How to Make an Italian Hazelnut Chocolate Tart

If you're a fan of decadent desserts, an Italian hazelnut chocolate tart is sure to satisfy your cravings. This delightful treat combines rich chocolate with the nutty flavor of hazelnuts, creating a luxurious dessert perfect for any occasion. Follow this simple recipe to make your own Italian hazelnut chocolate tart.

Ingredients

To prepare your Italian hazelnut chocolate tart, you'll need the following ingredients:

  • 1 ½ cups of hazelnuts
  • 1 cup of all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ½ cup of powdered sugar
  • ½ teaspoon of salt
  • ½ cup of unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup of dark chocolate (70% cocoa or more)
  • ½ cup of heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
  • Chopped hazelnuts for garnish (optional)

Preparation Steps

1. Prepare the Hazelnut Crust

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a food processor, add the hazelnuts and pulse until finely ground. Be careful not to over-process, as they can turn into hazelnut butter.

In a mixing bowl, combine the ground hazelnuts, flour, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and salt. Mix well. Add the softened butter and egg to the dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.

Press the dough evenly into a 9-inch tart pan, ensuring that the crust is smooth and covers the bottom and sides evenly. Prick the bottom with a fork to prevent bubbling during baking.

Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes or until set. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack.

2. Make the Chocolate Filling

While the crust is cooling, prepare the chocolate filling. In a medium saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Remove from heat and add the dark chocolate, stirring until smooth and completely melted.

Add the vanilla extract to the chocolate mixture and stir to combine. Allow the filling to cool slightly before pouring it into the cooled tart shell. Spread the chocolate evenly over the crust, ensuring a smooth top.

3. Chill the Tart

Once the tart is filled, place it in the refrigerator to set for at least 2 hours. This chilling process will allow the chocolate filling to firm up, making it easier to slice.

4. Serve and Garnish

After the tart has set, remove it from the refrigerator. If desired, garnish the top with chopped hazelnuts for added texture and flavor. You can also dust the tart with a light sprinkle of cocoa powder or powdered sugar for an elegant touch.

To serve, carefully slice the tart into wedges and plate it with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience.

Conclusion

An Italian hazelnut chocolate tart is a luscious dessert that showcases the deliciousness of hazelnuts and chocolate. Whether served at a dinner party or enjoyed as a personal treat, this tart is sure to impress. Follow this recipe, and you'll create a show-stopping dessert that your friends and family will adore!