Dark Chocolate Tart Recipe
If you’re craving a dessert that feels sophisticated yet comforting, look no further than this Dark Chocolate Tart. With a crisp, chocolatey cookie crust and luxurious ganache filling, every bite is the perfect balance of bittersweet richness and silky-smooth texture. Whether you prepare it for a dinner party or your own well-deserved treat, this showstopper is remarkably simple to create at home. Let’s unlock the secrets to an unforgettable Dark Chocolate Tart!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these essentials is half the magic! Each one is vital, lending depth, crunch, or creaminess to your Dark Chocolate Tart, so don’t skip a thing. Here’s how each component shines in this dreamy dessert:
- Chocolate Cookie Crumbs: The foundation! Choose a crisp, dark chocolate cookie (Oreos work beautifully), crushed finely for a dense, flavorful crust.
- Unsalted Butter: Melted butter binds the crumbs, infusing the base with a rich, melt-in-your-mouth feel.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps everything hold together, both in the crust and the filling.
- Dark Chocolate (60–70% cocoa): The star ingredient, providing that signature bittersweet punch; pick a high-quality bar for the best finish.
- Heavy Cream: When heated, cream transforms the chocolate into a luscious ganache that’s the heart of this tart.
- Salt: Even a pinch heightens all the chocolate notes, sharpening flavors for a more intense bite.
- Vanilla Extract: This mellow, floral note rounds out the richness, adding lovely aroma and depth.
- Large Eggs: Whisked in gently, eggs ensure the filling sets into a velvety custard with just the right wobble.
- Optional Topping (Cocoa Powder, Shaved Chocolate, Fresh Berries): Each adds distinct flair—choose your favorite for extra beauty and bursts of fresh taste!
How to Make Dark Chocolate Tart
Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Cookie Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready for your crust. In a medium bowl, combine your finely crushed chocolate cookie crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture looks like decadent, damp sand. Press it confidently and evenly into a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom, building up the sides. Take a moment to enjoy the chocolatey aroma! Bake the crust for 8 to 10 minutes—just enough to set it—then allow it to cool slightly on the counter.
Step 2: Melt Chocolate and Heat Cream
While your crust cools, place the chopped dark chocolate in a medium heatproof bowl. Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, gently heat the heavy cream, sugar, and that pinch of salt over medium heat. Keep an eye on it—when you see bubbles forming around the edges and a light simmer, remove from heat promptly. Pour the steamy cream mixture directly over the chocolate and let it stand for 2 minutes. This wait melts the chocolate gently, setting you up for silky results.
Step 3: Whisk the Ganache Filling Together
After those two patient minutes, grab a whisk and blend the chocolate and cream until smooth and glossy. Add the vanilla extract, stirring gently to combine. Slowly pour the lightly beaten eggs in, whisking calmly until fully integrated—this will help the filling set into creamy perfection once baked. Your ganache should pour like thick liquid gold!
Step 4: Fill and Bake
Pour the luscious chocolate filling into your (slightly cooled) crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Pop the tart into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’re looking for edges that are firm but a center that has a gentle jiggle, promising creaminess inside. Remove from the oven and cool completely at room temperature before chilling in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This patience pays off—your Dark Chocolate Tart firms up beautifully and slices like a dream.
Step 5: Top and Serve
Let your creativity shine! Once set and chilled, finish your Dark Chocolate Tart with a dusting of cocoa powder, elegant chocolate shavings, or a tumble of fresh berries. These final touches add color, flavor, and a little bit of you to every slice.
How to Serve Dark Chocolate Tart
Garnishes
The final touches make all the difference! A light dusting of cocoa powder gives a refined, bakery-style look, while chocolate shavings bring eye-catching texture and highlight the indulgent cocoa flavors. Those who love a hint of brightness can pile on fresh raspberries, strawberries, or even pomegranate seeds for vibrant color and a tangy pop. No matter your mood or season, these garnishes make each serving of Dark Chocolate Tart extra special.
