dirt-like appearance, plus it’s a healthy and allergen-friendly way to sneak in some veggies via the juices. It’s a perfect party treat or weekend sweet snack that gets a thumbs-up from all ages.
Final Thoughts
If you’re on the lookout for a charming, delicious dessert that’s easy to make and packed with wholesome, plant-based ingredients, these Homemade Easy Vegan Dirt Pudding Cups are pure magic. They offer a nostalgic childhood favorite with a fresh, vegan-friendly update that anyone can enjoy. Give this recipe a try—you might just find yourself coming back to it time and time again for celebrations or just because life could always use a little more fun and chocolate!
Print
Homemade Easy Vegan Dirt Pudding Cups Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 cups/jars 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Homemade Easy Vegan Dirt Pudding Cups recipe is a fun and delicious plant-based dessert perfect for all ages. Made with creamy coconut-based chocolate pudding, gluten-free vegan Oreos, and colorful homemade vegan gummy worms, this dessert is both visually appealing and packed with rich flavors. Ideal for those following a vegan, gluten-free diet, it’s a delightful treat that requires simple ingredients and minimal effort.
Ingredients
Chocolate Pudding
- 16 ounces coconut cream
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (dairy-free)
- 1/3 cup coconut sugar
- 1/8 cup cacao powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/8 cup arrowroot powder or cornstarch
Vegan Oreos
- 1 batch vegan gluten-free Oreos OR store-bought vegan gluten-free chocolate sandwich cookies
Vegan Gummy Worms
- 1/2 cup green juice (such as kale or spinach juice)
- 1/2 cup orange juice or carrot juice
- 1 tsp agar powder (divided as 1/2 tsp for each juice)
Instructions
- Make the vegan chocolate pudding: Combine the coconut cream, coconut sugar, cacao powder, and vanilla extract in a medium saucepan. Heat over medium-high heat until the mixture is warm and everything is combined.
- Melt the chocolate chips: Add the chocolate chips to the warm mixture and stir continuously until fully melted. Reduce heat to medium-low.
- Thicken the pudding: Continue stirring the mixture on low heat for about 10 minutes until it begins to thicken and becomes creamy.
- Add arrowroot powder: Sift in the arrowroot powder or cornstarch and stir thoroughly until it dissolves completely, further thickening the pudding.
- Cool the pudding: Remove the saucepan from heat and transfer the pudding into a bowl. Let it cool for 15 minutes at room temperature, then cover with tin foil and let it sit for 2 hours to set properly.
- Prepare the vegan Oreos: While the pudding is cooling, crumble your homemade or store-bought vegan gluten-free Oreos into fine crumbs for topping.
- Make the green gummy worms: Heat the green juice in a small saucepan until it starts to bubble. Stir in 1/2 tsp agar powder and cook for 5 minutes on medium heat, stirring frequently.
- Set the green gummy worms: Remove from heat and pipe the mixture into worm-shaped molds. Let sit at room temperature for 5 minutes, then refrigerate for 10 minutes to firm up.
- Make the orange gummy worms: Repeat the same agar heating and molding process using the orange or carrot juice and 1/2 tsp agar powder.
- Assemble the dirt pudding cups: Spoon layered chocolate pudding evenly into 4 jars or cups. Sprinkle crumbled vegan Oreos on top to mimic dirt.
- Top with gummy worms: Place a few colorful gummy worms on top of the Oreo crumbs to finish the fun and playful look. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Make sure to use full-fat coconut cream for the best creamy texture in the pudding.
- Arrowroot powder or cornstarch can be used interchangeably to thicken the pudding.
- Agar powder must be cooked properly to activate its gelling properties, so do not skip the heating step.
- The vegan Oreos must be gluten-free if you want to keep the dessert gluten-free.
- Vegan gummy worm molds can be replaced with any small silicone mold shape you prefer.
- Store leftover pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop cooking, chilling
- Cuisine: Vegan, Gluten-Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (1 jar)
- Calories: 270 kcal
- Sugar: 19 g
- Sodium: 25 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: vegan pudding, dirt pudding, vegan dessert, gluten-free dessert, homemade gummy worms, vegan Oreos, plant-based treat
