If you are searching for a luxurious dessert that blends silky chocolate with crunchy hazelnuts, this Hazelnut Chocolate Tart recipe is the perfect pick. With a crisp almond pastry base, a layer of caramelized hazelnuts, and a smooth chocolate mousse topping, this tart is a delightful treat for dinner parties, festive celebrations, or a cozy weekend indulgence. Easy to prepare and bursting with flavor, it’s a must-try recipe for chocolate lovers.
Preparation Time & Serving Size
- Total Time: 1 hr 05 mins
- Prep Time: 40 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Servings: 2 portions
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Ingredients
For the pastry crust:
- 135g butter
- 100g castor sugar
- 220g plain flour
- 50g ground almonds
- 1 egg yolk
For the filling:
- 100g blanched hazelnuts
- 50g castor sugar
- 200g dark chocolate (53% cocoa or higher)
- 100g butter
- A splash of brandy or orange-flavored liqueur
- 1 whole egg
- 3 egg yolks
Optional Topping:
- Whipped cream
- Chocolate mousse or ganache
- Hazelnut paste
Step-by-Step Method
Step 1: Prepare the pastry base
Cream together the butter and sugar, then mix in flour and ground almonds. Add the egg yolk and form a dough. If too soft, chill for a few minutes. Roll out and line a tart tin. Chill for 20 minutes.
Step 2: Blind bake the tart shell
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Line the pastry with parchment paper and baking beans. Bake for 10 minutes, remove the beans, and bake for another 10 minutes until golden brown.
Step 3: Caramelize the hazelnuts
Roast hazelnuts until lightly golden. Add sugar and cook until it caramelizes, then spread on parchment paper. Once cooled, roughly chop them.
Step 4: Prepare the chocolate mixture
Melt dark chocolate, butter, and liqueur over simmering water. In a separate bowl over the same pan, whisk eggs, egg yolks, and sugar until pale and fluffy. Gently fold in the chocolate mixture.
Step 5: Assemble and bake the tart
Reduce oven temperature to 135°C. Spread most of the caramelized hazelnuts over the baked pastry shell. Pour in the chocolate filling and bake for about 12 minutes, until almost set. Let it cool completely.
Step 6: Add the finishing touch
Top with chocolate mousse, ganache, or whipped cream, and garnish with extra hazelnuts for a professional finish.
Serve chilled or at room temperature for the ultimate indulgence.