How to make no-bake carrot patch dirt cups

Cooktop Cove: How to make no-bake carrot patch dirt cups

By Matt Jenner

Longing for an adult version of one of your favorite childhood desserts? Look no further than these no-bake "carrot patch dirt cups." In this recipe, a luscious and creamy chocolate/avocado mousse is covered with crumbly Oreo "dirt," and topped with a brightly colored chocolate-coated strawberry decorated to look like a carrot. This is a modern take on the classic gummy worm dirt cups from childhood and may be even more fun to eat.

Although the dessert of our youth typically only used chocolate pudding, this recipe calls for a chocolate/avocado mousse. The dark chocolate and cocoa powder give a deep, rich chocolate flavor, whereas the avocado provides an extra level of creaminess. This dessert is especially fun to make for Easter or any time during the spring. You can save time by making the mousse mixture up to two days in advance and storing it in the fridge.

No-Bake Carrot Patch Dirt Cups

6 dirt cups

40 minutes

25 Oreo or chocolate sandwich cookies, crumbled

For the dirt:

6 oz. dark chocolate, melted

3 ripe avocados, halved

1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1/2 cup milk (can use soy if desired)

1/2 cup maple syrup

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

For the carrots:

6 large strawberries, whole

6 oz. white chocolate, melted

orange (or red and yellow) food coloring

Place the avocados, dark chocolate, cocoa powder, milk, maple syrup and vanilla in a food processor.

Process ingredients together for one minute or until the mixture is completely smooth and has a thick pudding-like consistency.

Pour the mixture into a bowl and add 2/3 of the crumbled sandwich cookies. Stir until cookies are thoroughly incorporated.

Cover the bowl and place in fridge.

In another bowl, add the melted white chocolate and use the food coloring to turn it to the desired shade of orange.

Submerge each strawberry in the orange chocolate, fully coating the fruit. Use a fork or piping bag to make extra designs on the carrots, if desired.

Place the coated strawberries on a baking pan or parchment paper and place in the fridge to cool, about 5 to 7 minutes.

To assemble the dirt cups:

Set out six individual cups or bowls. Remove the mousse mixture from the fridge, and portion it out evenly into the bowls.

Sprinkle the remaining sandwich cookie crumbs on top of the mousse, giving the appearance of dirt.

Remove the strawberries from the fridge, and gently press one into each dish.

Serve immediately with a spoon.