Homemade chocolate tart with nuts

Delicious homemade chocolate tart with hazelnuts

This homemade chocolate tart with hazelnuts is a true indulgence for dessert lovers. With a tender crust and rich cream, this treat will not only delight your taste buds but also bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones. Imagine how the aroma of chocolate intertwines with that of hazelnuts, creating a dessert that will surely become your favorite.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 10 servings (or less, depending on how generous you are with the slices)

Necessary ingredients:

*For the chocolate cream:*
- 150 g powdered milk
- 40 g cocoa
- 200 g brown sugar
- 100 ml water
- 1 vanilla pod (or 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract)
- 75 g butter (preferably with a fat content of 85%)

*For the crust:*
- 250 g butter (soft but cold)
- 280 g flour (plus a handful extra for sprinkling)
- 1 egg
- 1 heaping tablespoon of sour cream (20%)
- A pinch of salt
- Vanilla (1 teaspoon of extract or a vanilla pod)
- 2 full tablespoons of cold milk
- 2 tablespoons of cocoa
- 1 cup of hazelnut powder

Recipe story:

The chocolate tart has a rich history that dates back to ancient times. Over the years, it has evolved from simple desserts to elaborate creations, with each culture contributing its unique touch. This recipe combines tradition with innovation, bringing you a quick and simple dessert but with a sophisticated taste, perfect for any occasion.

Preparation technique:

1. Preparing the chocolate cream:
- In a saucepan over low heat, combine 100 ml of water, 200 g of brown sugar, and the seeds of a vanilla pod (or vanilla extract). Mix well and let it boil for about 6 minutes until the syrup thickens slightly.
- Once the syrup is ready, remove the pan from the heat and add 75 g of butter. Stir until the butter completely melts and you achieve a homogeneous mixture.
- In another bowl, sift 150 g of powdered milk and 40 g of cocoa. Add the prepared syrup and mix well to combine.

2. Preparing the crust:
- In a large bowl, cut 250 g of cold butter into cubes and combine it with the other crust ingredients: 280 g of flour, 1 egg, 1 tablespoon of sour cream, a pinch of salt, vanilla, 2 tablespoons of cold milk, and 2 tablespoons of cocoa.
- Quickly knead the dough until it becomes homogeneous. Don’t worry if it seems a bit sticky; it will be delicious.
- Roll out the dough on a sheet of parchment paper and transfer it to a greased tart pan. Using your fingers, gently press the dough up the sides of the pan to form the base of the tart.

3. Baking the crust:
- Cover the dough with another sheet of parchment paper and add beans or rice to prevent it from puffing up. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 20 minutes.
- After 20 minutes, open the oven, remove the parchment with beans, and let the crust bake for another 15-20 minutes until it turns golden.

4. Assembling the tart:
- Once the crust has cooled slightly, transfer it to a serving platter and pour the chocolate cream on top. You can use a spoon to spread the cream evenly.
- Sprinkle hazelnut powder on top for added texture and flavor.

5. Cooling and serving:
- Let the tart chill in the refrigerator for a few hours (ideally overnight) for the cream to set.
- Cut into generous slices and enjoy with a glass of cold milk or a cup of aromatic coffee.

Tips and variations:
- You can add chopped hazelnuts to the chocolate cream for an even richer taste and texture.
- If you want a lighter version, you can replace the butter in the cream with cream cheese or mascarpone.
- If you don’t have hazelnut flour, you can use ground walnuts or almonds for a slightly different flavor.

Nutritional benefits:
This tart contains ingredients like cocoa, which is rich in antioxidants, and hazelnuts, which are an excellent source of healthy fats, protein, and vitamins. However, it is important to note that as a dessert, it should be consumed in moderation.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I substitute brown sugar with something else? Yes, you can use white sugar or natural sweeteners, but the taste will vary slightly.
- How can I store the tart? The tart stores well in the refrigerator, covered, for 3-4 days.
- Is it difficult to make? This recipe is quite simple, perfect for beginners, but will impress any guests!

I hope you enjoy this homemade chocolate tart with hazelnuts, a perfect choice for indulgent moments!