Brace yourselves, food lovers, because I’m about to take your taste buds on the most epic, sinful, and downright LEGENDARY chocolate adventure you’ve ever experienced. Introducing the Sinful Chocolate Hazelnut Dream Tart – a decadent, indulgent dessert that will make your heart skip a beat and your taste buds do the happy dance. Get ready to dive headfirst into a flavor explosion that will leave you craving more with every irresistible bite.
Why You’ll Love This Sinful Chocolate Hazelnut Dream Tart
This tart is the ultimate in chocolate indulgence, combining the rich, velvety goodness of dark chocolate with the nutty, buttery perfection of hazelnuts. Imagine sinking your teeth into a buttery, flaky crust that gives way to a dense, fudgy filling that will make you weak in the knees. Top it off with a generous drizzle of silky-smooth chocolate ganache and a sprinkling of toasted hazelnuts, and you’ve got a dessert that’s guaranteed to become your new obsession. Whether you’re a die-hard chocoholic or just someone who appreciates the finer things in life, this Sinful Chocolate Hazelnut Dream Tart is about to blow your mind.
Ingredients
The secret to this tart’s sensational flavor lies in the carefully curated list of ingredients. You’ll need a buttery, flaky pie crust, a decadent chocolate filling made with dark chocolate, hazelnuts, and a touch of espresso powder for depth, and a silky-smooth chocolate ganache to top it all off. Trust me, this is a flavor combination that will have your taste buds doing cartwheels.
- 2 1/2 cups (315g) all-purpose flour – for the buttery, flaky crust
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed – for that rich, tender texture
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar – a touch of sweetness to balance the tart
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – to enhance the flavors
- 6-8 tablespoons (90-120ml) ice water – to bring the dough together
- 8 ounces (226g) dark chocolate, chopped – the star of the show
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter – for a silky-smooth filling
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar – to sweeten the chocolate
- 1 teaspoon espresso powder – to deepen the chocolate flavor
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – to balance the sweetness
- 1 1/2 cups (210g) toasted, chopped hazelnuts – for that irresistible nutty crunch
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream – for the luscious chocolate ganache
- 4 ounces (113g) dark chocolate, chopped – more chocolate for the ganache
Ingredient Substitutions
- Dark Chocolate: You can use milk chocolate or a combination of milk and dark chocolate for a sweeter, more approachable flavor.
- Hazelnuts: Feel free to swap in almonds or pecans if you prefer a different nutty flavor.
How to Make Sinful Chocolate Hazelnut Dream Tart
Let’s dive into the steps to create this mind-blowing dessert, shall we? Get ready to transform your kitchen into a flavor paradise!
Step 1: Prep Work
Let’s start by making the perfect pie crust. In a food processor, combine the flour, sugar, and salt, then pulse in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Slowly add in the ice water, pulsing just until the dough comes together. Wrap the dough in plastic and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the gluten to relax.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
While the dough is chilling, let’s get started on that insane chocolate filling. In a medium saucepan, melt the dark chocolate and butter together over low heat, stirring constantly until smooth. Remove from heat and stir in the sugar, espresso powder, and a pinch of salt until well combined. Fold in the toasted, chopped hazelnuts until evenly distributed. Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust and bake at 350°F (177°C) for 35-40 minutes, or until the center is just set.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Now for the grand finale – the chocolate ganache! In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat and pour the hot cream over the chopped dark chocolate. Let the mixture sit for 2-3 minutes, then stir until the chocolate is melted and the ganache is silky and glossy. Pour the ganache over the tart and use a spatula to spread it evenly over the top. Sprinkle the top with a handful of toasted hazelnuts for that perfect finishing touch.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Hazelnut Spread Swirl: For an extra layer of hazelnut goodness, spread a thin layer of hazelnut spread or Nutella between the crust and the chocolate filling.
- Boozy Twist: Add a splash of hazelnut liqueur to the ganache for a grown-up twist on this decadent dessert.
- Toppings Galore: Get creative with the toppings! A dusting of cocoa powder, a sprinkle of flaked sea salt, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce would all be incredible.
- Texture Play: For a bit of crunch, try adding some chopped toasted hazelnuts to the chocolate filling or sprinkling them on top of the ganache.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: A scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce for the ultimate indulgence.
Storage: This Sinful Chocolate Hazelnut Dream Tart can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Bring it to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Reheat: If you’d like to reheat the tart, simply place it in a 300°F (149°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the tart in advance and refrigerate it, unsliced, for up to 3 days before serving. The ganache may need a quick re-heating to achieve that perfect, pourable consistency.
Nutrition Information
Indulge without guilt, my friends! This tart may be decadent, but it’s also packed with nutrients. Dark chocolate is loaded with antioxidants, and hazelnuts are a great source of healthy fats, fiber, and protein. Just remember to enjoy this treat in moderation and savor every bite.
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of the tart)
- Calories: 472 kcal
- Protein: 5 g
- Carbs: 43 g
- Fat: 33 g
- Sodium: 238 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I ensure the crust stays crisp and flaky?
The key to a crisp, flaky crust is to work the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs, then add just enough ice water to bring the dough together. Be sure to refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out to allow the gluten to relax. Additionally, baking the tart on the lower rack of your oven will help the bottom crust to crisp up.
Can I make the tart in advance?
Absolutely! This tart can be prepared up to 3 days in advance. Simply assemble the tart, cover it, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to serve. You may need to gently reheat the ganache before pouring it over the top if it has thickened up too much.
What if I don’t have a food processor for the crust?
No problem! You can easily make the crust by hand. In a large mixing bowl, use a pastry cutter or two forks to cut the cold butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Then, stir in the ice water with a fork until the dough just comes together.
Can I use pre-made pie crust instead of homemade?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time or just prefer the convenience, feel free to use a store-bought pie crust. Just be sure to blind-bake it for about 15 minutes before adding the chocolate filling to ensure a crisp, flaky base.
How do I toast the hazelnuts properly?
Toasting the hazelnuts is a crucial step for this recipe, as it brings out their natural oils and intensifies their nutty flavor. Simply spread the hazelnuts in a single layer on a baking sheet and toast them in a 350°F (177°C) oven for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re fragrant and lightly browned.
Try These Next
- Chocolate Hazelnut Dream Bars
- Chocolate Hazelnut Bliss Cheesecake
- Decadent Chocolate Hazelnut Cheesecake
Sinful Chocolate Hazelnut Dream Tart
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 135 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and creamy flavors of this Sinful Chocolate Hazelnut Dream Tart, a decadent dessert that combines a buttery crust with a luscious chocolate filling and a hint of hazelnut.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 large egg yolk
1/4 cup cold water
1 cup dark chocolate, chopped
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup hazelnut spread
1/4 cup chopped hazelnuts
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. In a bowl, mix flour, cocoa powder, and powdered sugar.
3. Add softened butter and egg yolk, mixing until crumbly.
4. Stir in cold water until dough forms, then press into a tart pan.
5. Bake for 15 minutes, then let cool.
6. In a saucepan, heat heavy cream until simmering, then pour over chopped chocolate.
7. Stir until smooth, then mix in hazelnut spread, salt, and vanilla.
8. Pour chocolate mixture into the cooled crust and refrigerate for 2 hours.
9. Garnish with chopped hazelnuts before serving.
Notes
For a richer flavor, use high-quality dark chocolate.
You can substitute the hazelnut spread with almond or peanut butter for a different taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: chocolate, hazelnut, tart, dessert