Chocolate Ganache Tart Recipe

This Chocolate Ganache Tart is the kind of dessert that feels elegant without being complicated. A buttery, nutty crust holds a smooth, silky chocolate filling that melts in your mouth.

I love how it balances richness and simplicity. The nuts in the crust add a little crunch, while the ganache stays creamy and lush.

If you enjoy classic chocolate desserts but want something that feels a bit special, this tart is a great choice. It’s a little fancy, but still very comforting.

Chocolate Ganache Tart Overview

A ganache tart is made with just two major components: a simple, crisp crust and a smooth chocolate filling. The crust is usually a shortbread or cookie style base, but here, we’re giving it an upgrade with toasted nuts for more depth and texture.

The filling is a classic chocolate ganache — just bittersweet chocolate melted gently into warm heavy cream, creating that ultra-smooth, dense texture.

• Chocolate:
  I use bittersweet chocolate (around 70% cocoa) to keep the tart rich without being overly sweet.
• Heavy Cream:
  Full-fat heavy cream is essential for that smooth, luscious mouthfeel.
• Nuts:
  A mix of toasted walnuts, hazelnuts, pistachios, and almonds forms a crust that’s a little crunchy, a little buttery, and a lot more interesting than your standard tart shell.
• Butter and Sugar:
  Bind the crust together and bring just enough sweetness.
• Finishing Touch:
  A sprinkle of flaky sea salt right before serving cuts through the richness and brightens the chocolate flavor.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Chill Time:

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Chill Time: 2 hours (at least)
• Total Time: About 2 hours 30 minutes

Servings:
This tart serves about 8–10 slices, depending on how generous you are with the cuts.

Difficulty:
Moderate.
Nothing technically difficult, but you’ll need to pay attention when melting the chocolate and pressing the crust evenly.

Required Kitchen Tools

• 9-inch tart pan (preferably with a removable bottom)
• Food processor (for the crust)
• Mixing bowls
• Rubber spatula
• Small saucepan
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients to Make Chocolate Ganache Tart

For the Nut Crust:

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (85g), melted
• 1 ½ cups mixed raw nuts (walnuts, hazelnuts, pistachios, almonds), lightly toasted
• ¼ cup sugar (50g)
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt

For the Chocolate Ganache Filling:

• 8 ounces bittersweet chocolate (227g), finely chopped
• 1 cup heavy cream (240ml)
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (14g), softened
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

For Finishing:

• Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling

How to Make Chocolate Ganache Tart

Step 1: Prepare the Nut Crust

1. Toast the Nuts:
   Lightly toast your mixed nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring often, until they smell fragrant — about 5 minutes. Let them cool completely.
2. Make the Crust:
   In a food processor, pulse the cooled nuts, sugar, and salt together until the mixture looks like coarse sand. You want small bits, not a fine powder.
3. Add Butter:
   Drizzle the melted butter into the food processor and pulse a few more times until the crust starts to hold together when pressed.
4. Form the Crust:
   Pour the nut mixture into your tart pan. Use your fingers or the bottom of a measuring cup to press the crust evenly across the bottom and up the sides.
5. Chill the Crust:
   Place the crust in the freezer for 15 minutes to firm up.
6. Bake the Crust:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   Bake the crust for 10–12 minutes until lightly golden and set.
   Let it cool completely before adding the filling.

Step 2: Make the Chocolate Ganache

1. Chop the Chocolate:
   Finely chop the bittersweet chocolate and place it in a heatproof bowl.
2. Heat the Cream:
   In a small saucepan, warm the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Do not let it boil.
3. Pour Over Chocolate:
   Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate. Let it sit undisturbed for about 2 minutes to soften the chocolate.
4. Stir Until Smooth:
   Gently whisk the cream and chocolate together until smooth and glossy.
5. Add Butter and Vanilla:
   Whisk in the softened butter and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

Step 3: Assemble the Tart

1. Fill the Tart:
   Pour the ganache into the cooled nut crust. Use a spatula to smooth out the top.
2. Chill:
   Refrigerate the tart for at least 2 hours, or until the ganache is firm.
3. Finish:
   Right before serving, sprinkle the top with flaky sea salt.

Serve:
Slice carefully with a warm knife (dip it in hot water and wipe dry) for clean cuts.
Serve plain, or with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream on the side.

Recipe Variations

Make it Dairy-Free

• Replace the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk.
• Use dairy-free butter or skip the butter entirely.
• Choose a good quality dairy-free bittersweet chocolate.

The texture stays creamy, and the slight coconut flavor pairs nicely with the rich chocolate.

Make it Extra Nutty

• Stir a handful of chopped toasted nuts directly into the ganache before pouring it into the crust.
• Try hazelnuts for a Ferrero Rocher-style tart.

This adds a little surprise crunch with every bite.

Make a Spiced Chocolate Tart

• Add ½ teaspoon cinnamon or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the ganache.
• Or steep a chai tea bag in the warm cream before pouring it over the chocolate.

It gives the tart a cozy, unexpected twist without overpowering the chocolate.

Why I Love This Recipe

• It’s simple but feels special — good for dinner parties, birthdays, or just a quiet weekend dessert.
• The nut crust adds more interest than a basic cookie crust.
• You can easily adapt it based on the season: fresh berries in summer, a sprinkle of cocoa powder in winter.
• The ganache is rich, smooth, and deeply chocolatey, but the flaky salt keeps it from feeling too heavy.

This is the kind of dessert that looks impressive but doesn’t ask for a whole day in the kitchen. It’s about simple techniques done well.

Tips & Tricks for Success

• Chop the chocolate finely: This helps it melt evenly when you pour the cream over it.
• Don’t rush the chilling: The ganache needs time to firm up properly in the fridge.
• Use high-quality chocolate: Since chocolate is the star here, a better bar makes a better tart.
• Warm the knife before slicing: You’ll get those clean, beautiful slices without cracking the ganache.
• Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. Best served at room temperature after 10 minutes out of the fridge.

Nutrition Information (Per Slice, Based on 10 Slices)

• Calories: 370 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Cholesterol: 35mg
• Sodium: 70mg
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 14g

(Nutrition may vary based on chocolate brand and nut mix.)

FAQs

Can I make this tart ahead of time?

Yes. You can prepare the entire tart up to 2 days in advance. Keep it covered in the refrigerator. For best texture, let it sit at room temperature for about 10–15 minutes before serving.

Can I freeze a chocolate ganache tart?

You can freeze it, but the texture of the ganache may change slightly after thawing. If freezing, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

What type of chocolate is best for ganache?

Bittersweet chocolate with around 70% cocoa content works best. It gives the ganache a deep flavor without making it too bitter. Avoid using chocolate chips meant for baking unless they are good quality.

How do I fix a broken ganache?

If your ganache looks greasy or separated, add a small splash of warm milk or cream and whisk gently until it comes back together. Patience is key — stir slowly.

Can I use a cookie crust instead of nuts?

Yes. You can swap the nut crust for a simple cookie crumb crust using graham crackers or digestive biscuits mixed with melted butter. It will be softer but still delicious.

Conclusion

This Chocolate Ganache Tart proves that simple ingredients can create something truly memorable.
The crisp, nutty crust and silky ganache come together in a way that feels both elegant and comforting.

It’s the kind of dessert that doesn’t scream for attention but leaves a lasting impression.
Perfect for a quiet celebration, a holiday table, or just a treat for yourself after a long week.

If you’re craving something rich, simple, and a little luxurious, this tart might just be your new favorite.