Easy 5-Step Halloween Pumpkin Pudding Cups: A Delicious, Kid-Friendly Treat

Halloween is the perfect excuse to play with food, and these Halloween Pumpkin Pudding Cups make dessert both delicious and fun. Creamy pumpkin spice pudding layered with crushed Oreos becomes edible “dirt,” while cookies decorated as tombstones complete the spooky effect. This no-bake treat is easy to prepare, kid-friendly, and guaranteed to be the highlight of your Halloween table.

These cups are also versatile you can make them ahead, get kids involved with decorating, and serve them individually for a mess-free party option. Whether for a school event, family gathering, or just a fun October night in, these pudding cups bring seasonal flavor and festive spirit together in one spoonful.

2. Why This Recipe Works

These pudding cups combine the nostalgic flavor of pumpkin spice with the playful fun of Halloween treats. The smooth pumpkin filling balances perfectly with the crunch of Oreo “dirt.” Decorating the tombstones adds a creative twist, and kids will love helping you make them. Since it’s a no-bake dessert, it saves oven space for other fall favorites while still making a big impact on your Halloween spread. For even more fall desserts, check out our Mini Pumpkin Cheesecake Bites or try a cozy Cinnamon Roll Recipe to complete your holiday spread.

3. Ingredients for Halloween Pumpkin Pudding Cups

• 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree
• 1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix
• 1 ½ cups evaporated milk
• 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice (or mix cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves)
• 1 cup whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
• 20 chocolate sandwich cookies (crushed into “dirt”)
• 8 Milano or rectangular cookies (for tombstones)
• ½ cup melted chocolate or black decorating gel (to write “RIP”)

4. Step-by-Step Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, pudding mix, evaporated milk, and pumpkin pie spice until smooth.
2. Fold in the whipped topping gently until creamy.
3. Crush the chocolate sandwich cookies into fine crumbs.
4. Layer cookie crumbs in the bottom of clear cups, add pumpkin pudding, then top with more crumbs to resemble dirt.
5. Write “RIP” on Milano cookies with melted chocolate or gel, then insert them upright into each cup.
6. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving so the flavors meld.

5. Expert Tips

• Clear cups work best so everyone can see the layers of dirt and pudding.
• Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free cookies for both the dirt and tombstones.
• Decorate creatively add gummy worms, candy pumpkins, or sprinkles to make them even more fun for kids.

6. Serving Suggestions

Serve these cups individually for easy cleanup at Halloween parties. They also work great as a family dessert after dinner. Pair them with hot apple cider or a pumpkin spice latte for adults, while kids enjoy them with warm milk or juice boxes.

7. Storage & Make-Ahead

Halloween Pumpkin Pudding Cups can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Just add the tombstone cookies before serving to keep them crisp. Leftovers keep up to 2 days in the fridge, though the cookie layer will soften slightly.

8. Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These pudding cups are festive, simple, and absolutely delicious. They bring the cozy flavors of pumpkin pie into a kid-approved, party-ready dessert. Since they’re customizable and require no baking, they’ll quickly become a Halloween favorite in your home.

9. Wrap-Up

Halloween Pumpkin Pudding Cups are the kind of treat that combines fun, flavor, and a little spooky magic. With pumpkin pudding, Oreo dirt, and cookie tombstones, they’re as eye-catching as they are tasty. Add them to your Halloween menu this year, and watch them disappear as fast as you make them!

This dish is quick, satisfying, and supports smart cooking habits that align with USDA home cooking principles

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