Chocolate Tart Recipe
Indulge in a delightful Chocolate Tart that combines a rich and decadent chocolate filling with a buttery, flaky crust. This dessert is perfect for any gathering, special occasion, or simply when you want to treat yourself to something exquisite. With its smooth texture and intense chocolate flavor, this tart is sure to impress your guests and leave them craving more. Let’s embark on this delightful culinary journey!
Recipe Overview
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 60 minutes |
| Cook Time | 120 minutes |
| Total Time | 180 minutes |
| Servings | 6 |
| Cuisine | Continental |
| Course | Dessert |
| Diet | Eggetarian |
Ingredients
For the Tart Crust:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All Purpose Flour (Maida) | 2 cups + more for dusting |
| Sugar | 3 tablespoons |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Unsalted Butter (cold, cut into pea-sized pieces) | 3/4 cup |
| Ice-cold Water | 2 tablespoons + more if needed |
For the Chocolate Filling:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Heavy Whipping Cream | 1 cup (e.g., Amul cream in India) |
| Milk | 1/2 cup |
| Dark Chocolate (chopped, e.g., Bournville) | 300 grams |
| Sugar | 2 tablespoons |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Whole Eggs (at room temperature) | 2 |
Instructions
Method for Making the Tart Crust
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Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, and salt.
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Incorporate the Butter: Add the cold, diced butter into the flour mixture. Using your fingertips, mix the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
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Add Ice Water: Gradually add the ice-cold water, one tablespoon at a time, kneading gently after each addition. You want to form a firm dough that holds together without crumbling. Be cautious with the water; too much can make the crust tough.
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Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in cling wrap and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes to allow the butter to firm up.
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Roll Out the Dough: After chilling, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it out into a circle approximately 12 inches in diameter and about 1/4 inch thick.
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Fit into the Tart Pan: Carefully lift the rolled dough and place it into a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom. Press the dough into the sides and corners of the pan, trimming off any excess hanging over the edges.
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Freeze the Crust: Place the tart crust in the freezer for at least 15 minutes. Chilling it again will ensure a flaky texture when baked.
Prebaking the Tart Crust
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Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
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Prepare for Baking: Once preheated, prick the chilled crust with a fork to prevent puffing. Line the crust with foil and fill it with pie weights or dried beans to hold it in place.
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Prebake: Bake the crust in the oven for about 25 minutes, until it is lightly golden but not completely baked. Remove the tart crust from the oven, keeping the oven on at 180°C.
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Remove Weights: Carefully take off the foil and pie weights. Set the crust aside to cool while you prepare the filling.
Method for Chocolate Filling
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Whisk the Eggs: In a bowl, whisk the eggs until light and fluffy. Set aside.
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Heat the Cream and Milk: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the heavy whipping cream and milk. Stir in the chopped dark chocolate, keeping the heat low to allow it to melt gently. Stir continuously until the chocolate is mostly melted.
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Combine Mixtures: Turn off the heat and continue stirring until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is smooth. Add the sugar and salt, whisking until well combined.
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Incorporate the Eggs: Gradually add the whisked eggs into the chocolate mixture, whisking thoroughly until the mixture is homogenous.
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Fill the Tart Crust: Pour the chocolate filling into the prepared tart crust, smoothing the top if necessary.
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Bake: Return the tart to the oven and bake for about 15 minutes. The filling should be set with a glossy surface. Watch carefully for any bubbles or cracks forming on the surface, as this indicates that it may be overbaking.
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Cool and Chill: Once done, remove the tart from the oven and allow it to cool completely at room temperature. After cooling, refrigerate the tart for at least 8 hours (or overnight) to let it fully set.
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Serve: Slice and serve the Chocolate Tart chilled, garnished with fresh fruits like strawberries for a delightful contrast.
Conclusion
This Chocolate Tart is a rich and indulgent dessert that will delight any chocolate lover. Perfect for dinner parties, special occasions, or simply as a weekend treat, it is sure to be a hit. Share this luscious dessert with family and friends and enjoy the compliments that come your way!
Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this Chocolate Tart recipe will guide you through the process, resulting in a beautiful and delicious dessert that truly embodies the joy of cooking and sharing. Enjoy!
