The Chocolate Ganache Tart is a rich, velvety dessert featuring a crisp pastry crust filled with luxurious chocolate ganache. Smooth, glossy, and intensely chocolatey, it’s the ultimate treat for special occasions or an elegant dinner party finale.

What makes this tart irresistible is its perfect balance of textures: a buttery, flaky crust paired with creamy, melt-in-your-mouth ganache.

Easy to make yet visually stunning, it impresses guests and satisfies any chocolate craving. With just a few ingredients, you can create a dessert that feels gourmet while remaining accessible for home bakers.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s simple yet indulgent. The deep chocolate flavor of the ganache feels luxurious without being overly complicated, and the buttery tart shell complements the creamy filling perfectly.

It’s versatile — you can top it with fresh berries, nuts, or edible gold for an elegant touch. The balance of textures and flavors makes it a showstopper, perfect for entertaining or treating yourself.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This tart is a must-try because it combines simplicity and decadence. Unlike overly complicated desserts, it requires minimal ingredients but delivers maximum flavor and elegance. Perfect for chocolate lovers, it’s a versatile dessert for birthdays, holidays, or date nights.

Its glossy ganache filling and crisp pastry make every bite satisfyingly rich, making it a dessert that looks as impressive as it tastes.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes (for crust)
Chilling Time: 2–3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories: ~450 kcal per slice

Cuisine and Course

Cuisine: French / Dessert
Course: Dessert / Special Occasion Treat

Ingredients

For the Tart Crust:

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

For the Chocolate Ganache:

8 oz (225 g) semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
¾ cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Toppings:

Fresh berries
Chopped nuts
Sea salt
Whipped cream

Simple Cooking Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare tart crust by combining flour, powdered sugar, butter, and egg yolk; form dough and chill.
Roll out dough, press into tart pan, and blind bake for 20–25 minutes. Let cool.
Heat cream until hot, pour over chopped chocolate, stir until smooth, add butter and vanilla.
Pour ganache into cooled crust, smooth top, and refrigerate for 2–3 hours.
Decorate with optional toppings before serving.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Tart Crust

In a bowl, combine flour and powdered sugar.
Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Mix in egg yolk and cold water, knead until dough forms.
Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes.

Step 2: Blind Bake the Crust

Roll out dough and press into a 9-inch tart pan with removable bottom.
Prick the base with a fork.
Line with parchment and fill with pie weights or dry beans.
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes. Remove weights and bake 5 more minutes. Cool completely.

Step 3: Prepare the Ganache

Heat cream in a small saucepan until just simmering.
Pour over chopped chocolate, let sit 2 minutes, then stir until smooth.
Add butter and vanilla extract; stir until glossy.

Step 4: Assemble the Tart

Pour ganache into cooled crust.
Smooth the top with a spatula.
Refrigerate for 2–3 hours until set.

Step 5: Decorate and Serve

Top with fresh berries, nuts, or sea salt if desired.
Slice with a hot knife for clean edges and serve chilled.

How to Serve

Serve chilled for the perfect slice.
Pair with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Ideal for dinner parties, special occasions, or a decadent treat at home.

Additional Recipe Tips

Use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor.
Press tart dough evenly into pan for uniform baking.
Avoid overheating cream — it should be hot, not boiling.
Smooth ganache with a spatula or offset knife for a glossy finish.

Variations

White Chocolate Ganache Tart: Use white chocolate instead of semi-sweet.
Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Tart: Add 1 teaspoon sea salt to the ganache.
Raspberry Chocolate Tart: Swirl raspberry puree into ganache before setting.
Nutty Chocolate Tart: Add chopped toasted hazelnuts or almonds on top.
Mocha Tart: Add 1 teaspoon espresso powder to cream for coffee flavor.

Freezing and Storage

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freeze: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil; freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in fridge before serving.

Special Equipment Needed

9-inch tart pan with removable bottom
Mixing bowls
Saucepan for cream
Heatproof spatula
Whisk or spoon for ganache

FAQ

Q1: Can I make the crust ahead of time?
Yes, blind bake and store in an airtight container for up to 2 days before adding ganache.

Q2: Can I use milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet?
Yes, but reduce sugar in toppings if needed, as milk chocolate is sweeter.

Q3: How do I get a smooth ganache?
Pour hot cream over chopped chocolate, let sit for 2 minutes, then stir gently until glossy.

Q4: Can I make mini tarts?
Yes, use tartlet pans and reduce ganache volume accordingly.

Q5: Can I top with fruit?
Absolutely! Fresh berries or thinly sliced fruit pair beautifully with chocolate ganache.

Conclusion

The Chocolate Ganache Tart is a decadent, visually stunning dessert perfect for chocolate lovers. With a crisp, buttery crust and silky, rich ganache filling, it’s both indulgent and elegant.

Easy to make with a few quality ingredients, this tart is ideal for special occasions, parties, or simply enjoying as a luxurious treat at home.