Frankenstein Pudding Cups are a fun and spooky treat perfect for Halloween or any time you want to add a little monster magic to your dessert table. These cups feature creamy green pudding layered with crushed cookies and topped with sweet whipped cream and candy eyes to bring Frankenstein’s famous monster to life in a tasty, bite-sized form.
I love making these with kids because they’re easy to put together and let everyone get creative with their monster faces. I usually keep all the toppings simple—like chocolate chips, gummy bats, or colorful sprinkles—so it’s quick to whip up and always a hit. Plus, the green pudding always surprises people and adds a fun pop of color.
My favorite way to serve these Frankenstein Pudding Cups is right out of the fridge, chilled and ready to eat after a little nap in the freezer. They’re perfect at parties or as a special after-school snack. Every time I make them, they bring out the smiles and spooky giggles, which makes them so worth it!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Oreos: Crushed Oreos give a great chocolate crunch and look like “dirt” or hair at the bottom. If you don’t have Oreos, any chocolate sandwich cookie works well. Gluten-free cookies are also fine for dietary needs.
Pistachio Pudding Mix: This brings the fun green color and creamy texture for Frankenstein’s face. If you can’t find pistachio, vanilla pudding with green food coloring also works.
Whipped Topping: This adds lightness and looks like Frankenstein’s “hair.” Use store-bought whipped cream or homemade whipped cream—both work great.
Chocolate Pudding/Frosting: This tops the cups for extra chocolate flavor and texture. You can use chocolate pudding, chocolate frosting, or even chocolate mousse for a richer touch.
Candy Eyes & Black Gel: These small details create Frankenstein’s spooky face. If you don’t have candy eyes, white and black icing or tiny chocolate chips work as easy alternatives.
How Do You Make the Frankenstein Face Look So Real?
Adding Frankenstein’s features is all about simple decorating and layering. Here’s how to get that fun, spooky look:
- Pipe or spread a thin ring of whipped topping near the top edge to form the “hairline.”
- Use black decorating gel or melted chocolate to pipe drips down from the whipped topping for hair strands.
- Stick on candy eyes right below the hairline.
- Create a jagged mouth with black fondant or draw it with gel right below the eyes.
- Draw small stitch marks with black gel around the eyes or sides of the pudding.
Take your time with these decorations—they’re quick but add so much character. If you’re making with kids, let them create their own faces and have fun with it!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Clear plastic cups – I like to use these because they let you see the fun layers and face details clearly.
- Food processor or resealable bag and rolling pin – perfect for crushing Oreos easily and smoothly.
- Mixing bowls – you’ll need these to whisk the pudding and prepare toppings without any mess.
- Measuring cups and spoons – essential for accurate pudding and ingredient portions.
- Decorating tools (such as piping bags or plastic sandwich bags) – great for adding whipped topping, hair, and features cleanly.
- Small spatula or spoon – for spreading and layering the pudding and whipped topping.
- Candy eyes, decorating gel, or icing tubes – for creating Frankenstein’s fun facial features.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use lemon or vanilla pudding instead of pistachio for different colors and flavors—just add food coloring for the spooky look.
- Replace Oreos with crushed chocolate cookies, graham crackers, or cookie crumbs for a different “earthy” effect.
- Mix in mini chocolate chips or gummy worms into the pudding layers for extra texture and fun surprises.
- Add layers of fruit syrup or jam for a sweet twist or a splash of different flavors.
How to Make Frankenstein Pudding Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Crust:
- 30 Oreo cookies (or similar chocolate sandwich cookies), crushed
For The Pudding:
- 2 cups milk
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant pistachio pudding mix
- Green food coloring (optional, to enhance green color)
For The Topping and Decoration:
- 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping, divided (like Cool Whip)
- Black decorating gel or melted black chocolate for hair and mouth details
- Small candy eyes (or make eyes with white and black icing)
- Chocolate pudding or chocolate frosting for topping
- Optional: extra crushed Oreos for garnish on top
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes around 15 minutes to prepare and assemble. Then chill the pudding cups in the fridge for at least 1 hour to let everything set nicely before serving. It’s a quick and easy treat that’s perfect for parties or Halloween fun!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oreo Base:
Start by finely crushing the Oreo cookies using a food processor or by placing the cookies in a sealed plastic bag and crushing with a rolling pin. Divide the crushed Oreos evenly into 8 clear plastic cups, about 3 tablespoons per cup. Press them lightly to create a firm base layer.
2. Make the Green Pudding:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the instant pistachio pudding mix and 2 cups of cold milk, following the package instructions until the pudding thickens. For a brighter green color, stir in a few drops of green food coloring.
3. Assemble the Pudding Layer:
Spoon or pipe the green pudding evenly over the Oreo crust in each cup, filling most of the cup but leaving space at the top for the whipped topping and decorations.
4. Add Whipped Topping for Hair:
Spread or pipe a thin layer of whipped topping around the edge of the pudding to form the base of Frankenstein’s hair.
5. Create Frankenstein’s Face:
- Use black decorating gel or melted black chocolate to pipe “hair” dripping down from the whipped cream layer.
- Stick small candy eyes just below the hairline.
- Create a jagged mouth shape using black fondant or pipe with black gel under the eyes.
- Draw small stitch marks on the green pudding near the eyes using the black gel to add fun details.
6. Top with Chocolate:
Whip or pipe chocolate pudding or chocolate frosting on top, making a small mound to resemble messy hair.
7. Garnish and Chill:
Sprinkle extra crushed Oreos over the top of the chocolate to complete the messy hair look. Refrigerate the pudding cups for at least 1 hour before serving so they set nicely.
Enjoy your spooky and delicious Frankenstein Pudding Cups, a perfect treat to enjoy with friends and family!
Can I Use Regular Vanilla Pudding Instead of Pistachio?
Yes, you can use vanilla pudding and add green food coloring to achieve the Frankenstein green. The flavor will be different but still delicious and visually fun!
How Long Can I Store Frankenstein Pudding Cups?
Store them covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cookie base may soften over time, so for best texture, enjoy within the first day or two.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the pudding cups a few hours or even the night before. Just keep them refrigerated and add the candy eyes and gel decorations right before serving to keep them looking fresh.
What Can I Substitute for Candy Eyes?
If you don’t have candy eyes, you can use small white icing dots with a tiny dot of black icing or mini chocolate chips to create similar spooky eyes.