Tarte au chocolat super onctueuse
Tarte au chocolat super onctueuse 🍫🍫🍫 is a medium French recipe that serves 8. 450 calories per serving. Recipe by Il était une fois la pâtisserie on YouTube.
Prep: 8 hrs 10 min | Cook: 20 min | Total: 8 hrs 50 min
Cost: $16.60 total, $2.08 per serving
Ingredients
- 300 g Dark Chocolate (70% cocoa) (chopped into small pieces)
- 300 ml Heavy Cream (divided: 200 ml for ganache, 100 ml for final mixing)
- 2 Gelatin Sheets (softened in cold water, then squeezed)
- 2 Tbsp Cold Water (for softening gelatin)
- 150 g Hazelnut Flour (finely ground, gives nutty flavor)
- 100 g All‑Purpose Flour (helps bind the crust)
- 120 g Unsalted Butter (cold, cut into cubes)
- 130 g Granulated Sugar (50 g for crust, 80 g for filling)
- 5 Egg Yolks (4 for filling, 1 for crust (optional, helps bind))
- 200 ml Whole Milk (for chocolate custard filling)
- 1 Tbsp Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (for dusting, optional)
- 1 Tbsp Butter (for greasing) (softened, to butter tart pan)
Instructions
Soften Gelatin
Place the gelatin sheets in a small bowl with 2 Tbsp cold water. Let sit for 5 minutes until softened, then gently squeeze out excess water.
Time: PT5M
Heat Cream for Ganache
In a saucepan, heat 200 ml of heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer (about 85 °C). Remove from heat.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 85°C
Incorporate Gelatin
Stir the squeezed gelatin into the hot cream until fully dissolved.
Time: PT2M
Melt Chocolate
Add the chopped dark chocolate to the cream‑gelatin mixture. Let sit a few seconds, then stir gently until the chocolate is completely melted.
Time: PT3M
Finish Ganache Base
Stir in the remaining 100 ml of heavy cream until the ganache is homogeneous. Transfer to a shallow container, cover, and chill for at least 4 hours (overnight is best).
Time: PT4H
Whip Ganache
Remove the chilled ganache from the fridge. Using a whisk or hand mixer, start on low speed and gradually increase to medium‑high, whipping until the ganache thickens but is still soft enough to spread.
Time: PT5M
Prepare Crust Ingredients
In the food processor bowl, combine hazelnut flour, all‑purpose flour, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Pulse briefly.
Time: PT2M
Add Butter and Form Dough
Add cold cubed butter to the flour mixture. Pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add 1 egg yolk (optional) and pulse just until the dough comes together into a ball.
Time: PT8M
Chill Crust Dough
Flatten the dough into a disc, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 1 hour.
Time: PT1H
Roll Out Crust
On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to a uniform 3 mm thickness. Cut a 22 cm round for the base and cut a 3 mm‑thick strip to line the edge of the tart pan.
Time: PT10M
Chill Shaped Crust
Place the crust pieces on parchment paper, cover, and refrigerate for another 1 hour.
Time: PT1H
Prepare Chocolate Custard Filling
In a saucepan, combine 200 ml whole milk, 100 ml heavy cream, and 80 g sugar. Heat gently until just simmering. Remove from heat and pour over the remaining 200 g chopped dark chocolate. Let sit a few seconds, then stir until smooth.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 85°C
Add Egg Yolks to Filling
Temper the 4 egg yolks by whisking a small amount of the warm chocolate mixture into them, then fold the yolk mixture back into the full chocolate custard. Mix until fully incorporated.
Time: PT5M
Chill Filling
Cover the custard filling and refrigerate for 1 hour (or overnight).
Time: PT1H
Blind‑Bake Tart Shell
Preheat the oven to 180 °C. Butter the tart pan, line the base with parchment paper, and fill with baking beans. Dock the base with a fork. Bake for 15 minutes until lightly golden.
Time: PT15M
Temperature: 180°C
Add Custard Filling
Remove the blind‑baked shell, discard the beans and parchment, and pour the chilled chocolate custard filling into the crust, smoothing the top.
Time: PT5M
Second Bake
Return the tart to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes to set the filling.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 180°C
Cool Slightly
Remove the tart from the oven and let it cool on a rack for about 15 minutes.
Time: PT15M
Spread Ganache Topping
Evenly spread the whipped ganache over the cooled tart surface using a spatula.
Time: PT5M
Final Chill and Serve
Place the finished tart in the freezer for at least 2 hours until the ganache is firm enough to unmold. Dust with unsweetened cocoa powder (optional) and serve.
Time: PT2H
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 450
- Protein
- 5 g
- Carbohydrates
- 40 g
- Fat
- 30 g
- Fiber
- 3 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Contains dairy, Contains nuts, Contains gluten
Allergens: Milk, Eggs, Hazelnuts, Gluten
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Dark Chocolate (70% cocoa): Semi‑sweet chocolate, Couverture chocolate
- Instead of Heavy Cream: Half‑and‑half (will be less rich)
- Instead of Gelatin Sheets: Powdered gelatin (1 tsp)
- Instead of Hazelnut Flour: Almond flour, Ground hazelnuts
- Instead of All‑Purpose Flour: Bread flour, Gluten‑free flour blend
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Margarine (will change flavor)
- Instead of Granulated Sugar: Caster sugar, Coconut sugar
- Instead of Egg Yolks: Pasteurized egg yolks
- Instead of Whole Milk: Almond milk (will alter flavor)
- Instead of Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Cocoa nibs
- Instead of Butter (for greasing): Non‑stick spray
Equipment Needed
- Food Processor or Stand Mixer
- Saucepan
- Mixing Bowls
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Rolling Pin (with elastic bands)
- 22 cm Tart Pan (Saint‑Honoré style)
- Parchment Paper
- Fork (for docking)
- Oven
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Soaking and fully dissolving gelatin without overheating.
