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Dirt Cake with Gummy Worms

This Dirt Cake is a playful layered dessert made with crushed cookies, cocoa-flavored mousse, and gummy worms hidden within. Its crumbly, chocolatey layers resemble dirt, with a creamy texture that gives way to chewy gummy worms for a fun contrast. The final appearance is reminiscent of soil with playful worms wriggling through the top layers.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups crushed chocolate cookies preferably oreo cookies with filling removed
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder for flavoring the mousse layer
  • 1 cup heavy cream chilled, for whipping
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar for whipping cream
  • 8 oz gummy worms wriggly candies for fun hiding inside
  • Optional extra crushed cookies for topping or decorative layers

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer or whisk
  • Serving dish or trifle bowl
  • Spatula
  • Spoon

Method
 

  1. Place the chilled heavy cream in a large mixing bowl and whip with an electric mixer until soft peaks form, about 3-4 minutes.
  2. Gradually add the sugar and continue whipping until stiff peaks are achieved, looking glossy and holding their shape.
  3. Gently fold in the cocoa powder into the whipped cream until fully combined and smooth, giving that rich, chocolatey aroma.
  4. In a separate bowl, layer half of the crushed cookies, creating a crumbly base that resembles soil.
  5. Spread or spoon half of the chocolate mousse over the cookie layer, smoothing it out evenly with a spatula.
  6. Drop the gummy worms onto the mousse layer, pressing them slightly into the surface so they appear embedded within the 'dirt.'
  7. Add the remaining crushed cookies on top, gently pressing them down to secure the layers and cover the gummy worms.
  8. Spoon the remaining mousse over the cookie layer, spreading carefully to avoid moving the gummy worms out of place, creating a finished top that resembles freshly tilled soil.
  9. Optionally, sprinkle extra crushed cookies on the top for a more textured, soil-like appearance, or embellish with additional gummy worms for more fun.
  10. Refrigerate the Dirt Cake for at least 2 hours to set the layers and allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled and enjoy the playful, layered textures.

Notes

Make sure the whipped cream is well chilled for best volume. Gummy worms can be added at your preferred density for a more or less playful effect. Keep refrigerated until serving for the best texture.