Chocolate cream cake

Chocolate and Whipped Cream Tart - a Decadent Delight

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 4 hours and 50 minutes (including cooling time)
Number of servings: 8

The history of the chocolate tart is fascinating, filled with variations and adaptations. This is a recipe that combines simplicity with elegance, making it perfect for special occasions as well as for personal indulgence. The chocolate and whipped cream tart brings together a crunchy crust, a rich chocolate filling, and fluffy whipped cream, creating a memorable culinary experience. Let's discover together how to prepare this delight!

Ingredients:

For the crust:
- 200 g flour
- 50 g superfine sugar
- 150 g cold butter (cut into cubes)
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1-2 tablespoons cold water
- a pinch of salt

For the filling:
- 50 g butter
- 110 g dark chocolate (minimum 70% cocoa)
- 200 g superfine sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 3 large eggs
- vanilla extract (to taste)

For decoration:
- 400 ml liquid cream (minimum 30% fat)
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
- 30 g melted dark chocolate (for garnish)

Step by step - Preparing the tart:

1. Preparing the crust: Start by placing the flour, salt, and sugar in a large bowl. These ingredients will form the base of your tart. Add the cold butter cubes and, using your fingers, mix them with the flour until you achieve a texture similar to fine sand. It is important for the butter to be cold to obtain a crunchy and delicious crust. Add the egg yolk and 1-2 tablespoons of cold water, continuing to knead until the dough forms a smooth ball. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step will help firm up the dough and prevent it from deforming during baking.

2. Baking the crust: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Remove the dough from the refrigerator and roll it out on a floured surface until you get a thin sheet large enough to cover a 23 cm tart pan. Place the sheet in the pan, ensuring that the edges are well covered. Meanwhile, prick the dough all over with a fork to prevent air bubbles from forming. Cover with parchment paper and add baking beans or weights. Bake for 20 minutes or until the dough is golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely.

3. Preparing the chocolate filling: In a bain-marie, melt the dark chocolate together with the 50 g of butter. Stir occasionally until you achieve a homogeneous mixture. In another bowl, mix the sugar with the cornstarch and add it to the melted chocolate, stirring well to ensure there are no lumps. Now, beat the eggs in a separate bowl until they become lighter in color and thicken. Add the chocolate mixture to the eggs and continue to mix until well combined. Then, place the mixture over low heat and cook for 5 minutes, stirring constantly with a whisk until it thickens. Remove from heat and add the vanilla extract. Let the filling cool completely.

4. Assembling the tart: Whip 250 ml of the liquid cream until it becomes firm. Add the cooled chocolate filling and gently fold using a spatula to avoid losing air from the cream. Pour this mixture over the cooled tart crust, spreading it evenly. Cover the tart with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 4 hours, or until the filling has set.

5. Decorating the tart: Before serving, whip the remaining cream together with the powdered sugar until it becomes firm. Spread the cream over the chocolate filling, ensuring a smooth and aesthetic appearance. Melt a small portion of dark chocolate and use it to decorate the tart. You can create lines, swirls, or simply drizzle, depending on your creativity.

Practical tips:
- For an even more intense flavor, you can add a teaspoon of instant coffee to the chocolate mixture.
- Replace some of the dark chocolate with milk chocolate for a sweeter taste.
- Use natural cream without chemical additives for a more authentic flavor.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
This tart is a rich dessert, but it's worth every calorie. A serving contains approximately 350 kcal, with a high content of healthy fats from butter and dark chocolate, which are beneficial for the heart. Additionally, dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants, contributing to overall health.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use white chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
Yes, but the flavors will be different, and the tart will be sweeter.
2. How can I store the tart?
It can be stored in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days.
3. Is it possible to freeze the tart?
Although not recommended, you can freeze the tart, but the cream may not have the same texture after thawing.

Recipes and drinks that pair well:
To complement this delight, serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a berry sauce. A cup of black coffee or a sweet wine can be the perfect accompaniments.

It's a simple recipe, but with a remarkable visual and taste impact. Whether you prepare it for a party, a romantic dinner, or simply for a moment of personal indulgence, the chocolate and whipped cream tart will surely please everyone. Enjoy!