Description
This Dark Chocolate Pecan “Worms in Dirt” Mousse Tart is a spooky and indulgent Halloween dessert. It combines layers of rich dark chocolate mousse, crunchy chocolate pecan cookie “dirt,” and homemade gummy worms for a fun and delicious treat.
Ingredients
For Raspberry Gummy Worms:
- 2 (3-ounce) packages raspberry jello
- 1 envelope unflavored gelatin
- 3 cups boiling water
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- A few drops of green gel food coloring
- 100–125 flexible straws
For Chocolate Pecan Cookies (Dirt):
- 4 tablespoons softened butter
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon instant espresso powder
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ large egg (whisk 1 egg, use half)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup dutch-processed cocoa powder
- ⅓ cup pecan pieces
For Dark Chocolate Mousse:
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 4 egg yolks
- 2 egg whites
- ¼ cup espresso or coffee
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- Pinch of salt
- 6 ounces dark chocolate
For Chocolate Whipped Cream:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons dutch-processed cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon sugar
Instructions
To Make the Gummy Worms:
- Combine boiling water, raspberry jello, and unflavored gelatin in a bowl, stirring until dissolved. Allow to cool until lukewarm.
- Stretch out the flexible straws and place them in a tall container.
- Stir in the heavy cream and green food coloring into the lukewarm mixture.
- Pour the mixture into the straws and refrigerate for at least 9 hours.
- To remove the gummy worms, run the straws under warm water to release the gelatin.
To Make the Chocolate Pecan Cookies:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line two cookie sheets with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, beat together butter, sugar, salt, baking powder, espresso powder, and cinnamon. Mix in the egg and vanilla extract.
- Stir in the flour, cocoa powder, and pecan pieces.
- Roll the dough into a log, refrigerate until firm, then slice into thin rounds.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until firm. Allow to cool completely.
To Make the Dark Chocolate Mousse:
- Whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks and set aside.
- In a double boiler, whisk together egg yolks, espresso, 2 tablespoons sugar, and salt until the mixture lightens in color and doubles in volume. Remove from heat and stir in dark chocolate.
- Whisk egg whites with the remaining sugar until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the egg whites and whipped cream into the chocolate mixture.
To Make the Chocolate Whipped Cream:
- Whip together the heavy cream, cocoa powder, and sugar until stiff peaks form.
To Assemble:
- Line a 9-inch springform pan with plastic wrap.
- Crush the chocolate pecan cookies and spread a layer on the bottom of the pan.
- Pour the dark chocolate mousse over the cookie layer and spread evenly.
- Add a layer of chocolate whipped cream on top.
- Sprinkle more crushed cookies over the whipped cream for a “dirt” effect.
- Decorate with homemade gummy worms.
Notes
- Ensure the gummy worms are fully set before removing them from the straws.
- The mousse should be made in advance to allow it to set properly.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes for cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 90mg