Description
This Dark Chocolate Pecan “Worms in Dirt” Mousse Tart is a playful and decadent dessert perfect for Halloween or any fun gathering. Featuring a rich chocolate cookie crust, silky dark chocolate mousse filling, and topped with crunchy pecans and gummy worms, it combines textures and flavors for an irresistible treat.
Ingredients
Scale
For the crust:
- 1 ½ cups chocolate cookie crumbs (like Oreos, crushed with filling)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the mousse filling:
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate (60–70% cocoa)
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream, divided
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the topping:
- ½ cup chocolate cookie crumbs (for “dirt”)
- ½ cup chopped toasted pecans
- Gummy worms (for decoration)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare crust: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix the chocolate cookie crumbs with melted butter until the texture resembles wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom and sides of a 9-inch tart pan.
- Bake crust: Bake the crust for 8–10 minutes until set. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely before filling.
- Make chocolate ganache: Heat ½ cup of the heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat until steaming but not boiling. Pour the hot cream over the dark chocolate in a bowl. Let it sit for 1–2 minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy.
- Whip cream: Allow the chocolate ganache to cool slightly. In a separate bowl, whip the remaining 1 cup of heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
- Fold mousse: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cooled chocolate mixture until the mousse is smooth and fluffy, ensuring not to deflate the mixture.
- Assemble tart: Spoon the mousse evenly into the cooled tart crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Add topping: Sprinkle the extra chocolate cookie crumbs over the mousse to mimic “dirt.” Scatter the chopped toasted pecans on top and arrange gummy worms creatively for a whimsical touch.
- Chill: Refrigerate the tart for at least 2 hours to allow the mousse to set properly before serving.
Notes
- You can prepare the tart a day ahead to save time and enhance flavors.
- For a nut-free version, omit the chopped toasted pecans.
- Use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate for a sweeter, creamier mousse.
