PREPARATION TIME:
The Ultimate Guide to Making a Delicious Chocolate Tart
Introduction to the Perfect Chocolate Tart Recipe
If you’re a fan of rich, chocolatey desserts, this homemade chocolate tart recipe is going to be your new favorite treat. With a buttery, crisp shortcrust pastry and a smooth, creamy chocolate filling, this dessert is perfect for any occasion—be it a special holiday, a dinner party, or simply when you’re craving something sweet.
This recipe uses premium-quality ingredients, including dark and milk chocolate, creating a perfectly balanced chocolate experience. Whether you’re a baking expert or a beginner in the kitchen, follow this step-by-step guide to make a flawless chocolate tart every time.
Why This Chocolate Tart is a Must-Try
Irresistible Flavor – A blend of dark and milk chocolate gives this tart a decadent yet balanced taste.
Easy Shortcrust Pastry – This simple pastry base is buttery and crisp, the perfect foundation for a rich filling.
Versatile Dessert – You can customize the topping with chocolate Easter eggs, nuts, or berries.
Crowd-Pleaser – Ideal for festive occasions like Easter, Christmas, birthdays, or even a simple weekend treat.
Ingredients Breakdown and Why They Matter
To ensure a delicious, professional-quality tart, it’s important to use high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need and why each ingredient is essential:
For the Shortcrust Pastry:
30 g Caster Sugar – A fine sugar that dissolves easily, adding the perfect touch of sweetness to the crust.
125 g Wheat Flour – Provides the structure for the tart crust, giving it a light, flaky texture.
60 g Soft Butter (plus extra for greasing) – Adds richness and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
35 g Milk – Helps bind the ingredients together and adds a slight richness.
1 Egg Yolk – Enhances the dough’s texture and contributes to its golden color.
1 Pinch of Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
For the Chocolate Filling:
40 g Dark Chocolate (Chopped) – Gives a deep, intense chocolate flavor.
170 g Milk Chocolate Praline (Chopped) – Adds a smooth, nutty, and slightly caramelized taste.
150 g Liquid Cream (30-40% fat content) – Ensures a rich, velvety filling that melts in your mouth.
Chocolate Easter Eggs (Optional, for Decoration) – Perfect for a festive touch, especially around Easter.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Perfect Chocolate Tart
Step 1: Prepare the Shortcrust Pastry
Mix Dry Ingredients – In a large mixing bowl, combine the wheat flour, caster sugar, and a pinch of salt. Stir well to ensure even distribution.
Incorporate Butter – Add the soft butter in small pieces. Use your fingertips to rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
Add Wet Ingredients – Make a small well in the center and pour in the milk and egg yolk. Gently knead the dough until it forms a smooth, even consistency.
Chill the Dough – Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This step helps the pastry firm up, making it easier to handle.
Step 2: Shape and Bake the Crust
Preheat the Oven – Set your oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease the tart molds with a small amount of butter.
Roll Out the Dough – On a floured surface, roll out the chilled pastry dough to about 3mm thickness.
Fit the Dough into Tart Molds – Carefully press the dough into the greased tart molds and trim off any excess.
Blind Bake the Crust – Prick the base with a fork and line it with parchment paper. Fill with baking beans or rice and bake for 12-15 minutes.
Remove and Cool – Take out the baking beans and parchment paper, then return the crust to the oven for an additional 5 minutes until golden brown. Let it cool completely.
Step 3: Make the Chocolate Filling
Melt the Chocolate – In a heatproof bowl, combine the dark chocolate and milk chocolate praline. Melt over a double boiler or in the microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring in between.
Heat the Cream – In a small saucepan, heat the liquid cream until it just starts to simmer.
Combine Cream and Chocolate – Pour the hot cream over the melted chocolate and stir gently until smooth and well combined.
Step 4: Assemble and Chill
Fill the Tart Shells – Pour the chocolate filling into the cooled tart shells, spreading evenly.
Chill the Tart – Refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours to allow the filling to set properly.
Decorate – Top with optional chocolate Easter eggs or any other preferred toppings.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once set, remove the tarts from the molds, slice, and serve. Enjoy this rich, creamy chocolate tart with a cup of coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat!
Pro Tips for the Best Chocolate Tart
Use High-Quality Chocolate – Opt for premium dark and milk chocolate for the best flavor.
Chill the Dough Properly – This prevents the crust from shrinking during baking.
Don’t Overheat the Chocolate – Melt it gently to avoid a grainy texture.
Allow the Filling to Set – Refrigerate until fully firm for clean, smooth slices.
Simple Chocolate Tart Recipe
Ingredients:
30 g caster sugar
125 g wheat flour
60 g soft butter, plus extra for greasing
35 g milk
1 egg yolk
1 pinch salt
40 g dark chocolate (chopped)
170 g milk chocolate praline (chopped)
150 g liquid cream (30-40% fat)
Chocolate Easter eggs (optional, for decoration)
Instructions:
In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt. Rub in butter until crumbly.
Add milk and egg yolk, knead into a dough. Wrap and chill for 30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Roll dough, press into tart molds, and prick base.
Blind bake for 12-15 minutes. Remove weights and bake 5 more minutes.
Melt chocolates together. Heat cream and pour over chocolate, mixing until smooth.
Fill tart shells with chocolate mixture. Chill for 2-3 hours.
Garnish with chocolate eggs and serve.
