If you’re looking to impress both kids and adults with a dessert that’s as whimsical as it is decadent, the Dark Chocolate Pecan “Worms in Dirt” Mousse Tart is about to become your new favorite. This playful tart combines a buttery chocolate-pecan crust, velvety dark chocolate mousse, and a topping reminiscent of childhood gardening days—edible dirt and squiggly gummy worms. It’s the type Dessert.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this tart plays a big role, and with just a handful of staples, you can build layers of rich flavor and playful texture. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need and a few notes on how each element shines.
- Chocolate Cookie Crumbs: These form the deep, chocolaty base of the tart and add a crunchy foundation. Oreos work perfectly here (remove the filling for best texture).
- Pecans: Finely chopped pecans fold in buttery, nutty richness to both the crust and topping, creating a subtle crunchy surprise in every bite.
- Unsalted Butter: Melted butter holds the crust together and adds a luxurious mouthfeel without overpowering the chocolate.
- Heavy Cream: Provides the structure and airiness in the mousse, ensuring your filling is both light and creamy.
- Dark Chocolate: The star of the mousse! Use a good-quality dark chocolate for that smooth, intense flavor that balances the sweetness.
- Powdered Sugar: Adds just enough sweetness to make the mousse luscious, while keeping the flavors elegant and not too sugary.
- Vanilla Extract: One teaspoon deepens the chocolate flavor and gives the mousse a beautifully rounded finish.
- Gummy Worms: Essential for that nostalgic “dirt” look, they add color and fun to the finished tart—don’t skip these if you want smiles all around!
How to Make Dark Chocolate Pecan “Worms in Dirt” Mousse Tart
Step 1: Make the Chocolate Pecan Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Combine your chocolate cookie crumbs, finely chopped pecans, and melted butter in a medium bowl. Stir the mixture until the crumbs are fully coated. Press it gently but firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch tart pan. This crust is the sturdy stage for your mousse and holds together beautifully. Bake it for 8 minutes—just enough to set it—then let it cool completely before adding any filling. Trust me, the pecans toast up perfectly here for extra depth.
Step 2: Prepare the Chocolate Mousse Filling
While your crust cools, it’s time to get luxurious. Pour the heavy cream into a small saucepan and gently heat it until you see steam (no boiling here!). Remove from the heat, add your chopped dark chocolate, and let it sit untouched for 2–3 minutes to melt. Then, whisk slowly until smooth and glossy. Stir in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Once it’s fully combined, let the chocolate mixture reach room temperature, then chill it in the fridge for 30 minutes to thicken up—patience here pays off with ultimate fluffiness.
Step 3: Whip and Fill
Take your cooled chocolate mixture from the refrigerator and, using an electric mixer, whip it up until it’s light, airy, and mousse-like in texture. Don’t skip the whipping; this step infuses the filling with tiny bubbles and makes each bite feel cloud-like. Once ready, spoon and spread that dreamy mousse evenly into your cooled tart shell—an offset spatula helps here for a super clean look. Every swirl is a promise of creamy chocolate happiness.
Step 4: Assemble the “Dirt” Topping
Now comes the fun part: transform your tart into edible “dirt!” Sprinkle the remaining chocolate cookie crumbs and chopped pecans over the mousse, creating that playful, garden-soil effect. Artfully place gummy worms here and there, letting their colorful bodies peek out for a charming twist. This isn’t just a garnish—it’s what brings the Dark Chocolate Pecan “Worms in Dirt” Mousse Tart to life!
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Patience, once more! Place the assembled tart in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to let everything set to sliceable perfection. When ready, cut generous wedges and serve. You may want to save placing the gummy worms until just before serving, so they stay brilliantly fresh and chewy.
How to Serve Dark Chocolate Pecan “Worms in Dirt” Mousse Tart
Garnishes
To garnish, stick with the classics: more chocolate cookie crumbs, a few extra chopped pecans for crunch, and, of course, a swirl of gummy worms. Whipped cream piped onto each slice adds festive flair and a hint of lightness to that intense chocolate flavor. Edible flowers or chocolate shavings can also elevate the presentation for grown-up occasions.
