Simple Dark Chocolate Tart Recipe: Ina Garten’s Dreamy Dessert

Decadent chocolate lovers understand the pure magic behind this dark chocolate tart infused with Ina Garten’s culinary expertise.

Her recipe blends rich, velvety chocolate with a delicate, buttery crust that melts in your mouth.

Every bite promises an indulgent experience that transcends ordinary desserts.

The silky smooth filling creates a luxurious texture that beckons you to savor each delectable moment.

Professional bakers and home cooks alike will appreciate the elegant simplicity of this remarkable tart.

Simple techniques and premium ingredients come together to craft a dessert that feels both sophisticated and comforting.

Grab your whisk and dive into this chocolatey masterpiece that’s sure to impress at any gathering.

Crafting a Dark Chocolate Tart with Ina’s Instructions

Dark Chocolate Dreamscape

• Chocolate Base Foundation

Crush chocolate cookies into fine crumbs, blending with melted butter to create a rich, smooth crust. Press mixture gently into a tart pan, forming a delicate shell that will cradle the decadent filling.

• Silky Chocolate Heart

Warm fresh cream until it whispers tiny bubbles, then cascade it over premium dark chocolate. Let the mixture meld and transform, creating a luxurious pool of glossy chocolate custard. Fold in farm-fresh eggs and a splash of vanilla for depth and complexity.

• Glistening Coffee Finale

Craft a sophisticated coffee-infused chocolate glaze by combining deep chocolate and espresso powder. Pour heated cream over the mixture, allowing it to create a mirror-like surface across the tart’s landscape. Sprinkle delicate sea salt crystals for an unexpected flavor burst.

• Elegant Presentation

Allow the tart to rest at room temperature, letting its layers settle and flavors harmonize. Carefully release from the pan, revealing a stunning dessert that promises pure indulgence. Slice into elegant wedges and serve at a leisurely temperature.

Chocolate Tart Tips & Creative Twists by Ina Garten

• Experiment with different chocolate wafer types or graham crackers for a unique crust flavor profile.
• Add a splash of Grand Marnier or Kahlúa to the filling for an sophisticated adult twist.
• Sprinkle crushed nuts, cocoa powder, or edible gold flakes for stunning visual appeal.
• Play with different salt varieties like Himalayan pink salt or smoked sea salt to enhance chocolate complexity.

Serving Up the Perfect Slice of Ina Garten’s Tart

• Serve with Creamy Companions: Pair the rich, decadent tart with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream to balance the intense chocolate flavor.
• Garnish with Elegant Touches: Sprinkle additional sea salt flakes or dust with cocoa powder for a sophisticated presentation that enhances the tart's deep chocolate notes.
• Create a Dessert Experience: Serve alongside a small glass of port wine or a hot espresso to complement the tart's luxurious chocolate intensity and provide a delightful after-dinner treat.
• Presentation Perfection: Use a sharp, clean knife to cut precise wedges, wiping the blade between cuts to ensure beautiful, clean slices that showcase the tart's smooth texture.

Chocolate Tart Storage Hacks from Ina

• Refrigerate Wisely: Store the dark chocolate tart in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover tightly to prevent absorbing other food odors and maintain the rich chocolate flavor.
• Freeze for Later: Wrap the entire tart or individual slices in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to preserve the delicate texture.
• Room Temperature Magic: Remove the tart from the refrigerator 30 minutes before serving. This allows the chocolate to soften slightly, enhancing its creamy texture and deep flavor profile.
• Handle with Care: Use a sharp, clean knife when slicing. Wipe the blade between cuts with a warm, damp cloth to create clean, precise slices that showcase the tart's beautiful layers.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 8

What’s Inside Ina Garten’s Decadent Dark Chocolate Tart

• Chocolate Wafers: Provides rich, chocolatey base with deep flavor complexity and crumbly texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps bind crust ingredients together.
• Unsalted Butter: Creates golden, crisp crust with smooth, rich consistency.

• Dark Chocolate: Delivers intense, deep chocolate flavor and silky smooth texture.
• Heavy Cream: Ensures luxurious, creamy consistency and helps chocolate melt perfectly.
• Large Eggs: Provides structure and creates a luscious, custard-like filling.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances chocolate's depth and adds subtle aromatic warmth.

• Dark Chocolate: Creates glossy, rich topping with intense flavor.
• Instant Coffee Granules: Amplifies chocolate's richness and adds subtle complexity.
• Heavy Cream: Helps create smooth, shiny glaze with perfect pouring consistency.
• Flaky Sea Salt: Provides delightful contrast and elevates chocolate's depth.

Tools You’ll Need to Make Ina’s Dark Chocolate Tart Shine

• Food Processor: Essential for grinding chocolate wafers and sugar into fine crumbs.
• 9-inch Tart Pan with Removable Bottom: Key for creating the perfect tart shape and easy removal.
• Sheet Pan: Helps support the tart pan during baking and provides stability.
• Saucepan: Needed for heating cream for both filling and glaze.
• Mixing Bowls: Used for combining chocolate, cream, and other ingredients.
• Whisk: Perfect for smoothly blending chocolate and cream.
• Sharp Knife: Useful for cutting the tart into clean, precise wedges.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities.

Silky Dark Chocolate Tart Recipe

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4.6 from 39 reviews

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

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Description

Ina Garten’s dark chocolate tart delivers rich, silky indulgence from her classic dessert repertoire. Chocolate enthusiasts will savor each intense, ganache-filled slice with pure culinary pleasure.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 9-oz / 255-g box 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)

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Instructions

1. Crust Preparation: Pulverize chocolate wafers and sugar in a food processor, blend with melted butter, and press firmly into a 9-inch tart pan, covering base and sides evenly.
2. Crust Baking: Position the crust on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 10 minutes until set, then cool completely at room temperature.
3. Chocolate Ganache Creation: Finely chop dark chocolate and place in a heat-resistant bowl. Heat heavy cream to a gentle boil, pour over chocolate, let rest for one minute, then whisk until smooth and glossy.
4. Filling Integration: Blend room-temperature eggs and vanilla extract into the chocolate ganache, creating a homogeneous mixture. Pour carefully into the cooled chocolate cookie crust.
5. Tart Baking: Return tart to the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, ensuring the exterior is set with a slight center jiggle. Remove and cool completely.
6. Glaze Preparation: Combine chopped chocolate with instant coffee granules in a bowl. Heat cream to boiling, pour over chocolate, rest for one minute, then whisk until achieving a smooth, lustrous finish.
7. Final Finishing: Pour glossy glaze over the cooled tart, spreading evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle a delicate pinch of flaky sea salt across the surface for enhanced flavor complexity.
8. Serving: Allow tart to rest until glaze sets completely. Remove from pan, transfer to a serving plate, slice into elegant wedges, and serve at room temperature for optimal taste and texture.

Notes

• Select Premium Chocolate: Choose high-quality dark chocolate with at least 60-70% cocoa content for rich, intense flavor and smooth ganache texture.
• Prevent Crust Crumbling: Press cookie crust mixture firmly and evenly into tart pan to create a sturdy, compact base that holds together perfectly when sliced.
• Master Ganache Technique: Allow hot cream to sit exactly one minute with chocolate before whisking to ensure smooth, glossy filling without potential separation.
• Temperature Control Matters: Remove tart from oven when center slightly jiggles, as filling will continue setting during cooling process, preventing potential overcooking and dry texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 100 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 41 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg