Indulge in the rich, decadent flavors of a Dark Chocolate Raspberry Tart that perfectly balances the bittersweet notes of chocolate with the vibrant tartness of fresh raspberries. This dessert is a showstopper for any occasion, bringing a touch of elegance and a burst of flavor to your table.
All-purpose flour forms the base of the tart crust, providing structure and a tender bite. Unsweetened cocoa powder enhances the chocolate flavor in the crust, making it rich and aromatic. Granulated sugar adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the bitter cocoa. Unsalted butter, when chilled and cubed, helps achieve a flaky texture in the crust. Cold water brings the dough together, making it easy to handle.
Dark chocolate, with its intense flavor, is the star of the ganache filling, offering a luscious and smooth result. Heavy cream is essential for creating a creamy, rich ganache that melts in your mouth. A hint of vanilla extract rounds out the flavors, adding warmth and depth. Fresh raspberries provide a pop of color and a fresh, tart contrast to the chocolate. Raspberry jam intensifies the fruitiness and adds a glossy finish. Finally, a dusting of powdered sugar gives the tart an elegant look.
This tart pairs beautifully with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. To enhance the raspberry notes, consider serving it with a raspberry coulis on the side. A glass of chilled dessert wine or a cup of rich espresso makes for a delightful accompaniment.
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch tart pan to ensure the crust doesn’t stick. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, and sugar. Add the chilled, cubed butter and use your fingers to rub it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. This step is crucial for a tender crust.
Gradually add cold water, a little at a time, mixing until the dough forms. Be patient and avoid overworking the dough. Once ready, press it evenly into your prepared tart pan, making sure to prick the base with a fork to prevent it from puffing up during baking. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, then let it cool completely.
While the crust cools, prepare the ganache. Heat the heavy cream in a saucepan until it just begins to simmer. Pour the hot cream over the chopped dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Let it sit for about 2 minutes before stirring until smooth and glossy. Stir in the vanilla extract for added flavor depth.
Pour the ganache into the cooled tart shell, spreading it evenly. Refrigerate the tart for about 2 hours, or until the ganache is firm to the touch. Once set, gently spread a layer of raspberry jam over the top of the ganache. Arrange the fresh raspberries on top, pressing them gently into the jam. Just before serving, dust with powdered sugar for a beautiful finish.