As I stood in my kitchen, the aroma of toasting hazelnuts wafted through the air, igniting a nostalgic warmth that transported me to countless family gatherings filled with love and laughter. Today, I’m excited to share with you my beloved recipe for Hazelnut Chocolate Tart with Candied Hazelnuts. This elegant dessert is a masterpiece of flavors, boasting a creamy chocolate ganache nested in a perfectly crumbly crust, topped with crunch-tastic candied hazelnuts. Not only is it a crowd-pleaser for any special occasion, but it’s also surprisingly easy to whip up, making it perfect for anyone looking to elevate their dessert game. Curious about how this indulgent tart can bring a touch of gourmet flair to your table? Let’s dive in and create some magic! Why Is This Tart So Irresistible? Rich flavor envelops your palate with every blissful bite of the silky chocolate filling and crunchy hazelnuts. Versatile variations allow you to tailor this tart to your preferences, whether you crave a milk chocolate version or an espresso kick. Easy preparation means anyone can impress their guests, much like your favorite Salted Caramel Chocolate treats. Crowd favorite, this dessert is perfect for celebrations and can also be made ahead of time. Simple garnishing with candied hazelnuts not only enhances the presentation but also adds a delightful crunch that elevates your dessert experience. Hazelnut Chocolate Tart Ingredients • Create a delicious masterpiece with these essential ingredients! For the Crust Unsalted Butter – Adds richness; for a vegan option, use vegan butter. All-Purpose Flour – Forms the base of the crust; gluten-free flour can be substituted. Powdered Sugar – Sweetens the crust; feel free to use granulated sugar if needed. Egg Yolk – Imparts richness; can be omitted for a vegan version. Salt – Just a pinch enhances the overall flavor of the tart. For the Ganache Dark Chocolate – Use good quality (60–70% cocoa) for depth and richness; avoid low-quality chocolate for the best taste. Heavy Cream – Creates a smooth, luxurious ganache; swap with coconut cream for a lighter feel. For the Topping Hazelnuts – Toasted and peeled for a nutty crunch; can be candied for extra sweetness. Granulated Sugar – Used for candying hazelnuts, adding sweet texture. Vanilla Extract – Optional but enhances the flavor wonderfully. Whether you’re making a decadent Hazelnut Chocolate Tart or exploring variations such as the Nutella-inspired option, these ingredients will bring you steps closer to dessert bliss! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Hazelnut Chocolate Tart Step 1: Prepare Tart Crust In a mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, unsalted butter, and an egg yolk. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until it resembles coarse crumbs. Form the mixture into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This step ensures a flaky, tender crust for your Hazelnut Chocolate Tart. Step 2: Blind Bake Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the chilled crust on a floured surface until about 1/8 inch thick, then gently transfer it to a tart pan, pressing it into place. Line the crust with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dry beans. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove the weights and let the crust cool completely before filling. Step 3: Make Ganache In a small saucepan, heat heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Remove it from heat and pour it over chopped dark chocolate in a bowl. Let it sit for 5 minutes to soften the chocolate, then stir until the mixture is smooth and glossy. This rich ganache will be the luxurious filling for your Hazelnut Chocolate Tart. Step 4: Candy Hazelnuts In a skillet over medium heat, add granulated sugar and cook, stirring gently until it melts and turns a golden hue. Carefully add your toasted hazelnuts and stir until well-coated in the caramel. Pour the mixture onto a sheet of parchment paper to cool completely. This will create sweet, crunchy candied hazelnuts that perfectly complement the tart. Step 5: Assemble Tart Once the tart crust is completely cooled, pour the smooth ganache into the crust, spreading it evenly. Place the tart in the refrigerator for about 2 hours, or until the ganache has set to a silky finish. This cooling step is essential for achieving the perfect slice of your Hazelnut Chocolate Tart. Step 6: Garnish Before serving, top the set ganache with the cooled candied hazelnuts, arranging them in a decorative pattern. This final touch not only elevates the tart’s presentation but also adds an irresistible crunch. Slice and serve chilled for a delightful dessert experience that is sure to impress! Expert Tips for Hazelnut Chocolate Tart Chill Your Crust: Allowing the crust to chill ensures a flaky texture. If you skip this step, your crust may puff up during baking. Quality Ingredients