A chocolate tart is a decadent dessert that combines rich chocolate filling with a crisp, buttery crust. Perfect for chocolate lovers, this recipe provides step-by-step instructions to create a stunning dessert that will impress any crowd.
Ingredients for Chocolate Tart
For the Tart Crust:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2 tablespoons ice water
For the Chocolate Filling:
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
How to Make a Chocolate Tart
Making the Tart Crust:
- Prepare the Dough: In a food processor, pulse together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, and salt until combined.
- Add Butter: Add the cold butter cubes and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Egg Yolk and Water: Add the egg yolk and ice water. Pulse until the dough begins to come together.
- Form Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gather it into a ball. Flatten into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a circle about 12 inches in diameter. Carefully transfer to a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom. Press the dough into the bottom and sides of the pan. Trim off any excess dough.
- Chill Again: Place the prepared tart shell in the freezer for 15 minutes while preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake the Crust: Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork. Line the crust with parchment paper or foil and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 15 minutes. Remove the weights and parchment/foil, then bake for an additional 10 minutes until the crust is set and dry. Let cool completely on a wire rack.
Making the Chocolate Filling:
- Heat Cream: In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until just simmering.
- Melt Chocolate: Place the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let sit for 1-2 minutes. Stir gently until the chocolate is melted and smooth.
- Add Butter, Vanilla, and Salt: Stir in the butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth and combined.
- Fill the Tart: Pour the chocolate filling into the cooled tart shell. Smooth the top with a spatula.
- Chill: Refrigerate the tart for at least 2 hours, or until the filling is set.
About the Main Ingredients
Chocolate: Choose high-quality chocolate for the best flavor. Semi-sweet chocolate balances sweetness with chocolate intensity, making it perfect for this tart.
Heavy Cream: Provides richness and creaminess to the chocolate filling, ensuring a silky texture.
Butter: Adds smoothness and enhances the richness of both the tart crust and the chocolate filling.
This chocolate tart is a luxurious treat that combines a crisp, chocolatey crust with a silky smooth chocolate filling. Perfect for special occasions or any time you crave a decadent dessert, mastering this recipe will elevate your baking skills and delight your taste buds. Enjoy creating and savoring this indulgent chocolate experience!
