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Nostalgic Chocolate Tart Joy Recipe

Nostalgic Chocolate Tart Joy Recipe

5 from 15 reviews

This Nostalgic Chocolate Tart combines a tender cocoa-infused crust with a luscious, silky chocolate ganache filling, delivering a perfect balance of rich flavors and creamy textures. Ideal for chocolate lovers seeking a comforting, elegant dessert that recalls fond memories with every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust:

  • 1½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup ice water

Filling:

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the tart crust.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and salt for an even distribution of ingredients.
  3. Cut in Butter: Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, blend the cold cubed unsalted butter into the dry mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs, ensuring a flaky crust.
  4. Add Wet Ingredients: In a separate small bowl, beat the egg with vanilla extract, then add this mixture to the flour and butter blend. Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough just comes together without being sticky.
  5. Form Tart Shell: Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to fit a 9-inch tart pan. Press the dough evenly into the pan, prick the bottom with a fork to prevent bubbling, and prepare for baking.
  6. Bake Crust: Bake the tart shell in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until set, then remove and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
  7. Prepare Ganache: In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat and pour over the chopped semi-sweet chocolate. Let sit for a minute, then stir until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
  8. Finish Filling: Stir in the unsalted butter and instant espresso powder until fully incorporated and the ganache has a silky texture.
  9. Fill Tart Shell: Pour the chocolate ganache into the cooled tart shell, smoothing the top with a spatula if needed.
  10. Chill Tart: Refrigerate the tart for at least 2 hours, or until the ganache is fully set and firm.
  11. Bring to Room Temperature: Before serving, let the tart sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes to soften the ganache for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • For a crisper crust, you may blind bake the tart shell with pie weights to prevent rising.
  • Using high-quality semi-sweet chocolate enhances the depth and richness of the ganache.
  • If espresso powder is unavailable, substitute with a teaspoon of strong brewed espresso or omit entirely for a pure chocolate flavor.
  • Allowing the tart to come to room temperature before serving improves creaminess and flavor release.
  • Store any leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: chocolate tart, chocolate ganache, cocoa tart, easy chocolate dessert, nostalgic desserts, rich chocolate tart, semi-sweet chocolate dessert