Matter: Use high-quality dark chocolate (60–70% cocoa) for the ganache. Low-quality chocolate can result in a lackluster flavor. Handle Caramel with Care: When candying hazelnuts, melt the sugar slowly over medium heat to avoid burns and ensure an even caramel color. Warm Knife for Slicing: For clean, beautiful slices, dip your knife in hot water and wipe it before each cut. This prevents the chocolate from sticking. Make Ahead: Feel free to prepare the Hazelnut Chocolate Tart a day in advance. Just wait to add the candied hazelnuts until right before serving to keep them crunchy. Hazelnut Chocolate Tart Variations Feel free to sprinkle your own creativity into this delicious Hazelnut Chocolate Tart and make it uniquely yours! Milk Chocolate: Swap dark chocolate for milk chocolate for a sweeter, creamier taste that kids will adore. Espresso Kick: Add 1-2 teaspoons of espresso powder to the ganache for that rich mocha flavor. Your taste buds will be dancing with joy! Citrusy Orange: Mix in fresh orange zest into the ganache for a refreshing twist that pairs beautifully with hazelnuts. This hint of citrus will make each bite brighten your day. Nutella-Inspired: Use a combination of dark chocolate and Nutella in the ganache for a decadent, hazelnut-chocolate bliss. It’s the ultimate indulgence for Nutella fans! Mini Tartlets: Instead of one large tart, create delightful mini tarts using a muffin tin. These bite-sized treats are perfect for gatherings or an afternoon treat. Nut-Free Option: Experiment with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds in place of hazelnuts. The tart will still shine with a nutty, earthy flavor – delightful for a nut-free alternative! Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the ganache for a surprising heat that complements the sweetness. It’s a perfect conversation starter at your dessert table. Toasted Coconut: Fold in shredded toasted coconut into the ganache for a tropical flair that’ll transport you to a sunny paradise. Don’t forget to check out these splendid desserts as well: indulge in our irresistible Brown Butter Chocolate or try making some crispy 4-Ingredient Chocolate Oat cookies for a fun twist on chocolate treats! How to Store and Freeze Hazelnut Chocolate Tart Fridge: Store your Hazelnut Chocolate Tart in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain its freshness and flavor. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the tart (without toppings) for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil to prevent freezer burn. Thawing: When ready to enjoy, transfer the tart to the refrigerator overnight to thaw slowly. Garnishing: Add candied hazelnuts just before serving for that delightful crunch, ensuring your tart stays delicious and visually appealing. What to Serve with Hazelnut Chocolate Tart with Candied Hazelnuts Elevate your indulgent gathering with delightful dishes that perfectly complement the rich, velvety Hazelnut Chocolate Tart. Fresh Berries: The tartness of strawberries or raspberries cuts through the sweetness, adding a refreshing contrast to each rich bite. Their vibrant color also enhances your dessert presentation! Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a cloud-like, creamy texture that beautifully balances the tart’s dense ganache. Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy vanilla ice cream melts as it meets the warm chocolate, creating a luscious combination that is simply irresistible. Espresso: A bold cup of espresso enhances the chocolate flavors, making it a sophisticated pairing, especially if you add a hint of mocha or a dash of coffee liqueur. Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling some warm chocolate sauce over slices adds extra richness, while also creating an enticing visual appeal as it pools around the dessert. Toasted Almonds: The nutty taste of toasted almonds can provide another layer of crunch, bringing a delightful textural contrast to the tart’s creamy filling. Red Wine: A glass of rich red wine, like a Merlot or a Pinot Noir, can highlight the tart’s flavors and make every bite feel even more decadent. Mint Tea: For a lighter option, serving a warm cup of mint tea can cleanse the palate beautifully between bites, making your dessert experience all the more enjoyable. Make Ahead Options These Hazelnut Chocolate Tart with Candied Hazelnuts are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the crust and ganache up to 24 hours in advance. Simply make the crust, blind bake it, and store it tightly wrapped in the refrigerator. The ganache can also be made ahead and kept in an airtight container (just give it a gentle stir before using). When you’re ready to assemble, pour the ganache into the cooled crust, chill it for about 2 hours, and top with candied hazelnuts just before serving. This way, your tart will retain its delightful texture, proving to