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.
- 15.25 ounces chocolate cake mix (or homemade chocolate cake batter, if preferred)
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1¼ cup water or milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk chocolate chips (melted)
- 20 Oreos or similar chocolate cookies (crushed into crumbs)
- 24 gummy worms
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.
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.
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."
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.
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.
- 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.
Have Fun Baking!