Silky Dark Chocolate Tart Recipe

Ina Garten’s Dark Chocolate Tart Recipe: A Dreamy Treat

Chocolate lovers rejoice over this decadent dark chocolate tart by Ina Garten that promises pure indulgence.

Rich, silky, and impossibly smooth, this dessert brings restaurant-quality elegance right to your kitchen counter.

The intense cocoa flavors meld perfectly with a buttery, crisp crust that crumbles delightfully with each bite.

Professional chefs and home bakers alike will appreciate the sophisticated simplicity of this recipe.

Elegant yet surprisingly straightforward, the tart requires minimal ingredients but delivers maximum impact.

The velvety chocolate filling creates a luxurious experience that will impress even the most discerning palates.

Grab your whisk and get ready to create a showstopping dessert that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

What You’ll Need to Bake Ina Garten Dark Chocolate Tart

  • Food Processor: Essential for grinding chocolate wafers and sugar into fine crumbs.
  • 9-inch Tart Pan with Removable Bottom: Crucial for creating the perfect chocolate tart shape and easy removal.
  • Sheet Pan: Helps support the tart pan during baking and prevents mess in the oven.
  • Saucepan: Needed for heating cream for both filling and glaze.
  • Mixing Bowls: Two bowls required for preparing chocolate mixtures.
  • Whisk: Perfect for smoothly blending chocolate and cream.
  • Cutting Knife: Used for slicing the tart into elegant wedges.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities.

How to Make Ina Garten Dark Chocolate Tart the Simple Way

How to Make Ina Garten Dark Chocolate Tart the Simple Way

Chocolate Heaven

  • Crust Foundation Chocolatey crumbs create the base of this luxurious dessert. Crush chocolate cookies and blend with melted butter, pressing firmly into a tart pan. Bake briefly to set the delicate foundation.
  • Silky Chocolate Center Chop dark chocolate into tiny pieces. Warm cream until it's steaming hot, then pour over chocolate to create a velvety smooth mixture. Gently fold in eggs to transform the liquid into a rich, creamy filling.
  • Baking Magic Place the tart in the oven, watching carefully as the center becomes just slightly wobbly. The filling will continue setting as it cools, creating a dreamy texture that melts in your mouth.
  • Glossy Topping Create a stunning coffee-infused chocolate glaze by combining heated cream with chocolate and a hint of coffee. Pour the glistening mixture over the cooled tart, allowing it to cascade smoothly to the edges.
  • Final Flourish Sprinkle a touch of sea salt across the top to enhance the chocolate's deep flavor. Let the tart rest at room temperature, allowing the glaze to set perfectly before serving these decadent slices of pure indulgence.

Chocolate Tart Tips Inspired by Ina Garten

  • Swap chocolate wafers with graham crackers or chocolate graham crackers for a quick texture twist that still delivers deep, rich flavor.
  • Experiment with different dark chocolate percentages from 60% to 85% to control the depth of bittersweet notes and create your perfect richness level.
  • Prepare the entire tart up to 2 days in advance and store covered in the refrigerator, bringing to room temperature before serving for maximum flavor and texture.
  • Top with fresh raspberries, candied orange peel, toasted almond slivers, or a delicate dusting of cocoa powder to elevate the presentation and add complementary flavors.
  • Allow the tart to rest at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to ensure the chocolate filling reaches optimal creamy consistency and the flavors fully develop.

How to Serve Ina Garten Dark Chocolate Tart with Style

  • Savor Rich Chocolate Moments: Slice the tart into elegant wedges for an indulgent dessert experience after a gourmet dinner.
  • Pair with Complementary Drinks: Serve alongside a robust espresso or smooth red wine to enhance the dark chocolate's complex flavors.
  • Elegant Presentation Tips: Garnish with delicate sea salt flakes and a light dusting of cocoa powder to elevate the visual appeal and add subtle texture contrasts.
  • Temperature Perfect Serving: Allow the tart to rest at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to ensure optimal flavor and smooth, creamy consistency.

Storing Ina Garten Dark Chocolate Tart for Later

  • Refrigerate Wisely: Store the dark chocolate tart in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The cool environment helps maintain the tart's texture and prevents the chocolate from becoming too soft.
  • Freeze for Future Enjoyment: Wrap the tart tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to preserve its rich, creamy consistency.
  • Serve at Perfect Temperature: Remove the tart from the refrigerator 30 minutes before serving to allow it to come to room temperature. This helps enhance the chocolate's full flavor and creates a softer, more luxurious texture.
  • Handle with Care: Use a sharp, clean knife to slice the tart. Wipe the blade between cuts for neat, clean slices that showcase the tart's beautiful layers and glossy chocolate glaze.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 366 kcal

