Frankenstein Pudding Cups are such a fun and spooky treat, perfect for Halloween or any time you want a playful dessert. They’re creamy pudding, usually green, topped with little candy eyes and maybe some whipped cream or other decorations to make them look like the famous monster himself. The bright green color and silly faces make these pudding cups instantly cheerful and a little bit creepy—in the best way!
I love making these with kids because it’s a chance to get creative with toppings and mix-ins. Sometimes I add crushed cookies or gummy worms for extra fun texture. Watching everyone try to outdo each other with the silliest or scariest face is always a highlight. Plus, it’s a simple dessert that comes together quickly, so we can spend more time enjoying the decorations and less time fussing in the kitchen.
My favorite way to serve these is right after dinner during fall get-togethers or Halloween parties. They’re the perfect-sized dessert that’s not too heavy but still feels special and festive. I guarantee that these pudding cups will bring smiles and maybe some giggles as everyone picks their favorite “monster” from the batch.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Oreos: They give a great chocolate crunch and “dirt” base for these cups. You can swap for any chocolate sandwich cookie or even chocolate graham crackers for a slightly different texture.
Pudding mixes: The instant pudding mixes are quick and easy. If you want to skip the instant version, homemade pudding works well too, just be sure it sets firmly for layering.
Green food coloring: This gives the classic Frankenstein green face. Gel coloring works best for deeper color without thinning the pudding. If you prefer natural options, spinach or avocado powders can add a green tint.
Whipped topping: This lightens the green layer and tops off the cups nicely. Use store-bought or homemade whipped cream, whichever you prefer! It’s fun to pipe it on for a fluffy look.
Black decorating gel or edible marker: These help you draw Frankenstein’s face on the cups, turning pudding into a fun character. If you don’t have these, you can skip the drawing or use small candies or chocolate chips for eyes and mouth.
How Do I Create Clear Frankenstein Faces on the Cups?
Drawing faces on a glass cup can be tricky, but here’s how to make it easy and neat:
- Use black decorating gel with a fine tip or an edible food marker for control.
- Draw the hairline first—a zigzag across the top of the green layer area.
- Add simple round eyes, a nose, and a mouth with white teeth shapes.
- Don’t worry about perfect details—fun, imperfect faces have more character!
- Practice on a piece of parchment or plastic first to get comfortable.
- Let the gel or marker dry a few minutes before adding whipped topping to avoid smudging.
These steps make decorating fun and personalize your Frankenstein pudding cups while keeping it mess-free.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Clear plastic cups – I recommend these because they show off the colorful layers and fun decorations.
- Mixing bowls and whisks – handy for preparing the pudding layers quickly and smoothly.
- Small spoon or piping bag – for layering the pudding neatly and adding whipped topping decoratively.
- Fine-tipped decorating gel or edible marker – makes drawing Frankenstein’s face easy and precise.
- Crushing tool (like a resealable bag and rolling pin or food processor) – helps you crush Oreos perfectly for the crust.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use vanilla pudding instead of chocolate or combine both for extra flavor layers.
- Add chopped nuts, gummy worms, or candy eyes for extra spooky and fun texture.
- Mix in a few drops of mint or peppermint extract with the pudding for a refreshing twist.
- Swap Oreos for chocolate chip cookies or crushed chocolate candy for a different “dirt” look and crunch.
How to Make Frankenstein Pudding Cups?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Base and Layers:
- 20 Oreo cookies (or similar chocolate sandwich cookies), crushed
- 1 package (3.9 oz) instant chocolate pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk (for chocolate pudding)
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk (for vanilla pudding)
- Green food coloring
- 1 cup whipped topping (like Cool Whip), plus extra for topping
For Decoration:
- Black decorating gel or edible black marker
- 8 mini Oreo cookies or Oreo halves (for hair topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare. There’s no baking required and you can serve the pudding cups immediately after assembling and decorating.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make Your Pudding Layers:
In two separate bowls, whisk the chocolate pudding mix with 2 cups of cold milk until it thickens, and repeat with the vanilla pudding mix and its 2 cups of cold milk.
2. Color and Lighten the Vanilla Pudding:
Add green food coloring a few drops at a time to the vanilla pudding until you get a bright Frankenstein green. Then fold in 1 cup of whipped topping to make it light and creamy—this will be your “face” layer.
3. Prepare The Oreo Base:
Crush 20 Oreos into fine crumbs. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of these crumbs into each clear cup to create a chocolate “dirt” base.
4. Layer The Puddings:
Next, add about 3 tablespoons of chocolate pudding over the Oreo base. Then spoon the green whipped vanilla pudding on top to build the faces.
5. Decorate Your Frankenstein Faces:
Using black decorating gel or an edible black marker, draw Frankenstein’s signature zigzag hairline near the top, then add eyes, a nose, mouth with teeth, and stitches on the outside of each cup.
6. Add The Whipped Topping and “Hair”:
Pile whipped topping on top of the green layer, and place a mini Oreo cookie or half Oreo as Frankenstein’s hair bolt on each cup.
7. Serve or Chill:
You can serve these cups right away or keep them refrigerated until ready to eat. They’re sure to bring smiles and a little spookiness to your table!
Can I Use Homemade Pudding Instead of Instant Mix?
Yes! Homemade pudding works great too. Just be sure it’s thick and well chilled before layering so it holds its shape nicely in the cups.
How Long Can I Make Frankenstein Pudding Cups Ahead of Time?
You can prepare and assemble these up to a day in advance. Store covered in the fridge and decorate with whipped topping and Oreos just before serving to keep everything fresh.
What Are Good Substitutes for Oreos?
If you don’t have Oreos, chocolate sandwich cookies or crushed chocolate graham crackers make tasty alternatives for the crumbly base layer.
How Do I Prevent the Decorating Gel from Smudging?
Allow the decorating gel or edible marker to dry completely before adding whipped topping. This helps keep the Frankenstein faces looking sharp and neat.