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Easy No-Bake Pumpkin Dirt Cups: The Best Fall Dessert

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These Easy No-Bake Pumpkin Dirt Cups are a fun and delicious fall dessert made with a creamy pumpkin mousse and crushed chocolate cookie ‘dirt’. No oven required, perfect for parties and make-ahead entertaining.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup cold heavy whipping cream (or 2 cups thawed whipped topping like Cool Whip)
  • 2 cups chocolate sandwich cookies, crushed (about 20 cookies, like Oreos)
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • Gummy worms (optional, for garnish)
  • Small pumpkin candies or candy corn (optional, for garnish)
  • Fresh mint leaves (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Crush the chocolate sandwich cookies into fine crumbs using a food processor or a zip-top bag and rolling pin. Transfer to a small bowl and stir in the melted butter. Set aside.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, beat the cold heavy whipping cream with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form, about 3-4 minutes. Set aside.
  3. In another large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and salt. Beat until well combined. Add the pumpkin puree and beat until smooth and silky.
  4. Gently fold about one-third of the whipped cream into the pumpkin mixture using a spatula. Fold gently until combined. Add the remaining whipped cream and continue folding until no white streaks remain. The mixture should be light and airy.
  5. Layer the cups: Spoon about 2 tablespoons of cookie crumbs into the bottom of each clear cup. Press down lightly. Add about 1/4 cup of the pumpkin filling. Repeat with another thin layer of cookie crumbs, then more pumpkin filling. End with a final layer of cookie crumbs on top.
  6. Cover the cups loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best texture.
  7. Before serving, garnish with gummy worms, pumpkin candies, or mint leaves as desired. Serve cold.

Notes

Room temperature cream cheese is essential for a smooth filling. Don’t skip the salt—it balances the sweetness. For best texture, use cold heavy cream and chill the cups for at least 2 hours. The cookie crumbs will soften over time; add a fresh layer before serving if desired. Can be made up to 2 days in advance. For a vegan version, use dairy-free cream cheese and coconut whipped topping. For gluten-free, use gluten-free chocolate sandwich cookies.

Nutrition

Keywords: pumpkin dirt cups, no-bake pumpkin dessert, easy fall dessert, pumpkin mousse, Halloween dessert, Thanksgiving dessert, kid-friendly dessert

Find it online: https://ovenmila.com/easy-no-bake-pumpkin-dirt-cups-the-best-fall-dessert/