Servings: 8

Ingredient List for Ina Garten Dark Chocolate Tart

For Crust Base:
  • Chocolate Wafers: Provides rich, deep chocolate foundation for the tart's structure.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps bind the crust ingredients.
  • Unsalted Butter: Creates a smooth, cohesive texture and adds richness.
For Luscious Filling:
  • Dark Chocolate: Delivers intense, velvety chocolate flavor and smooth consistency.
  • Heavy Cream: Ensures creamy, luxurious texture and helps chocolate melt perfectly.
  • Eggs: Binds the filling and creates silky, custard-like structure.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances and rounds out the chocolate's deep flavor profile.
For Glossy Finishing Touches:
  • Dark Chocolate: Creates a stunning, reflective glaze with intense flavor.
  • Coffee Granules: Amplifies and deepens the chocolate's complex taste.
  • Heavy Cream: Provides smooth, glossy consistency for the topping.
  • Sea Salt: Adds surprising flavor contrast and elevates the chocolate's richness.
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Silky Dark Chocolate Tart Recipe

Rich Ina Garten Dark Chocolate Tart Recipe


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4.6 from 24 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Ina Garten’s dark chocolate tart delivers rich, silky elegance with pure French chocolate and buttery graham cracker crust. Chocolate enthusiasts will savor each luxurious slice of this sophisticated dessert that promises intense flavor and smooth refinement.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (9 oz / 255 g) Nabisco Famous Chocolate Wafers
  • 6 tbsps / 85 g unsalted butter, melted
  • ¼ cup / 50 g sugar
  • 6 ½ oz / 185 g bittersweet chocolate (such as Lindt), finely chopped
  • 1 ¼ cups / 300 ml heavy cream
  • 2 extra-large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract (such as Nielsen-Massey)
  • ¼ tsp instant coffee granules
  • 3 oz / 85 g bittersweet chocolate (such as Lindt), finely chopped
  • ¼ cup / 60 ml heavy cream
  • ½ tsp flaked sea salt (such as Maldon)

Instructions

  1. Crust Preparation: Pulverize chocolate wafers and sugar in a food processor until finely textured. Mix with melted butter to create a cohesive crumb mixture.
  2. Crust Baking: Press crumb mixture into a 9-inch tart pan, covering bottom and sides evenly. Roast at 350°F for 10 minutes on a baking sheet to set and develop toasted notes.
  3. Chocolate Ganache Creation: Chop high-quality chocolate into uniform pieces. Pour boiling heavy cream over chocolate, let rest one minute, then whisk until achieving a silky, glossy consistency. Fold in room-temperature eggs and vanilla extract until fully integrated.
  4. Primary Baking Process: Pour ganache into pre-baked crust, ensuring even distribution. Bake for 18-20 minutes, watching for a subtle center jiggle while edges set. Remove and cool completely at room temperature.
  5. Chocolate Glaze Finishing: Combine chopped chocolate with instant coffee granules in a bowl. Pour boiling heavy cream over mixture, rest briefly, then whisk into a smooth glaze. Drizzle over cooled tart, spreading evenly to edges.
  6. Final Presentation: Sprinkle flaky sea salt across the surface for flavor complexity. Allow glaze to set at room temperature. Carefully remove from tart pan, transfer to serving plate, and slice into elegant wedges. Serve at room temperature to maximize flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Precision Matters: Use high-quality dark chocolate and carefully chop it into uniform pieces for a smooth, luxurious ganache.
  • Crust Technique: Press the chocolate cookie crust firmly and evenly to create a solid, crisp base that complements the creamy filling.
  • Temperature Control: Allow the tart to cool completely at room temperature to set properly and develop optimal texture and flavor.
  • Finishing Touch: The sprinkle of flaky sea salt elevates the chocolate’s richness and adds a sophisticated flavor contrast.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 366
  • Sugar: 22 g
  • Sodium: 60 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Sophia Rivera

Sophia Rivera

Recipe Developer & Kitchen Tips Specialist

Expertise

  • Baking and Pastry Arts
  • Seasonal and Local Ingredient Utilization
  • Dessert Menu Planning
  • Culinary Event Coordination

Education

Austin Community College

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Baking and Pastry Arts
  • Focus: Techniques in baking, pastry creation, and dessert presentation.

San Antonio Culinary Institute

  • Program: Diploma in Farm-to-Table Culinary Practices
  • Focus: Emphasis on utilizing locally sourced ingredients and understanding seasonal flavors.

Sophia’s passion for baking began in her family kitchen, where she spent hours experimenting with new recipes. With a background in baking and pastry arts, she loves making desserts that are as visually stunning as they are delicious. 

Sophia is all about using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients to create treats that everyone will enjoy. When she’s not creating mouth-watering desserts, you can find her gardening, making new recipes, or enjoying a relaxing afternoon with her family.

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