How to Make a French Tarte au Chocolat

Tarte au Chocolat is a classic French dessert that has captured the hearts of chocolate lovers around the world. This rich and decadent chocolate tart is perfect for special occasions or simply as a treat for yourself. Follow this step-by-step guide on how to make a French Tarte au Chocolat at home.

Ingredients

To create the perfect Tarte au Chocolat, you will need the following ingredients:

For the tart crust:

200g all-purpose flour
100g unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
70g powdered sugar
1 large egg yolk
1-2 tablespoons cold water

For the chocolate filling:

200g dark chocolate (70% cocoa), chopped
200ml heavy cream
2 large eggs
50g granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Tart Crust

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and powdered sugar.

2. Add the cold cubed butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

3. Add the egg yolk and 1 tablespoon of cold water, mixing until the dough just comes together. If necessary, add another tablespoon of water.

4. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Blind Bake the Crust

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).

2. Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to fit your tart pan. Press the dough into the pan and trim any excess.

3. Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork to prevent bubbling.

4. Line the crust with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dried beans.

5. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Remove the weights and parchment paper, then bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, until golden brown. Allow to cool.

Step 3: Make the Chocolate Filling

1. In a small saucepan over low heat, heat the heavy cream until just simmering, then pour it over the chopped dark chocolate in a bowl. Let it sit for a couple of minutes to melt the chocolate.

2. Whisk the chocolate and cream together until smooth and glossy.

3. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined.

4. Gradually add the chocolate mixture to the egg mixture, whisking constantly until fully combined.

Step 4: Bake the Tart

1. Pour the chocolate filling into the baked tart crust.

2. Bake in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 25-30 minutes, until the filling is set but still slightly jiggles in the center.

3. Remove the tart from the oven and let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Once chilled, carefully remove the tart from the pan.

2. Serve your Tarte au Chocolat plain, or with a dollop of whipped cream and fresh raspberries for added flair.

3. Enjoy your homemade French Tarte au Chocolat with a cup of coffee or a dessert wine for a truly indulgent experience!

Tips for Success

For the best flavor, use high-quality dark chocolate.
Ensure that your butter is cold to achieve a flaky crust.
Experiment with different toppings like chocolate shavings, sea salt, or fresh fruit.

Now that you know how to make a French Tarte au Chocolat, it’s time to get baking! This delightful dessert is sure to impress your friends and family and will be a delightful addition to any dessert table.