Chocolate Hazelnut Tart

Name: Chocolate Hazelnut Tart
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; ½ cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed; ¼ cup powdered sugar; 1 egg yolk; 2-3 tablespoons ice water; 1 cup hazelnuts, toasted and chopped; 1 cup dark chocolate, chopped; ½ cup heavy cream; 2 large eggs; ½ cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; A pinch of salt

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely adore making this Chocolate Hazelnut Tart. It's a delightful fusion of rich chocolate and nutty flavors that never fails to impress. Each bite feels like a decadent treat, making it perfect for special occasions or simply to indulge in after a long day. The buttery crust pairs beautifully with the creamy filling, and the attention to detail in preparation truly elevates this dessert. Once you've tasted it, I'm sure you'll agree that it's a wonderful way to celebrate life’s sweet moments.

Created by

Perrie Lawson

Last updated on 2026-01-06T10:37:12.782Z

When I first attempted to make this Chocolate Hazelnut Tart, I was a bit intimidated by the process, but I was determined to create something extraordinary. I discovered that using quality chocolate and toasted hazelnuts genuinely makes a difference in flavor depth. The combination forms a luscious, satisfying filling that perfectly complements the crisp tart shell.

As I refined the technique, I found that letting the tart chill overnight enhances the flavors even more, giving it time to set and allowing the chocolate to meld with the hazelnut notes. This step is essential and results in a beautifully smooth texture that everyone loves.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Intense chocolate flavor combined with the nutty crunch of hazelnuts
Decadently creamy filling that offers a delightful contrast to the crisp crust
A show-stopping dessert that's surprisingly simple to prepare

      

Mastering the Tart Crust

The tart crust serves as the foundation for this delightful dessert, and mastering it can elevate your Chocolate Hazelnut Tart significantly. Using chilled butter is crucial as it helps maintain the flakiness of the crust. If your kitchen is warm, consider chilling your mixing bowl and utensils as well to prevent the butter from melting during mixing. This ensures a crisp texture that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling.

When pressing the dough into the tart pan, make sure to do so evenly, ensuring that the thickness is consistent. Uneven crust can lead to parts being overcooked or soggy. If you find the dough difficult to work with, you can allow it to rest in the refrigerator for a few extra minutes before continuing. This sets the butter and makes it easier to manage.

Crafting the Filling

The filling's texture and richness are achieved through the precise combination of dark chocolate and heavy cream. When heating the cream, do not let it boil; a gentle simmering ensures that the chocolate melts smoothly, resulting in a glossy mixture. If you see any lumps of chocolate after stirring, you can place the saucepan back on low heat and stir gently until smooth. This step is crucial for a creamy, cohesive filling.

For variations, consider using different nuts if hazelnuts are unavailable. Toasted almonds or pecans can offer a delightful change in flavor while maintaining a similar crunch. Just be sure to toast them lightly to enhance their flavors. Incorporating a bit of espresso powder into the filling can also deepen the chocolate flavor, creating an even richer dessert.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create your Chocolate Hazelnut Tart.

For the Tart Crust

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
¼ cup powdered sugar
1 egg yolk
2-3 tablespoons ice water

For the Filling

1 cup hazelnuts, toasted and chopped
1 cup dark chocolate, chopped
½ cup heavy cream
2 large eggs
½ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
A pinch of salt

Once you have gathered all the ingredients, you are ready to get started on creating this delicious tart!

Instructions

Follow these steps to make your Chocolate Hazelnut Tart to perfection.

Prepare the Tart Crust

In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and powdered sugar. Add the cubed butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the egg yolk and enough ice water to form a dough. Press the dough into a tart pan and chill for 30 minutes.

Pre-bake the Crust

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chilled crust in the oven and bake for 15 minutes until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool.

Make the Filling

In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream until just simmering. Remove from heat and add the chopped dark chocolate, letting it sit for a few minutes to melt. Stir until smooth.

Combine Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Gradually pour the chocolate mixture into the egg mixture, whisking constantly until combined. Fold in the chopped hazelnuts.

Bake the Tart

Pour the filling into the pre-baked tart crust, then bake for an additional 30 minutes or until the filling is set. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely.

Chill and Serve

For best results, refrigerate the tart for several hours or overnight. Slice and serve, garnishing with additional toasted hazelnuts if desired.

Enjoy your Homemade Chocolate Hazelnut Tart with family and friends!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, serve the tart with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

This Chocolate Hazelnut Tart can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for gatherings. Once baked and cooled, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Ensure it is covered to maintain freshness. For longer storage, you can freeze the unbaked tart crust for up to a month. When ready to use, simply thaw in the fridge overnight before proceeding with the filling.

If you plan to serve the tart later, it's wise to hold off on garnishing with toasted hazelnuts until just before serving. This keeps the nuts crunchy and prevents any sogginess that may result from refrigeration.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your tart crust shrinks during baking, it’s often due to overworking the dough or skipping the chilling step. Always give the crust ample time to chill in the refrigerator, which helps it maintain form during baking. If you're in a pinch and haven’t chilled it long enough, consider baking it at a slightly lower temperature (325°F) for a longer time to help it set without distortion.

For a filling that doesn't set properly, ensure that you’ve whisked the eggs and sugar thoroughly before combining with the chocolate mixture. Under-whisked eggs can trap air, leading to a souffle-like filling that puffs up and then collapses. Also, using fresh eggs can help achieve a better texture, as older eggs may not emulsify as effectively.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?

Yes, milk chocolate can be used, but it will result in a sweeter filling.

→ How do I store leftovers?

You can store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cover it to prevent it from drying out.

→ Can I make the tart crust ahead of time?

Absolutely! The crust can be made and kept in the fridge for up to 2 days before filling.

→ What can I substitute if I’m allergic to nuts?

You can use crushed cookies or graham crackers for the crust, and omit the hazelnuts in the filling.