CARROT PATCH “DIRT” CUPS

CARROT PATCH “DIRT” CUPS

These Carrot Patch “Dirt” Cups are made with an easy chocolate-avocado mousse, topped with crumbled Oreos, then topped with (naturally-colored) chocolate-covered strawberry “carrots”.  Totes adorbs…and perfect for Spring!

Raise your hand if you grew up eating “dirt” cake!

I still vividly remember the day back in 5th grade when some pre-Pinteresty mom surprised our class by showing up with a round of dirt cake for all.  We were all completely clueless as the cups full of dirt were passed around to each of our desks, and then stared at her blankly as we were each given a spoon and told to take a bite.  But the second we did — oh man — our entire class flipped out.

These were officially the coolest treats we had seen in our eleven years of life!!  I mean, edible dirt?  Gummy worms?  A photosynthesis-inspired snacktime?  What’s a kid not to love?!?

Well hey.  No one ever said that you had to grow out of awesome fifth grade treats.  So now that spring has officially sprung and Easter is just around the corner, I thought we could get our DIY on with a modern version of classic dirt cups, made with a few slightly-healthier swaps.  Instead of the old-school boxed chocolate pudding, I used a quick and easy healthier chocolate-avocado mousse that I think you are going to love.  And instead of gummy worms, I subbed in some chocolate-covered strawberries (made with this awesome natural food coloring).  And instead of Oreos, I used…extra Oreos.  Because dirt cakes.  ♡  You can portion your cakes into cute little individual serving cups like this, or pour the mixture into a little bread pan and make a whole “cake”, your choice.

Let’s make some!

Alright, let’s begin with the “carrots”.  You’ll need a handful of fresh strawberries (I recommend 1-2 per serving), some white baking chocolate (it will melt easier than a white chocolate bar), and food coloring.  I’m a huge fan of this new-ish Color From Nature Food Coloring from McCormick.  It’s made with zero artificial dyes, and instead, pulls color from plans and veggies and seeds.  Love it.  And it works great!!

Just melt the chocolate, use the yellow and red food coloring to turn it nice and orange, and give your strawberries a good dunk.  Then use a fork (or a piping bag) to drizzle some of the remaining chocolate over the strawberries again to form cute little carrot-ish lines.  Because yep, we’re goin’ all the way with our DIY today. ;)

Next, let’s make some chocolate avocado mousse.  This is just a slightly different riff on this recipe, which so many of you have made and loved over the years.  And please don’t let the word “mousse” scare you away — it’s super easy to make.  Plus!  It also happens to be naturally sweetened, tastes super rich, and — thanks to those avocados — it has a perfectly mousse-y texture.  Way better than those pudding packets.  ;)

Then, crush up some Oreos and stir half of them into the pudding mixture.  Portion it into serving cups (or a baking dish), sprinkle the extra Oreos on top, plant your little “carrots”…

…and serve!!

I seriously couldn’t stop smiling while I was photographing these.  And eating them. ;)

So fun, so simple, and so delicious. And perfect for Easter this year.

Happy Spring, everyone!

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YIELD: 6 SERVINGS

CARROT PATCH "DIRT" CUPS

These Carrot Patch “Dirt” Cups are made with an easy chocolate-avocado mousse, topped with crumbled Oreos, then topped with (naturally-colored) chocolate-covered strawberry “carrots”.  They’re the fun sweet treat for Spring!

TOTAL TIME: 45 MINS

PREP TIME: 45 MINS

COOK TIME: 0 MINS

INGREDIENTS:

CARROT PATCH DIRT CUPS

• 1 batch chocolate-covered strawberry “carrots”
• 1 batch chocolate avocado mousse “dirt”
• 24 Oreos, crumbled

CHOCOLATE AVOCADO MOUSSE “DIRT” INGREDIENTS:

• 3 large ripe avocados
• 6 ounces dark chocolate, melted*
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup almond milk
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 sea salt

CHOCOLATE-COVERED STRAWBERRY “CARROTS” INGREDIENTS:

• 6 ounces white baking chocolate, melted*
• McCormick Color From Nature Food Coloring (red and yellow)
• 6 fresh strawberries

DIRECTIONS:

1. To Make The “Dirt”: Combine all ingredients in a food processor and process for 1 minute, or until completely smooth.  If you would like thinner mousse, feel free to add in a few extra tablespoons of almond milk.  Stir in about 2/3 of the crumbled Oreo mixture until combined, reserving the rest for the “dirt” topping.
2. To Make The “Carrots”: Combine melted chocolate and food coloring together in a small bowl, and stir until your desired color is reached.  (Heads up — you’ll need more yellow than red food coloring!)  Then one by one, dip the strawberries in the chocolate until they are covered, and place them on a sheet of parchment paper to cool.  Once all of the strawberries have been dunked, use a fork (or transfer the remaining chocolate to a piping bag) to drizzle little carrot-like lines across the strawberries.  Let cool until the chocolate is completely hardened.
3. To Assemble: Portion the “dirt” mousse mixture evenly between your serving cups.  Sprinkle the remaining crumbled Oreos evenly on top of each cup.  Then top with a “carrot”.
4. Serve immediately…and enjoy!  Or if you’d like to prep these in advance, you can refrigerate the mousse mixture and the carrots in sealed containers for up to 2 days.  Then assemble just before serving.

source:https://www.gimmesomeoven.com/carrot-patch-dirt-cups/