be just as delicious as if it were freshly made! Hazelnut Chocolate Tart with Candied Hazelnuts Recipe FAQs What type of hazelnuts should I use? I recommend using toasted and peeled hazelnuts for the best flavor and texture. If you start with raw hazelnuts, you can toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 5-10 minutes, stirring frequently until they turn golden and fragrant. How long can I store the Hazelnut Chocolate Tart? Your Hazelnut Chocolate Tart can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cover it with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out. Can I freeze the tart? Absolutely! To freeze your Hazelnut Chocolate Tart, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn, and it will last for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, transfer it to the refrigerator for overnight thawing. My ganache didn’t set; what went wrong? If your ganache isn’t setting, it may be due to too much cream or not allowing it to cool properly. Always make sure to pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let it sit for about 5 minutes. If it’s too runny, you can gently reheat it on the stove over low heat until it thickens, stirring constantly. Can I make variations of this tart? Yes, you can definitely experiment with variations! For example, use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate for a sweeter option. You can also add a touch of espresso powder for a mocha flavor or incorporate orange zest for a fresh citrus twist. The possibilities are endless! Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe? If you’re catering to dietary restrictions, you have options! For a vegan tart, substitute unsalted butter with vegan butter and omit the egg yolk. Additionally, using gluten-free flour will allow those with gluten sensitivities to enjoy this delightful dessert. Just be sure to check your chocolate for any milk content as well. Indulge in This Easy Hazelnut Chocolate Tart Delight This Hazelnut Chocolate Tart is a rich and creamy dessert, featuring a crumbly crust and topped with candied hazelnuts. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsCook Time 20 minutes minsChilling Time 2 hours hrsTotal Time 2 hours hrs 50 minutes mins Servings: 8 slicesCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 350 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Crust1 cup Unsalted Butter Adds richness; for a vegan option, use vegan butter.1 1/4 cups All-Purpose Flour Forms the base of the crust; gluten-free flour can be substituted.1/4 cup Powdered Sugar Sweetens the crust; feel free to use granulated sugar if needed.1 large Egg Yolk Imparts richness; can be omitted for a vegan version.1 pinch Salt Just a pinch enhances the overall flavor of the tart.For the Ganache8 ounces Dark Chocolate Use good quality (60–70% cocoa) for depth and richness; avoid low-quality chocolate for the best taste.1 cup Heavy Cream Creates a smooth, luxurious ganache; swap with coconut cream for a lighter feel.For the Topping1 cup Hazelnuts Toasted and peeled for a nutty crunch; can be candied for extra sweetness.1/2 cup Granulated Sugar Used for candying hazelnuts, adding sweet texture.1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract Optional but enhances the flavor wonderfully. Equipment mixing bowlTart PanskilletSaucepanPlastic Wrapparchment paper Method Step-by-Step InstructionsIn a mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, unsalted butter, and an egg yolk. Mix until it resembles coarse crumbs. Form into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the chilled crust until about 1/8 inch thick, then transfer it to a tart pan and press into place. Line with parchment paper and fill with weights. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove weights and let cool completely.In a small saucepan, heat heavy cream over medium heat until it simmers. Pour it over chopped dark chocolate in a bowl. Let sit for 5 minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy.In a skillet over medium heat, add granulated sugar and cook, stirring until it melts and turns golden. Add toasted hazelnuts and stir until well-coated. Pour onto parchment paper to cool.Once the tart crust is cooled, pour the smooth ganache into the crust and spread evenly. Chill in the refrigerator for about 2 hours, until set.Before serving, top with cooled candied hazelnuts in a decorative pattern. Slice and serve chilled. Nutrition Serving: 1sliceCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 4gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 2gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 500IUCalcium: 30mgIron: 2mg NotesAllow the crust to chill to ensure a flaky texture. Use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor. Make ahead of time and add the candied hazelnuts just before serving. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
