How to Make Oreo Dirt Cupcakes with Gummy Worms
This Oreo cupcake recipe takes a playful spin on a classic treat, with the added excitement of gummy worms peeking through layers of crushed Oreos and smooth chocolate frosting. Using everyday ingredients like chocolate cake, Oreo cookies, and a rich cream cheese chocolate frosting, this recipe is both approachable and irresistibly tasty.
Ingredients
For the Cupcakes:
For the Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting:
Toppings:
Instructions
Prepare the Chocolate Cupcakes:
-
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two standard muffin pans with cupcake liners. This recipe makes 24 cupcakes, so make sure both pans are ready.
-
In a large bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, eggs, water (or milk), and vegetable oil. Using a hand mixer or whisk, mix on medium speed until the batter is smooth, about 2-3 minutes. Avoid overmixing.
-
Spoon the batter into the cupcake liners, filling each about ⅔ full to leave room for rising.
-
Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
-
Once baked, remove the cupcakes from the oven and let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
Make the Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting:
-
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together using a hand mixer or stand mixer until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
-
Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder in batches, mixing on low speed until fully combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
-
Melt the milk chocolate chips in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until fully melted and smooth. Let it cool slightly before adding to the frosting.
-
Mix in the melted chocolate and vanilla extract until everything is well combined. The frosting should be rich, creamy, and chocolatey.
Crush the Oreos for Dirt:
-
Place the Oreos (or similar chocolate cookies) in a ziplock bag and crush them using a rolling pin, or pulse them in a food processor until they resemble fine crumbs.
-
Set the cookie crumbs aside in a bowl – these will be your "dirt."
Assemble the Dirt Cupcakes:
-
Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost each cupcake with a generous layer of chocolate cream cheese frosting. You can use a piping bag with a large tip or a spatula for an even spread.
-
Dip each frosted cupcake into the crushed Oreo crumbs, coating the top of the frosting completely with the "dirt."
-
Press one gummy worm (or half a worm) on top of each cupcake. You can make it look like the worm is crawling out of the "dirt" by placing half of the worm into the frosting.
Serve and Enjoy:
-
Your Oreo dirt cupcakes are ready to serve! Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Note
- For easier removal of cupcakes, use foil-lined cupcake liners. They also help to keep the cupcake shape intact.
- If your frosting is too soft, refrigerate it for a few minutes to firm up before piping or spreading.
- If you don't have a food processor, you can use a rolling pin and a ziplock bag to crush the cookies. Place the cookies in the bag, seal it tightly, and crush them with the rolling pin until finely ground.
- To make it look like gummy worms are crawling out of the dirt, place half of the worm into the frosting and let the other half stick out.
- When melting chocolate, do it in short intervals to prevent burning. Stir frequently and let it cool slightly before mixing it into the frosting.
