You know those desserts that make kids giggle and adults sneak second helpings? That’s exactly what this dark chocolate pecan “worms in dirt” mousse tart does! I first made this for my nephew’s birthday, and let me tell you – the moment those gummy worms peeked through the chocolatey “dirt,” the whole party went wild. It’s become my go-to treat when I want something decadent yet playful, where rich dark chocolate mousse meets crunchy pecans in the most delicious disguise. Just wait till you see how easy it is to create this magical dessert!
Why You’ll Love This Dark Chocolate Pecan “Worms in Dirt” Mousse Tart
This isn’t just a dessert—it’s an experience! Here’s why it’ll become your new favorite:
- Decadent yet playful: Rich dark chocolate mousse meets crunchy pecan crust for serious flavor, while those silly gummy worms make everyone smile
- Surprisingly simple: No fancy techniques—just 15 minutes of active prep and let the fridge do the rest
- Instant crowd-pleaser: Kids adore the “worms,” adults rave about the sophisticated chocolate-pecan combo
- Endless fun: Let guests “dig” for their own worms or customize with different cookie “dirt” textures
Ingredients for Dark Chocolate Pecan “Worms in Dirt” Mousse Tart
Gather these simple ingredients – most are pantry staples, and the rest are worth every penny for this showstopper. Trust me, quality matters here, especially with the chocolate!
- 1 ½ cups crushed pecans (not chopped – you want fine crumbs for the perfect crust texture)
- ¼ cup melted butter (use the good stuff – real butter makes all the difference)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar (pack it in there for that caramel depth)
- 1 ½ cups dark chocolate chips (60-70% cacao is my sweet spot – literally)
- 1 cup heavy cream (cold, straight from the fridge – this is key for fluffy mousse)
- ½ cup powdered sugar (sifted if yours is lumpy)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (pure, not imitation – we can taste the difference)
- ½ cup crushed chocolate cookies (Oreos work great, but see my notes below for alternatives)
- Gummy worms for garnish (as many or few as you want – the more the merrier!)
Ingredient Substitutions & Notes
No stress if you need to swap things! For gluten-free, use GF cookies (the crumbs still work great). Dairy-free? Try coconut oil instead of butter, but expect a slightly different crust texture. Want less sugar? Dark chocolate chips with 85% cacao balance the sweetness beautifully. You can find more recipe ideas here.
How to Make Dark Chocolate Pecan “Worms in Dirt” Mousse Tart
Instructions
– **Step 1** Preheat oven to 350°F. Mix crushed pecans, 1/4 cup melted butter, and 2 tbsp brown sugar in a bowl. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until lightly golden. Let cool completely.
– **Step 2** Melt the dark chocolate chips gently. You can use a double boiler or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth. Let it cool slightly.
– **Step 3** In a separate bowl, whip the cold heavy cream with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to over-whip.
– **Step 4** Gently fold about two-thirds of the whipped cream into the slightly cooled melted chocolate until just combined. You want a marbled effect, not fully uniform, for a richer flavor.
– **Step 5** Spoon the chocolate mousse mixture into the cooled pecan crust. Smooth the top.
– **Step 6** Chill the tart in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or until the mousse is firm.
– **Step 7** Just before serving, sprinkle the crushed chocolate cookies over the top of the mousse to resemble “dirt.”
– **Step 8** Gently press gummy worms into the “dirt” so they look like they are emerging from the ground.
Serving & Storage Suggestions
Serve this tart chilled straight from the fridge—it’s best when the mousse is firm and cool. For extra fun, set out a bowl of cookie crumbs so everyone can add more “dirt” to their slice! Keep it refrigerated for up to 3 days, but don’t freeze it—the mousse doesn’t hold up well. Just a heads-up: those gummy worms might get a little softer over time, but hey, that just makes them easier to dig into! You can find more dessert inspiration on Pinterest.
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s be honest – we’re not eating chocolate mousse tart for the health benefits! But since you asked (and because Aunt Linda always wants to know), here’s the scoop per slice:
- Calories: About 320 – totally worth every delicious bite
- Fat: 22g (but hey, pecans and dark chocolate have good fats!)
- Carbs: 28g – mostly from that heavenly chocolate
- Protein: 4g – surprise! Those pecans pack a little punch
Remember, these numbers are estimates – your exact counts might change depending on if you go wild with the cookie crumbs (no judgment here) or use sugar-free gummy worms. Personally? I say enjoy every chocolaty, nutty, wormy bite!
FAQs About Dark Chocolate Pecan “Worms in Dirt” Mousse Tart
Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark?
Sure, but it’ll be sweeter. I’d cut back the powdered sugar in the mousse to balance it out. Dark chocolate gives that rich depth I love though!
How can I make this ahead of time?
The tart’s actually better made a day ahead! Just hold off on adding the cookie crumbs and gummy worms until right before serving to keep them fresh. Check out our latest posts for more tips.
Is there a nut-free crust option?
Absolutely! Swap the pecans for graham cracker crumbs or gluten-free cookies if needed. The texture will be slightly different, but still delicious.
Can I freeze this tart?
I don’t recommend it – the mousse can separate when thawed. Trust me, it’s best fresh from the fridge and eaten within a few days.
What if I don’t have a tart pan?
No worries! Use a springform pan or even a pie dish. Just press the crust up the sides a bit for that classic tart look.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—the ultimate dessert that’s equal parts decadent and downright fun! I’d love to hear how your “worms in dirt” tart turns out (bonus points if you snap a pic of those wriggly little guys peeking through). Now go dig into some chocolatey goodness—just watch out for those sneaky worms!
Print
15-Minute Dark Chocolate Pecan Worms in Dirt Mousse Tart Bliss
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich and indulgent dark chocolate mousse tart with a pecan crust, topped with crumbled cookies to resemble dirt and gummy worms for a fun twist.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups crushed pecans
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 1/2 cups dark chocolate chips
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup crushed chocolate cookies
- Gummy worms for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Mix crushed pecans, melted butter, and brown sugar in a bowl.
- Press mixture into a tart pan and bake for 10 minutes. Let cool.
- Melt dark chocolate chips in a double boiler.
- Whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
- Fold melted chocolate into whipped cream until smooth.
- Pour mousse into the cooled crust and refrigerate for 2 hours.
- Sprinkle crushed cookies on top and add gummy worms before serving.
Notes
- Use gluten-free cookies for a gluten-free version.
- Chill the tart for at least 2 hours for best texture.
- Adjust sugar to taste if using bittersweet chocolate.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: dark chocolate, pecan, mousse tart, worms in dirt, dessert