Valentine’s Day Special – Decadent Dark Chocolate Tart with Raspberries
Love is in the air and what better way to celebrate it than with this super indulgent, Dark Chocolate Tart with Raspberries. Perfect for a romantic date on Valentine’s Day, this dessert is sure to impress your loved one. From a crisp, buttery crust to a silky, rich chocolate filling topped with fresh, tangy raspberries – every bite is pure bliss.
Why Make This Recipe
This Dark Chocolate Tart with Raspberries is not just a dessert, but a statement! Made with simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, this recipe is perfect for anyone looking to impress. It doesn’t require any complicated tools or techniques – just a little love and patience.
Each serving delivers just the right balance of flavours, making it the perfect end to a lovely Valentine’s Day dinner.
Total Time: 50 minutes
– Prep Time: 30 minutes
– Bake Time: 20 minutes
– Servings: 8
**Ingredients**
For the Crust:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup cocoa powder
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1 egg yolk
– 2-3 tbsp cold water
For the Filling:
– 8 oz dark chocolate, chopped
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter
For Topping:
– 1 cup fresh raspberries
– Optional: powdered sugar for dusting
**Directions**
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a food processor, combine flour, cocoa powder, sugar and salt. Add in the butter and pulse until you get a coarse texture. Gradually add egg yolk and cold water, pulsing until the dough binds together.
3. Press the dough into a 9-inch tart pan and prick its bottom with a fork. Bake for 15 minutes, then let it cool down.
4. Meanwhile, heat cream and butter in a saucepan over medium heat until it starts to simmer. Pour this mixture over the chopped chocolate, let it sit for 5 minutes and then whisk until smooth.
5. Pour this chocolate mixture into the cooled crust and smooth it out evenly. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to let it set.
6. Before serving, arrange raspberries on the top and optionally dust it with powdered sugar.
How to Serve the Dark Chocolate Tart
This deliciously rich tart is best served chilled, which allows its flavors to unfold beautifully. For a touch of luxury, pair it with a glass of red wine to bring out the depth of the dark chocolate.
How to Store the Dark Chocolate Tart
This tart can be stored in the refrigerator, covered, for about 2-3 days. It’s best not to dust it with powdered sugar or put on the raspberries until you’re ready to serve – as both can get soggy.
Tips to Make the Dark Chocolate Tart
– Make sure to chop the chocolate finely for the filling, it’ll allow it to melt quickly and evenly when mixed with the hot cream.
– Use good quality dark chocolate with a high cocoa content, it will give a more intense flavor.
– The crust dough might feel a bit crumbly, but don’t worry. It will come together when it’s pressed into the tart pan.
Variation
To put a twist on this tart, you could use white chocolate instead of the dark chocolate. Also, if raspberries aren’t your thing, you can swap them out for strawberries or blueberries!
FAQs
Q: Can I use a store-bought crust?
A: Absolutely! That’ll definitely save some time and effort. However, do pay attention to its ingredients if you’re particular about what’s going into your dessert.
Q: Why is my filling grainy?
A: The chocolate could’ve seized as a result of hot cream. To prevent this, make sure your cream is hot but not boiling, before pouring it over the chocolate.
Q: Can I make the tart ahead?
A: Yes. You can make the tart a day ahead. After it has set, you can store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Just remember to leave the raspberries and icing sugar for the last minute.
Enjoy your Valentine’s Day with this luscicious Dark Chocolate Tart with Raspberries. It’s the perfect way to end a romantic meal. Happy cooking!