Hazelnut Tart with Dark Chocolate Ganache and Cherries
A heavenly dessert perfect for any occasion, this Hazelnut Tart with Dark Chocolate Ganache and Cherries combines the nutty richness of hazelnuts with the smooth, bittersweet allure of dark chocolate and the sweet-tart freshness of cherries. The crisp, buttery hazelnut crust is filled with a luxurious dark chocolate ganache, crowned with Amarena cherries in syrup. This decadent treat will surely be a crowd-pleaser.
Category: Desserts
Servings: 8
Ingredients:
For the Hazelnut Crust:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Hazelnut flour | 70g |
| All-purpose flour | 230g |
| Powdered sugar | 140g |
| Butter (cold and cubed) | 115g |
| Hazelnut paste | 30g |
| Unsweetened cocoa powder | 10g |
| Eggs | 53g |
| Vanilla bean | 1 (seeds) |
| Salt | 1 pinch |
For the Dark Chocolate Ganache:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Dark chocolate (70% cocoa) | 350g |
| Heavy cream (liquid) | 100g |
For the Cherry Topping:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Amarena cherries in syrup | 350g |
| Powdered sugar | To taste |
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Hazelnut Crust
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Combine the dry ingredients: In a food processor, add all the dry ingredients for the crust—hazelnut flour, all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and a pinch of salt. Pulse until well mixed.
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Add the butter: Add the cold cubed butter to the mixture and pulse until it resembles breadcrumbs.
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Incorporate the wet ingredients: Add the eggs, hazelnut paste, and the seeds of the vanilla bean. Continue pulsing until the dough begins to come together and form a ball.
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Chill the dough: Transfer the dough to a flat surface, shape it into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to chill.
Step 2: Rolling and Baking the Crust
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Roll out the dough: After chilling, remove the dough from the fridge and unwrap it. Place it on a lightly floured surface and roll it out with a rolling pin to a thickness of about 6 mm. Roll it large enough to line a 23 cm tart pan with a removable base.
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Fit the dough into the pan: Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough into the tart pan, pressing gently into the edges. Use a rolling pin to trim off any excess dough.
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Blind bake the crust: Line the dough with parchment paper and fill with baking weights or dried beans. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 15 minutes. Afterward, remove the parchment paper and weights, and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the crust is golden and firm. Allow the crust to cool completely on a wire rack.
Step 3: Making the Dark Chocolate Ganache
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Prepare the ganache: While the tart shell is cooling, place the dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream until it just begins to simmer. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let it sit for 1-2 minutes to melt the chocolate.
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Mix the ganache: Stir gently until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth. Allow the ganache to cool slightly before pouring it into the cooled tart shell.
Step 4: Assembling the Tart
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Drain the cherries: Drain the Amarena cherries, saving 100g of the syrup for the ganache. Gently press the cherries to remove excess syrup, then set them aside.
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Make the cherry topping: In a small saucepan, combine the saved syrup and heavy cream. Heat gently until the mixture is hot but not boiling. Pour this syrup-cream mixture over the dark chocolate and mix until the ganache is smooth and glossy.
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Fill the tart: Once the ganache has cooled to a pourable consistency, pour it into the baked tart shell, spreading it evenly.
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Add the cherries: Gently arrange the Amarena cherries on top of the ganache.
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Chill the tart: Place the tart in the refrigerator for 6 to 8 hours to allow the ganache to set and firm up.
Step 5: Final Touches
- Dust with powdered sugar: Before serving, lightly dust the top of the tart with powdered sugar to add a delicate touch of sweetness.
Tips:
- Crust variation: For a more pronounced nut flavor, you can substitute part of the hazelnut flour with finely ground almonds.
- Chocolate options: If you prefer a sweeter ganache, you can use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate.
- Cherry variations: You can replace the Amarena cherries with other types of preserved cherries or fresh berries for a different flavor twist.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 410 kcal |
| Fat | 28g |
| Saturated fat | 12g |
| Carbohydrates | 40g |
| Sugars | 32g |
| Protein | 5g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sodium | 15mg |
Enjoying Your Tart:
This Hazelnut Tart with Dark Chocolate Ganache and Cherries is the ultimate indulgence for any dessert lover. The combination of the buttery, nutty crust, smooth dark chocolate filling, and the vibrant cherries creates a beautiful balance of textures and flavors. Perfect for special occasions or as a sweet treat after dinner, this tart is sure to impress anyone who takes a bite.
Once chilled, slice and serve as a show-stopping centerpiece or enjoy a smaller slice with a cup of coffee for a comforting afternoon treat. Happy baking!
