Woodland Fairy Edible Terrarium Dessert Recipe

A magical centerpiece you can eat? That’s right. Add this Woodland Fairy Edible Terrarium to the dessert table of your next spring or summer bash. Inspired by our Woodland Fairy Trifle Recipe, this version of the layered dessert is tweaked to look like a real terrarium.

This edible terrarium brings an enchanting lush forest right to your dessert table with layers of dirt made from crushed cookies and chocolate cake. Take it step-by-step so you can make your own little toadstool forest terrarium.

I’ve always been fascinated by miniature little worlds, especially terrariums. When I was a kid, I would definitely assume that’s where all the gnomes and fairies were living. So, as an adult, it’s fun to create magical little lands, and even more fun to make them edible. Each layer of this dessert not only looks like a legit lush forest, but also tastes like a creamy and crunchy chocolatey treat.

Step 1: Bake the Cake

• Bake your chocolate cake according to the package directions. You can make one 9×13 cake or two round cakes. Allow the cake to cool completely before using. You can also use a cake from the bakery if you’re short on time.

Step 2: Prepare the Mousse

• Whisk together milk and instant chocolate pudding. Refrigerate until it sets, which usually takes about 5 minutes. Fold in the whipped topping to create a smooth mousse. Set this aside for layering later. You can also use pudding cups as a time-saver.

Step 3: Crush the Cookies

• Place 12 Oreo cookies in a resealable bag and crush them coarsely with a rolling pin. Transfer the crushed cookies to a bowl. Repeat this step so you end up with two separate bowls of crushed Oreos.

Step 4: Create Green ‘Moss’

• For the moss effect, put 6 Golden Oreo cookies in a resealable bag and add 10-12 drops of green food coloring. Seal the bag and knead the cookies until they reach your desired shade of green. Set these aside.

Step 5: Make Chocolate Mushrooms

Note: this is the same mushroom technique used in the Fairy Toadstool Trifle.

• Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe resealable bag for 60 seconds at 50% power. Knead the bag and continue microwaving in 30-second bursts until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
• Cut the chocolate creme-filled wafers to create stems for your mushrooms. Place a fudge cookie upside down on a flat surface, add a dollop of melted chocolate, and press a wafer into the chocolate to form the stem. Hold the wafer in place until the chocolate starts to set. Refrigerate these mushrooms until they’re firm, about 10 minutes.

Step 6: Decorate the Mushrooms

• Once firm, frost the mushrooms with red frosting and sprinkle crushed white candy melts over them to resemble spots. Set the mushrooms in a bowl of sugar to allow the icing to harden slightly.

Step 7: Assemble the Terrarium

• Start by pouring chocolate rocks into the bottom of your glass jar.
• Break the cooled cake into pieces and layer half over the rocks, pressing down to form an even base.
• Add a layer of 12 crushed Oreos, followed by a generous spread of chocolate mousse.
• Repeat with another layer of 12 crushed Oreos and the remaining cake crumbled on top.
• For the top layer, finely crush 6 more Oreo cookies to create a ‘dirt’ effect, and sprinkle it over.
• Scatter the green ‘moss’ cookies over the top to add color and texture.
• Carefully press the chocolate mushrooms into the cake, positioning them as you like.
• Tuck fresh mint, rosemary, and thyme around the mushrooms to mimic plants.

Final Step: Chill and Serve

• Cover the terrarium and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve. Pull it out of the fridge at least 10 minutes before serving to allow the glass to clear up from any condensation.

If you’re looking for more woodland-themed desserts, we have several on the blog. Try these Magical Toadstool Cupcakes, Fairy Door Cookies, and Fairy Shortbread Bites.

Substitutions and Variations

• Switch the Chocolate Cake: Use a vanilla or red velvet cake instead of chocolate to change the base flavor and look.
• Different Cookies: Swap Oreo cookies for graham crackers or chocolate chip cookies for a different texture or taste in the layers of dirt.
• Add Candy Clay: For more decorative elements, use candy clay to create edible succulents and add more detail to your terrarium.
• Experiment with Candy Rocks: Mix different types and colors of candy rocks to change the terrarium’s appearance.
• Play with Herbs: Use different fresh herbs like basil or edible flowers for new flavors and looks.

Used in this Recipe:

Storage

Any leftovers should be stored covered in the refrigerator. It’s best to eat them within two days, as the layers of cookie dirt and pudding will start to get soggy.

Recipe FAQ

Please let me know if you make this edible terrarium. Tag me on social media with your creations! Don’t forget to subscribe to the blog for more fun recipes.

Feel free to leave a comment with your experience or any questions.