Chocolate Praline Tart Recipe: A Decadent Dessert to Delight Your Guests
A rich, indulgent dessert that strikes the perfect balance between sweetness and texture, this Chocolate Praline Tart is an elegant treat that will steal the spotlight at any gathering. With a crisp chocolate crust, a gooey caramel praline filling, and a nutty crunch from toasted pecans, this tart is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. What’s even better? You can make it ahead of time, making it a great option for dinner parties, holidays, or special occasions. Serve it with a dollop of freshly whipped cream and a sprinkle of chocolate shavings for an extra touch of finesse.
Recipe Overview
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Tarts
- Servings: 12
- Calories per Serving: 827.9
Ingredients for the Chocolate Praline Tart
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 1 1/2 cups |
| Powdered sugar | 3/4 cup |
| Cocoa powder | 1/2 cup |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Unsalted butter | 2 2/3 cups |
| Brown sugar | 1 1/2 cups |
| Honey | 2/3 cup |
| Granulated sugar | 1/3 cup |
| Pecan halves | 3 cups |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 827.9 kcal |
| Fat | 61.8 g |
| Saturated Fat | 29.3 g |
| Cholesterol | 117.5 mg |
| Sodium | 214.5 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 71.5 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 54.6 g |
| Protein | 5.2 g |
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Chocolate Praline Tart
Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Crust
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In the bowl of a food processor, combine the all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and salt. Pulse until everything is well-blended.
- With the processor running, gradually add 2 2/3 cups of unsalted butter, a few tablespoons at a time. Keep processing until the dough begins to form a ball on top of the blades, signifying it’s ready to be shaped.
- Press the dough into a 12-inch tart pan with a removable bottom, ensuring that the base is even and the dough is pressed well into the edges.
- Place the tart pan in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes, or until the crust is lightly browned and firm to the touch. Once done, remove the crust from the oven and set it aside to cool completely.
Step 2: Make the Praline Filling
- In a large saucepan, combine the remaining 1 cup unsalted butter, brown sugar, honey, and granulated sugar. Place the pan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally.
- Let the mixture boil for 3 minutes, keeping an eye on it so it doesn’t burn.
- Add the pecan halves and heavy cream to the boiling mixture, stirring to incorporate. Return the mixture to a boil and cook for an additional 2 minutes, until the pecans are well-coated with the caramel sauce and the filling has thickened slightly.
- Immediately pour the hot praline mixture into the cooled tart crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula. The filling will be quite hot, so take care while pouring.
Step 3: Bake the Praline Tart
- Place the filled tart back into the oven and bake for 20 minutes. The filling should bubble up around the edges but remain slightly wobbly in the center. This is the ideal texture for a gooey, caramelized filling.
- Once baked, remove the tart from the oven and allow it to cool completely at room temperature. This will take about 2 hours, during which the filling will set to a firm yet tender consistency.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
- Once cooled, carefully remove the tart from the pan by gently lifting the removable bottom. Place the tart on a serving platter.
- For an extra touch of elegance, serve each slice of tart with a dollop of freshly whipped cream and a sprinkle of chocolate shavings or shaved pecans.
- Slice into 12 pieces and enjoy this decadent dessert with friends and family.
Tips for Success:
- Make Ahead: This tart can be made up to 2 days in advance. Just store it in an airtight container at room temperature and enjoy its rich flavors when you’re ready to serve.
- Crust Variations: If you prefer a different crust, consider using a graham cracker or almond flour crust for a gluten-free option. Simply follow the instructions for pressing the crust into the tart pan and bake as directed.
- Whipped Cream: For a lighter touch, serve with a dollop of whipped cream that has been lightly sweetened with vanilla and powdered sugar.
- Decorative Touch: For a more polished look, garnish the tart with finely shaved dark chocolate, a few whole pecans, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
This Chocolate Praline Tart is sure to become a go-to dessert for any special occasion or indulgent treat. With its decadent chocolate crust and rich praline filling, it’s a sophisticated yet approachable dessert that will impress everyone at your table. Whether you’re planning a dinner party or simply craving something sweet, this tart promises to be a hit every time.
For more delicious dessert ideas, be sure to check out other tempting recipes on Love With Recipes.
