Whenever I crave a dessert that feels both indulgent and approachable, I turn to this easy chocolate hazelnut tart. It features a wonderfully crispy almond crust that perfectly complements the rich, silky chocolate hazelnut filling. Topped with caramelized hazelnuts, this tart is a showstopper without the fuss.
Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just treating yourself, this chocolate hazelnut tart recipe is bound to become a favorite. You’ll love how its textures and flavors come together effortlessly, making it a delightful way to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make with simple ingredients you probably already have.
- The crispy almond crust adds a unique nutty crunch.
- Rich chocolate hazelnut filling that’s smooth and decadent.
- Garnished with caramelized hazelnuts for an elegant finish.
- Perfect for impressing guests or a cozy night in dessert.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients for the crust, filling, and caramelized hazelnuts to create this delicious tart.
- 1 1/4 cups almond flour
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 large egg yolk
- 6 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup chocolate hazelnut spread (such as Nutella)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup hazelnuts, toasted and chopped
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for caramelizing nuts)
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Calories: Approximately 350 per serving
How to Make Easy Chocolate Hazelnut Tart with Crispy Almond Crust & Caramelized Hazelnuts
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a food processor, pulse almond flour, all-purpose flour, sugar, and salt until combined. Add cold butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add the egg yolk and pulse just until dough starts to come together. Press the dough evenly into a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom. Prick the crust with a fork and bake for 15 minutes until golden and crisp.
- While the crust bakes, heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat and pour over the chopped bittersweet chocolate. Let sit for 2 minutes, then stir until smooth.
- Stir in the chocolate hazelnut spread and vanilla extract until the filling is glossy and well combined. Pour the filling into the warm crust and smooth the top.
- Return the tart to the oven and bake for another 10-12 minutes until the filling is set but still slightly soft in the center. Let cool completely at room temperature, then chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour.
- To caramelize the hazelnuts, heat 1/4 cup sugar in a skillet over medium heat until it melts and turns amber. Quickly toss in toasted hazelnuts to coat them evenly, then spread them on parchment paper to cool and harden.
- Once the tart is chilled, decorate with the caramelized hazelnuts. Slice and serve chilled or at room temperature for the best texture.
Tips for the Best Results
- Use cold butter for the crust to keep it crisp and flaky.
- Don’t overbake the filling; it should be slightly soft when you remove it to avoid cracking.
- Toast the hazelnuts beforehand for extra flavor before caramelizing.
- Let the tart chill fully to allow flavors to meld and the filling to set perfectly.
- Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water for clean slices.
Storage and Reheating
Store your chocolate hazelnut tart covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The crust will maintain its crispness, and the filling will stay creamy and delicious.
You can freeze the tart for up to 1 month. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw overnight in the fridge and serve chilled or at room temperature. Reheating is not recommended as it may soften the crust.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different nut for the crust?
Yes, you can substitute almond flour with hazelnut or pecan flour for a different nutty flavor in the crust. Keep the other ingredients the same for best results.
Is it necessary to caramelize the hazelnuts?
While not mandatory, caramelizing the hazelnuts adds a delightful crunch and a sweet, rich flavor that perfectly complements the chocolate filling.
Can I make this tart gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend of equal measure, ensuring it is suitable for baking to maintain the texture of the crust.
How long should I chill the tart before serving?
Chilling the tart for at least one hour allows the chocolate filling to set properly and the flavors to develop fully. Overnight chilling is even better for optimal taste and texture.