Side Dishes
Because Dark Chocolate Tart is so decadent, pair it with something cool and mellow for contrast. A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream offers that dreamy hot-and-cold balance, while freshly whipped cream (unsweetened or lightly sweetened) provides a cloud-like complement to the fudgy texture. For a sophisticated finish, consider a drizzle of crème anglaise or a handful of roasted hazelnuts on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
Let your inner artist loose when unveiling your Dark Chocolate Tart! Try cutting it into slender wedges for a chic, café-inspired look, or use a rectangular tart pan for modern appeal. Serve slices on vintage plates with a swirl of raspberry coulis, or create mini tartlets in individual pans for personalized treats at parties. Even a few edible flowers can turn this classic dessert into a table centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow have leftovers, you’re in luck—this tart keeps beautifully! Gently cover and refrigerate the remaining slices, ideally in the pan or on a plate wrapped with plastic wrap, for up to 4 days. Chilling it helps the tart maintain its signature texture and rich flavor, so you can savor a secretly decadent moment all week long.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze your Dark Chocolate Tart (no garnish, please) for up to one month. Wrap the whole tart or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. When you crave a slice, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge. The texture stays surprisingly silky!
Reheating
While this dessert is divine straight from the fridge, let it sit out for about 20 minutes before serving for the best flavor and a softer bite. If you prefer a hint of warmth, microwave a slice on low power for 10–15 seconds—just enough to soften the chocolate slightly without melting it.
FAQs
Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
While you can substitute milk chocolate, keep in mind the tart will be noticeably sweeter and less intense. The magic of this Dark Chocolate Tart lies in its deep, bittersweet flavor, so opt for dark chocolate if you can.
What kind of chocolate cookies work best for the crust?
Oreos (with the filling removed) or other crisp, dark chocolate cookies are ideal. Avoid soft cookies—they won’t produce that satisfyingly firm and crumbly crust that makes every bite irresistible.
Can I make this tart gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just use gluten-free chocolate sandwich cookies for the crust. The filling is already gluten-free, so everyone can enjoy a slice of this indulgent Dark Chocolate Tart.
Why does the center remain a bit wobbly after baking?
A slight jiggle in the center ensures a silky, custard-like texture once fully cooled. Overbaking can lead to a dry, dense filling, so trust the process and embrace the wobble!
Can I add espresso powder like in the notes?
Yes! Adding a tablespoon of espresso powder to the cream intensifies the chocolate flavor, creating a rich, mocha-like depth that transforms your Dark Chocolate Tart into a true dessert lover’s dream.
Final Thoughts
This Dark Chocolate Tart is proof that pure chocolate bliss doesn’t have to be complicated. Every step brings you closer to a dessert that looks as stunning as it tastes. Don’t be surprised if it becomes your new signature sweet—go ahead, give it a try, and watch it disappear slice by slice!
Print
Dark Chocolate Tart Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes (plus chilling)
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and decadent Dark Chocolate Tart, a French-inspired dessert that combines a buttery chocolate crust with a silky dark chocolate filling. This elegant treat is perfect for chocolate lovers and special occasions.
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1½ cups chocolate cookie crumbs (such as Oreos, finely crushed)
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
For the filling:
- 8 oz dark chocolate (60–70% cocoa), chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
Optional topping:
- cocoa powder, shaved chocolate, or fresh berries
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare filling: Place chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl. In a small saucepan, heat heavy cream, sugar, and salt over medium heat until just simmering. Pour hot cream over chocolate and let sit for 2 minutes, then whisk until smooth. Stir in vanilla. Slowly whisk in eggs until fully combined.
In a medium bowl, combine cookie crumbs, melted butter, and sugar; mix until evenly moistened. Press mixture firmly into the bottom and sides of a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom. Bake crust for 8–10 minutes, then cool slightly.
Bake: Pour filling into the crust and smooth the top. Bake for 20–25 minutes until filling is set around edges but slightly wobbly in the center. Cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. Top with cocoa powder, chocolate shavings, or berries if desired.
Notes
- For extra depth, add 1 tablespoon espresso powder to the cream when heating.
- This tart pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 110 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
