Chocolate Hazelnut French Tart Recipe: A Dessert for Any Occasion

This chocolate hazelnut french tart is the perfect blend of smooth, rich chocolate and crunchy toasted hazelnuts, creating an indulgent yet elegant dessert. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion, a cozy family gathering, or simply treating yourself, this tart is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

The buttery crust, silky ganache, and nutty crunch make it irresistible. Plus, it’s easy to make and requires just a few simple ingredients.

Follow this step-by-step recipe to create a homemade chocolate hazelnut french tart that will impress everyone!

Prep & Cook Time

• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Cook time: 25 minutes
• Chill time (optional): 1 hour (for a firmer tart)
• Total time: ~1 hour 45 minutes

Ingredients (Serves 8)

For the Shortbread Crust

• 1 1/2 cups (200g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (100g) cold butter, cubed
• 2/3 cup (80g) powdered sugar
• 1 egg
• A pinch of salt

For the Chocolate Ganache

• 7 oz (200g) high-quality dark chocolate, chopped
• 3/4 cup (200ml) heavy cream
• 2 tbsp (30g) unsalted butter

For the Topping

• 3/4 cup (100g) whole hazelnuts
• Crushed hazelnuts for garnish (optional)

How to Make a Chocolate Hazelnut French Tart

Step 1: Prepare the Shortbread Crust

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, powdered sugar, and salt.
2. Add the cold butter and mix with your fingertips until the texture becomes crumbly.
3. Stir in the egg and mix until the dough comes together. Form a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Step 2: Bake the Crust

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface and press it into a 9-inch tart pan.
3. Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork to prevent puffing. Line with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans.
4. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the weights and parchment paper and bake for an additional 10 minutes until lightly golden. Let it cool completely.

Step 3: Make the Chocolate Ganache

1. Heat the heavy cream in a saucepan until it just begins to simmer.
2. Remove from heat and pour over the chopped dark chocolate. Let it sit for 1 minute, then stir until smooth.
3. Add the butter and mix until fully incorporated for a glossy finish.

Step 4: Toast the Hazelnuts

1. Heat a dry skillet over medium heat and toast the hazelnuts for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant.
2. Let them cool, then roughly chop.

Step 5: Assemble the Tart

1. Pour the chocolate ganache into the cooled tart crust, spreading it evenly.
2. Sprinkle the toasted hazelnuts over the top, gently pressing them into the ganache.
3. Let the tart sit at room temperature for 1 hour or refrigerate for a firmer texture.

Nutrition & Health Benefits

Nutritional Value (Per Serving)

This chocolate hazelnut french tart is a rich and indulgent dessert, perfect for special occasions.

• Calories: ~450 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fats: 30g
• Protein: 7g

Health Benefits of Key Ingredients

• 🌰 Hazelnuts – Packed with healthy fats, antioxidants, and vitamin E, they promote heart health.
• 🍫 Dark Chocolate – Rich in antioxidants and magnesium, which help reduce stress and boost mood.
• 🥚 Eggs – Provide high-quality protein and essential vitamins for overall well-being.

Zoé’s Tips

• For an extra crispy crust, avoid overworking the dough to keep it light and flaky.
• Want a sweeter taste? Swap dark chocolate for milk chocolate or praline chocolate.
• To enhance the hazelnut flavor, mix in a tablespoon of hazelnut butter into the ganache.
• For a professional finish, sprinkle with flaky sea salt or drizzle with melted white chocolate.

Best Serving Suggestions

• 🍨 With Vanilla Ice Cream – The cold, creamy contrast pairs beautifully with the deep chocolate flavor.
• ☕ With a Cup of Coffee or Espresso – The slight bitterness complements the tart’s sweetness.
• 🍓 With Fresh Berries – A handful of raspberries or strawberries adds a refreshing balance.

Variations of the Chocolate Hazelnut French Tart Recipe

• 🥧 No-Bake Chocolate Hazelnut Tart – Use a crust made of crushed cookies mixed with melted butter instead of a baked crust.
• 🍯 Chocolate Hazelnut Praline Tart – Spread a layer of praline paste over the crust before pouring the ganache.
• 🌱 Vegan Chocolate Hazelnut Tart – Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream and coconut oil instead of butter.
• 🍊 Chocolate Orange Hazelnut Tart – Add orange zest to the ganache for a citrusy twist.

This chocolate hazelnut tart is an elegant yet easy-to-make dessert that combines the richness of chocolate with the crunch of toasted hazelnuts.

Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just to satisfy a chocolate craving, this tart is sure to impress.

Try it out and let me know how it turns out!