- Ensuring chocolate is completely melted and smooth before adding extra cream.
- Chilling the ganache until thick but still spreadable.
- Rolling the crust to an even 3 mm thickness for uniform baking.
- Blind‑baking the crust to prevent sogginess.
- Tempering egg yolks into the chocolate custard to avoid curdling.
- Freezing the final tart long enough to allow clean unmolding.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use high‑quality 70 % dark chocolate for the deepest flavor.
- Toast the hazelnut flour lightly (2‑3 minutes) for extra nuttiness before mixing into the crust.
- For a glossy finish, give the ganache a quick blast of a kitchen torch just before serving.
Troubleshooting
Ganache becomes grainy after whipping.
Do not over‑whip; stop as soon as it reaches a soft, glossy texture. If grainy, gently re‑heat the ganache over a bain‑marie and whisk until smooth, then chill again.
Crust shrinks or cracks during baking.
Chill the dough thoroughly before rolling and bake on parchment with baking beans to support the base.
Filling curdles when adding egg yolks.
Temper the yolks by slowly whisking a small amount of the warm chocolate mixture into them before folding back into the full batch.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store uncovered for up to 3 days. Re‑cover with plastic wrap before refrigerating.
Freezer: Can be frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Room temperature: Do not keep at room temperature for more than 2 hours; ganache will soften.
Make-Ahead Tips
- The ganache can be prepared 2 days in advance and kept refrigerated.
- The crust dough can be chilled up to 24 hours before rolling.
- The chocolate custard filling can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of an intense chocolate tart in French pastry tradition?
Chocolate tarts have been a staple of French pâtisserie since the 19th century, when chocolate became widely available. The rich, layered version with a nut‑flavored crust and ganache reflects the French love for contrast between crisp pastry and silky chocolate, often served at celebrations and holidays.
What are the traditional regional variations of chocolate tart in French cuisine?
In the Île‑de‑France region, tarts often use almond flour for the crust, while in the Rhône‑Alps area hazelnut or walnut flour is common. Some versions add a splash of orange liqueur or coffee to the ganache for regional flavor twists.
How is an authentic intense chocolate tart traditionally served in France?
It is typically presented on a plain white plate, dusted with unsweetened cocoa powder, and served slightly chilled. A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream is sometimes offered on the side.
What occasions or celebrations is an intense chocolate tart traditionally associated with in French culture?
The tart is popular for birthdays, weddings, and the holiday season, especially Noël (Christmas) and La Fête des Rois, where its luxurious chocolate flavor makes it a centerpiece dessert.
How does an intense chocolate tart fit into the broader French pastry tradition?
It exemplifies the French pastry principle of balance: a buttery, nutty crust, a smooth, custard‑like chocolate filling, and a glossy ganache topping. This layering mirrors classic French desserts such as mille‑feuille and opera cake.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for an intense chocolate tart versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditionally the tart uses high‑quality dark chocolate, hazelnut flour, butter, cream, and gelatin. Acceptable substitutes include almond flour for the crust, cocoa powder instead of extra chocolate for the ganache, or agar‑agar for a vegetarian setting.
What other French dishes pair well with an intense chocolate tart?
A crisp glass of Champagne, a sweet Sauternes wine, or a cup of strong French press coffee complement the tart’s richness. For a lighter pairing, serve with a fruit compote of berries or poached pears.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making an intense chocolate tart at home?
Common errors include overheating the ganache, which makes it grainy; under‑chilling the ganache so it cannot be spread; over‑mixing the crust dough, leading to a tough base; and failing to blind‑bake the crust, resulting in sogginess.
Why does this intense chocolate tart recipe use gelatin in the ganache instead of simply chilling the chocolate‑cream mixture?
Gelatin stabilizes the ganache, giving it a light, mousse‑like texture that holds its shape when spread and after freezing. Without gelatin, the ganache would become too runny and could melt the tart’s filling.
Can I make the intense chocolate tart ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes. Prepare the crust, fill, and ganache up to the final chilling step. Keep the assembled tart wrapped in plastic and refrigerated for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
What does the YouTube channel Il était une fois la pâtisserie specialize in?
The YouTube channel Il était une fois la pâtisserie specializes in French pastry tutorials, focusing on classic techniques, elegant desserts, and detailed step‑by‑step guidance for home bakers.
How does the YouTube channel Il était une fois la pâtisserie's approach to French pastry differ from other French cooking channels?
Il était une fois la pâtisserie emphasizes precise temperature control, the use of professional‑grade equipment, and thorough explanations of why each step matters, whereas many other channels focus more on quick, simplified methods.
Last updated: August 20, 2026






