Mocha Hazelnut Chocolate Tart
Highlighted under: Sweet Recipes
Indulge in the rich flavors of this Mocha Hazelnut Chocolate Tart, a dessert that combines the boldness of coffee with the nuttiness of hazelnuts and the decadence of chocolate.
This Mocha Hazelnut Chocolate Tart is a delightful fusion of flavors that will transport your taste buds to a café in Paris. The combination of espresso, chocolate, and toasted hazelnuts creates a rich and satisfying dessert that is perfect for special occasions or a sweet treat after dinner.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Rich chocolate flavor paired with fresh espresso
- Nutty crunch from toasted hazelnuts
- Elegant presentation perfect for special occasions
- Decadent yet surprisingly easy to make
The Perfect Balance of Flavors
This Mocha Hazelnut Chocolate Tart is a delightful harmony of flavors. The rich chocolate filling serves as the perfect base, enhanced by the deep, aromatic notes of espresso. Each bite is a celebration of chocolate's lusciousness, elevated by the hint of coffee that tantalizes the palate. The combination of these elements creates a dessert that feels both indulgent and sophisticated, making it ideal for any occasion.
The crunchy texture of toasted hazelnuts adds a delightful contrast to the silky filling. As you savor the tart, you'll experience the nutty flavor of the hazelnuts, which complements the chocolate and coffee beautifully. This interplay of textures and tastes makes the tart truly memorable, leaving your guests impressed and craving more.
A Showstopper for Special Occasions
Not only does this tart taste incredible, but it also presents beautifully. The glossy chocolate filling sits elegantly in a perfectly baked crust, offering a stunning visual appeal that can elevate any dessert table. Whether you're hosting a dinner party, celebrating a birthday, or simply indulging in a special treat, this tart will undoubtedly impress your guests.
Moreover, the ease of preparation means you can focus on enjoying the moment rather than stressing in the kitchen. With a simple yet effective recipe, you can create a dessert that looks and tastes like it came from a professional bakery. It's the perfect way to showcase your culinary skills while delighting your loved ones.
Tips for Success
To ensure your tart crust is perfect, make sure the butter is cold and cubed. This is key for achieving that desired flaky texture. When mixing the dough, avoid overworking it; you want to combine the ingredients just until they come together. This will help maintain the tart's crispness after baking.
When preparing the chocolate filling, be cautious not to overheat the cream. Heating it until just boiling will prevent any risk of burning the chocolate. Stirring the mixture thoroughly until it's smooth will ensure a velvety filling that will set beautifully in the crust.
Ingredients
For the Tart Crust
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2-3 tablespoons ice water
For the Chocolate Filling
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz dark chocolate, chopped
- 2 tablespoons espresso or strong coffee
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup toasted hazelnuts, chopped
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Steps
Prepare the Tart Crust
In a large bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, and powdered sugar. Add the cold butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the egg yolk and add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together.
Bake the Crust
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Blind bake the tart crust for 15 minutes, then remove the weights and bake for an additional 10 minutes until set. Let it cool completely.
Make the Chocolate Filling
In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream until just boiling. Remove from heat and add the chopped chocolate, stirring until melted and smooth. Stir in the espresso, sugar, chopped hazelnuts, and vanilla extract.
Assemble the Tart
Pour the chocolate filling into the cooled tart crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set.
Serve and Enjoy
Once set, slice the tart and serve chilled. Enjoy the rich flavors of mocha and hazelnuts!
Enjoy your delicious tart!
Storing and Serving
Once your Mocha Hazelnut Chocolate Tart has set, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days. This makes it a fantastic make-ahead dessert for gatherings and special occasions. Just be sure to cover it with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
When serving, consider pairing the tart with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra touch of indulgence. A sprinkle of cocoa powder or finely chopped hazelnuts on top can add a beautiful finishing touch, enhancing both the flavor and presentation.
Variations to Try
Feel free to experiment with the filling by adding other flavors like orange zest or peppermint extract for a seasonal twist. You can also substitute the hazelnuts for other nuts, such as almonds or pecans, depending on your preference. Each nut brings its unique flavor profile that can complement the chocolate and coffee beautifully.
If you want to make the tart even more decadent, consider drizzling some caramel sauce over the top before serving. This adds an additional layer of flavor and an eye-catching presentation that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Pairing Suggestions
This Mocha Hazelnut Chocolate Tart pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or espresso, enhancing the mocha flavor and making for a delightful dessert experience. A rich red wine, such as a Cabernet Sauvignon, can also complement the chocolate beautifully, creating a luxurious pairing for those who enjoy wine.
For a lighter option, consider serving the tart with a refreshing herbal tea, like peppermint or chamomile, which can balance the richness of the dessert. No matter your choice, this tart will shine as the star of your dessert spread.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make the tart crust ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the crust a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
→ What type of chocolate is best for this recipe?
Use high-quality dark chocolate for the best flavor and texture.
→ Can I substitute the hazelnuts?
Yes, walnuts or almonds can be used as a substitute if desired.
→ How should I store the leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Mocha Hazelnut Chocolate Tart
Indulge in the rich flavors of this Mocha Hazelnut Chocolate Tart, a dessert that combines the boldness of coffee with the nuttiness of hazelnuts and the decadence of chocolate.
Created by: Emily
Recipe Type: Sweet Recipes
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 8 servings
What You'll Need
For the Tart Crust
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2-3 tablespoons ice water
For the Chocolate Filling
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz dark chocolate, chopped
- 2 tablespoons espresso or strong coffee
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup toasted hazelnuts, chopped
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How-To Steps
In a large bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, and powdered sugar. Add the cold butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the egg yolk and add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together. Press the dough into a tart pan and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Blind bake the tart crust for 15 minutes, then remove the weights and bake for an additional 10 minutes until set. Let it cool completely.
In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream until just boiling. Remove from heat and add the chopped chocolate, stirring until melted and smooth. Stir in the espresso, sugar, chopped hazelnuts, and vanilla extract.
Pour the chocolate filling into the cooled tart crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set.
Once set, slice the tart and serve chilled. Enjoy the rich flavors of mocha and hazelnuts!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Total Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
- Sodium: 85mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 24g
- Protein: 6g