Description

Carrot Patch Dirt Cups are a fun, festive dessert perfect for spring or Easter celebrations. Featuring layers of rich chocolate brownie chunks, instant fudge pudding, crushed Oreos, and chocolate cream, topped with strawberries dipped in orange candy melts that resemble carrots, this playful treat is both delicious and visually delightful. The recipe combines easy no-bake pudding preparation with simple candy coating techniques to create a whimsical and crowd-pleasing dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

Strawberries and Candy Coating

12 large strawberries (rinsed and dried well)
1 ½ cups orange candy melts
2 tsp coconut oil

Brownie and Pudding Layer

1 package chocolate fudge brownies (already-made, cut into tiny chunks)
1 package instant fudge brownie pudding mix
2 cups whole milk

Chocolate Cream and Toppings

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
½ cup heavy whipping cream
1 cup crushed Oreos
1 – 16 oz package Ghirardelli milk chocolate melting wafers

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Instructions

Prepare Candy Coating: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Place the orange candy melts in a small, deep microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth and fully melted, about 2 minutes. Stir in the coconut oil until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
Coat Strawberries: Dip each strawberry into the melted candy, swirling to fully coat. Arrange coated strawberries on the prepared baking sheet. With any remaining melted candy, drizzle back-and-forth lines over the strawberries to create a striped ‘carrot’ effect. Set aside and allow to dry and harden for about 1 hour.
Make Pudding: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the instant fudge brownie pudding mix and whole milk according to package instructions until thick and smooth. Refrigerate to chill while preparing other components.
Prepare Chocolate Cream: In a heatproof bowl, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips together with the heavy whipping cream using a microwave in 30-second bursts or over a double boiler until smooth. Let it cool slightly to thicken into a creamy ganache-like consistency.
Assemble Dirt Cups: In individual cups or a large serving dish, layer brownie chunks and crushed Oreos. Spoon a layer of the chilled pudding over the brownie mixture, then add a layer of the chocolate cream. Repeat layers as desired. Top with an orange candy-coated strawberry to resemble a carrot in the ‘dirt.’ Refrigerate the cups for at least 15 minutes before serving to set.

Notes

Ensure strawberries are completely dry before dipping to help the candy coating adhere better.
Use pre-made brownies for convenience, but homemade brownies can be used for a more personalized flavor.
The chocolate cream ganache should not be too hot when layering to avoid melting the pudding.
These dirt cups can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated for best flavor melding.
For a dairy-free version, substitute whole milk and heavy cream with coconut milk alternatives and use dairy-free chocolate chips.