These creepy-cute Jello Worms Jars are the ultimate Halloween dessert! Layers of rich chocolate ganache, crushed Oreo “dirt”, and wiggly cherry-flavored Jello worms create a deliciously spooky surprise in every bite. Perfect for Halloween parties, kids, and anyone who loves a mix of fun and fright!
NOTE: For this recipe, I used yogurt glass jars, you can use any jars you like.
Stretch each of the straws open to extend the flexible parts. NOTE: I used a bag of 125 straws. Transfer the straws into a Wide Mouth Mason Jar with the flexible side towards the bottom. Set aside.
OREOS PREPARATION
Add the Oreos to a small food processor. Mix until crumbly and texture resembles wet sand.
10 Halloween Oreo Cookies
Transfer 1/3 to a plate. NOTE: This is where we will "drop" our worms.
JELLO WORMS PREPARATION
In a large mixing bowl, pour the boiling water and stir in the two packs of dark cherry jello together with the 3 packs of unflavored gelatin. Mix until completely dissolved. NOTE:I recommend mixing a pack at a time.
25 oz boiling water, 6 oz dark cherry JELL-O, 0.74 oz unflavored gelatin
Add the red and green food coloring. Stir until you get an earthy like color.
2 drops red food coloring, 1/4 tsp green food coloring
Pour the heavy cream and gently stir until combined.NOTE:Do not whip it!
6.35 oz heavy cream
Pour the mixture through the top of the straws until it fills the container. NOTE: The straws will self level so don’t worry about filling each individual straw.Refrigerate for at least 4 hours.NOTE:The heavy cream separates from the Jello as it sets, so the bottom part of each worm will have a small portion of clear Jello and the top will be opaque. That's perfectly normal.
When the jello is set. Gently pull the straw out of the jar. And one at a time, run the straw under hot water for about 3 seconds. NOTE: Do not do it any longer or the jello will melt and do not run water into the straw.
Pinch the straw from the top down to squeeze out each worm.
I have learnt it is better to squeeze the worms on top of the Oreo crumbs plate. The worms will naturally coat themselves and will be easier to manipulate. NOTE: For this recipe you will need about 5 worms per jar.
CHOCOLATE GANACHE PREPARATION
Pour the heavy cream into a microwave safe bowl and bring it just to a boil in microwave, about 30 seconds at a time (1 minute total). Add the dark chocolate chips and swirl to coat all chips. Allow to sit for 2 minutes, then stir. Set aside.
5.30 oz heavy cream, 5.30 oz dark chocolate chips
ASSEMBLY
Dip the rim of the glass jar into the chocolate ganache, just enough to cover the top edge of the glass.Then, dip or roll it into the 2/3 Oreo crumbs, and rotate the glass to ensure even coverage.
Pour the chocolate ganache evenly into the 4 jars.
Add about 2-3 tablespoons of Oreo crumbs in each jar.
Transfer about 5 worms which were previously coated in Oreo crumbs.Then squeeze out 2 additional worms per jar for added effect.
Keep at room temperature until ready to serve. Enjoy! "BONE" Appétit & Happy Halloween!STORAGE:You can keep chocolate ganache at room temperature for about 2 days before it should be refrigerated. It will set as time goes by.NOTE: If prepping in advance, assemble the Oreo crumbs and worms at the last minute.