Few desserts combine elegance and indulgence quite like a chocolate tart. This recipe for Chocolate Tart with Velvety Dark Chocolate Cream Filling is a celebration of rich, deep flavors and silky textures. With a buttery chocolate crust and a luscious dark chocolate cream filling, this tart is as satisfying to make as it is to eat.
Whether you’re preparing dessert for a dinner party, a special occasion, or a cozy evening at home, this tart will be a showstopper. Its sophisticated flavor profile appeals to chocolate lovers of all ages, while the balance of sweet and bitter makes it irresistibly addictive.
This chocolate tart is also versatile. You can customize the filling by incorporating different flavors like orange zest, espresso, or a splash of your favorite liqueur. Despite its luxurious appearance, the recipe is approachable, even for beginner bakers. Let’s dive into creating this decadent dessert!
Why This Recipe is Timeless
Chocolate tarts have been beloved for generations. Their roots can be traced back to French patisserie, where chocolate is treated with the reverence it deserves. This recipe updates the classic chocolate tart by incorporating modern techniques to achieve the perfect texture and flavor balance.
A great chocolate tart transcends trends—it remains timeless because it satisfies our universal craving for comfort and luxury in one bite. This recipe honors that tradition while adding its own twist with a rich dark chocolate filling and a buttery cocoa crust. It’s the kind of dessert that will never go out of style.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Filling:
- 1 egg yolk
- 300 ml milk
- 50 g sugar (1/4 cup)
- 30 g corn starch (1/4 cup)
- 5 g vanilla sugar (1 tsp)
- 80 g dark chocolate (3 oz)
- 120 ml heavy cream (33-35% fat) (1/2 cup)
For the Chocolate Crust:
- 100 g butter (1/2 cup)
- 40 g sugar (3 tbsp)
- 1 egg
- 180 g flour (1 1/2 cups)
- 15 g cocoa powder (2 tbsp)
- 5 g vanilla sugar (1 tsp)
- A pinch of salt
Preparation Details
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories per serving: Approximately 350 kcal
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Chocolate Crust
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F). Grease a tart pan (9-inch) or line it with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla sugar, mixing until combined.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a dough forms.
- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to fit your tart pan. Press it evenly into the pan, trimming any excess dough from the edges. Prick the base with a fork to prevent it from puffing up during baking.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes in the preheated oven. Allow the crust to cool completely before adding the filling.
2. Make the Chocolate Cream Filling
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together the egg yolk, sugar, corn starch, and vanilla sugar until smooth.
- Gradually add the milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens to a pudding-like consistency.
- Remove from heat and add the dark chocolate, stirring until completely melted and smooth. Let the mixture cool to room temperature.
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until it forms soft peaks. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cooled chocolate mixture to create a light, airy filling.
3. Assemble the Tart
- Pour the chocolate cream filling into the cooled tart shell, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Refrigerate the tart for at least 2 hours to allow the filling to set.
4. Garnish and Serve
- Before serving, you can decorate the tart with fresh berries, shaved chocolate, or a dusting of cocoa powder for a professional touch.
- Slice into wedges and enjoy this decadent dessert with a cup of coffee or tea.
Tips for Success
- Chill the Dough: If the crust dough feels too soft to handle, refrigerate it for 15–20 minutes before rolling it out.
- Prevent Cracks: Avoid overworking the dough to keep the crust tender and free of cracks.
- Smooth Filling: Strain the chocolate filling through a fine mesh sieve before pouring it into the tart shell for an extra smooth texture.
- Use Quality Chocolate: The flavor of the tart relies heavily on the chocolate, so opt for a high-quality dark chocolate with at least 60% cocoa content.
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: Store the tart in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze individual slices by wrapping them in plastic wrap and storing them in an airtight container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 5 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Sugar: 20 g
FAQs
Q: Can I make the crust in advance?
A: Yes! The chocolate crust can be baked up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature until ready to use.
Q: Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
A: You can, but the filling will be sweeter and less intense. Adjust the sugar in the recipe if using milk chocolate.
Q: What can I use instead of heavy cream?
A: If heavy cream isn’t available, you can use whipped coconut cream as a dairy-free alternative.
Q: Can I make this tart gluten-free?
A: Substitute the all-purpose flour in the crust with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
Why You’ll Love This Tart
This chocolate tart is a dream come true for chocolate lovers. The crust provides a delicate crunch that contrasts beautifully with the silky, rich filling. Its versatility allows for endless customization, making it perfect for any occasion.
Whether you’re sharing it with family and friends or indulging on your own, this tart is a reminder of the joys of baking and savoring homemade desserts. It’s timeless, satisfying, and sure to become a treasured recipe in your collection.
Conclusion
The Chocolate Tart with Velvety Dark Chocolate Cream Filling is more than a dessert; it’s an experience of pure indulgence. Its balance of textures and flavors offers the perfect blend of comfort and sophistication.
From the first buttery bite of the cocoa-infused crust to the last spoonful of creamy chocolate filling, this tart delivers a luxurious treat that’s surprisingly simple to make. Share it at gatherings, enjoy it as an after-dinner treat, or make it just because—you deserve it.
Happy baking, and may every bite bring a little more sweetness to your day! 🌟