Chocolate Hazelnut Tart

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Decadent flavor: The combination of chocolate and hazelnuts creates a luxurious, rich taste that’s both comforting and elegant.

• Perfect texture: The buttery, crisp tart shell complements the smooth, creamy chocolate filling, providing a satisfying contrast in every bite.

• Easy to make: Despite its impressive appearance, this tart is easy to prepare and doesn’t require any complicated techniques.

• Versatile: Perfect for a special celebration, but equally great as a treat to enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea.

Ingredients

For the crust:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1/4 tsp salt

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed

• 1 large egg yolk

• 2-3 tbsp cold water

For the filling:

• 8 oz semisweet chocolate, chopped

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• 1/4 cup milk

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter

• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract

• 1/2 cup toasted hazelnuts, roughly chopped

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

For the crust:

1. Make the dough: In a food processor, pulse the flour, sugar, and salt until combined. Add the cold, cubed butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the egg yolk and pulse again until just combined. Gradually add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough starts to come together.

2. Chill the dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface, shape it into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

3. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). On a floured surface, roll out the dough to fit a 9-inch tart pan. Press the dough into the bottom and up the sides of the pan. Trim any excess dough.

4. Bake the crust: Place a piece of parchment paper over the dough and fill it with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the weights and parchment paper. Bake for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown. Let it cool completely before filling.

For the filling:

1. Prepare the chocolate mixture: In a heatproof bowl, combine the chopped chocolate, heavy cream, and milk. Place the bowl over a pot of simmering water (double boiler method), stirring until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Remove from heat.

2. Add butter and vanilla: Stir in the butter and vanilla extract until the mixture is fully combined and glossy.

3. Assemble the tart: Pour the chocolate filling into the cooled tart crust, smoothing it out with a spatula. Sprinkle the chopped toasted hazelnuts over the top.

4. Chill the tart: Refrigerate the tart for at least 2 hours, or until the filling is set and firm.

5. Serve: Once chilled, slice the tart and serve. Enjoy the indulgent, chocolate-hazelnut goodness!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8-10 slices

• Prep Time: 30 minutes

• Cook Time: 30 minutes (for the crust)

• Chill Time: 2 hours

• Total Time: 3 hours

Variations

• Nut Substitutes: If you’re not a fan of hazelnuts, you can substitute them with other nuts such as almonds, pecans, or walnuts.

• Chocolate Type: You can experiment with different types of chocolate, such as dark chocolate or milk chocolate, for varying levels of sweetness and richness.

• Flavored crust: Add a teaspoon of cocoa powder to the crust dough for a chocolate-flavored base that complements the filling.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the tart in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 5 days.

• Freezing: If you need to freeze the tart, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

• Reheating: This tart is best served chilled and doesn’t require reheating, but you can warm individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds if you prefer a slightly softer filling.

FAQs

Can I make this tart ahead of time?

Yes! This tart can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just make sure to let it chill thoroughly to set the filling.

How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?

Make sure to bake the crust fully before adding the chocolate filling, and use a parchment paper liner with pie weights or dried beans during the first bake to prevent it from shrinking or bubbling.

Can I use a different type of chocolate for the filling?

Yes, you can substitute semisweet chocolate with dark or milk chocolate, depending on your preference for sweetness and richness.

Can I use store-bought tart dough?

Yes, store-bought tart dough can be a convenient substitute if you’re short on time. Just make sure to bake it according to the package instructions before adding the filling.

Can I make a mini version of this tart?

Yes, you can use smaller tart pans or tartlet pans to make individual servings. Adjust the baking time for the crust accordingly.

What if I don’t have a tart pan?

If you don’t have a tart pan, you can use a pie dish or a springform pan. Just make sure the filling doesn’t spill over the edges.

Can I use raw hazelnuts instead of toasted ones?

Toasting the hazelnuts enhances their flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, you can use raw hazelnuts. Just be sure to chop them finely before adding them to the tart.

Can I add more nuts to the filling?

Yes, feel free to add extra toasted hazelnuts or even a mix of other nuts for added texture and flavor.

How long does the chocolate filling take to set?

The chocolate filling will take at least 2 hours to set in the refrigerator. It’s best to let it chill overnight for a firmer texture.

How do I know when the tart is ready to serve?

The tart is ready to serve when the filling has fully set and is firm to the touch. You can gently press on the center of the filling to check if it’s firm.

Conclusion

This Chocolate Hazelnut Tart is a luxurious and delicious dessert that combines the best of chocolate and hazelnuts in a stunning tart form. Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a special gathering or simply want to treat yourself, this tart is a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone craving more. With its smooth chocolate filling, crisp crust, and nutty topping, it’s a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is irresistible.