Side Dishes
This tart is a showstopper on its own, but if you’d like to round out your dessert table, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a handful of fresh raspberries on the side will complement the richness of the mousse. Coffee or a dark, robust hot chocolate also pairs beautifully for an added cozy touch.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, cut the tart into small bars or bites and nestle each piece into mini cupcake liners—instant, grab-and-go treats! Serve the “dirt” tart in mason jars for a portable, picnic-friendly variation. For a Halloween bash, add spooky chocolate decorations like candy bones or edible eyes to take the Dark Chocolate Pecan “Worms in Dirt” Mousse Tart to the next level.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover any leftover tart tightly with plastic wrap or place in an airtight container—the mousse stays lovely and creamy for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Just remember to hold off on adding more gummy worms until you’re ready to serve; they’ll look and taste their best that way.
Freezing
You can actually freeze the entire tart (minus the gummies) for up to a month. Wrap it well in both plastic and foil. To serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, and then decorate with fresh “dirt” and worms for a no-stress, make-ahead treat that tastes just as decadent as the day it was made.
Reheating
Luckily, your Dark Chocolate Pecan “Worms in Dirt” Mousse Tart doesn’t require any reheating—just let it come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before slicing for the most luscious texture. If serving from frozen, allow extra time to ensure the mousse is perfectly creamy and not too icy.
FAQs
Can I make this tart nut-free?
Absolutely! Simply omit the pecans in both the crust and topping, or swap them for roasted sunflower seeds, which provide a similar crunch without any nuts.
Is there a way to make this gluten-free?
Yes, just use certified gluten-free chocolate cookies in the crust and topping. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it an easy switch for those with dietary needs.
What kind of dark chocolate works best?
Pick a chocolate in the 60 to 70 percent cacao range for a balanced flavor that isn’t too bitter or too sweet. Bars chop more evenly than chips, but either works in a pinch.
Can I make the mousse layer ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the mousse up to a day in advance, then spread it into the crust and chill until ready to top. Just remember to add the gummy worms right before serving for maximum freshness.
How do I cut clean slices for serving?
Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry before each cut—this will slide right through the mousse and crust, giving you those beautiful, photo-worthy wedges every time.
Final Thoughts
I can’t encourage you enough to break out your tart pan and bring the Dark Chocolate Pecan “Worms in Dirt” Mousse Tart to life in your kitchen. Whether you’re baking with kids, celebrating, or just chasing that perfect chocolate dessert, this tart never fails to deliver smiles and delicious memories. Give it a try, and watch it become a requested favorite in your home!
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Dark Chocolate Pecan “Worms in Dirt” Mousse Tart Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake (with baked crust)
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a delightful treat with this Dark Chocolate Pecan “Worms in Dirt” Mousse Tart. A rich chocolate cookie and pecan crust filled with a decadent dark chocolate mousse, topped with cookie crumbs, pecans, and fun gummy worms.
Ingredients
Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs (such as Oreos, finely crushed)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
Chocolate Mousse Filling:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 ounces dark chocolate (chopped)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping:
- 1/2 cup chocolate cookie crumbs
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
- gummy worms for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the crust: Combine cookie crumbs, chopped pecans, and melted butter. Press into a tart pan and bake for 8 minutes. Let cool.
- Make the mousse filling: Heat cream, add dark chocolate, sugar, and vanilla. Chill, then whip until fluffy. Spread into tart shell.
- Add toppings: Sprinkle cookie crumbs, pecans, and gummy worms on top of the mousse.
- Chill and serve: Chill the tart for at least 1 hour before serving.
Notes
- You can make this tart a day ahead, adding gummy worms just before serving.
- For a nut-free version, omit pecans or substitute with sunflower seeds.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
