There is something truly magical about this Vegan Chocolate Hazelnut Tart Recipe that brings pure joy in every bite. Rich, creamy, and nutty all at once, this tart combines silky vegan chocolate and the deep flavor of hazelnuts to create a dessert that’s both indulgent and entirely plant-based. Whether you are treating yourself after a long day or sharing with friends, this tart promises an unforgettable experience without any compromise on flavor or texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this tart lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create complex flavors and satisfying textures. Each component, from the cocoa-rich crust to the luscious filling, plays an essential role in making this recipe shine.
- Gluten-free all purpose flour (or regular all purpose flour): Forms the sturdy base of the crust with a tender crumb.
- Cacao powder: Delivers a deep chocolate taste and beautiful color to the crust.
- Brown sugar (or coconut sugar): Adds just the right hint of sweetness and moisture to the dough.
- Sea salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness throughout the tart.
- Vegan butter: Brings richness and helps create a tender, flaky crust texture.
- Hazelnut butter: Adds a warm, nutty undertone both in the crust and filling.
- Vegan chocolate: The star of the filling, offering intense, creamy chocolate indulgence.
- Silken tofu: Provides a luscious, creamy texture without any dairy.
- Pure maple syrup: Naturally sweetens the filling with a touch of earthy flavor.
- Vanilla extract: Gives a subtle aromatic lift that complements the chocolate and hazelnut beautifully.
- Vegan chocolate shavings: Perfect for garnishing and adding a touch of elegance.
- Chopped hazelnuts: Provides delightful crunch and extra nuttiness.
- Edible flowers such as pansies: Optional but makes your tart visually stunning and festive.
How to Make Vegan Chocolate Hazelnut Tart Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 175°C (350°F) and greasing a 9-inch tart tin lightly with oil or vegan butter. Pop the gluten-free flour, cacao powder, brown sugar, sea salt, vegan butter, and hazelnut butter into a food processor and blitz until the mixture sticks together into a dough. Add a tablespoon of water if needed to bring it all together. Press the dough evenly into the tin’s base and sides, then prick holes in the base with a fork to prevent bubbling during baking.
Step 2: Bake the Crust
Bake your crust in the oven for around 15 minutes, until you see a lovely slight browning around the edges. This step ensures a crisp texture that will hold the luscious filling beautifully. Once done, take it out and let it cool in the tin—you want to keep it in place for the filling to set perfectly.
Step 3: Create the Filling
While the crust cools, gently melt the vegan chocolate over a double boiler to avoid scorching. In a blender, combine the silken tofu, hazelnut butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and sea salt, and blitz until creamy. Pour in the melted chocolate and blend again until the mixture turns irresistibly smooth and silky.
Step 4: Assemble and Chill
Pour your rich filling into the cooled tart shell and smooth it out with a spatula. For a charming finishing touch, place the tart on a turntable or rotating surface and create a swirl pattern on top by gently moving the spatula while spinning the tart. This little flourish adds a professional look with minimal effort. Pop your tart in the fridge for at least 2 hours to set firmly; overnight chilling works wonderfully if you want to prepare ahead.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once your tart has set and is firm to touch, carefully remove it from the tin. Your Vegan Chocolate Hazelnut Tart Recipe is almost ready to wow! Add grated vegan chocolate, a sprinkle of chopped hazelnuts, and delicate edible flowers to make it as inviting as it is delicious. This final step really elevates the presentation and celebrates the tart’s nutty, chocolate goodness.
How to Serve Vegan Chocolate Hazelnut Tart Recipe
Garnishes
The garnishes for this tart are both edible and delightful to the senses. I love topping mine with extra vegan chocolate shavings and chopped toasted hazelnuts because they add crunch and contrast to the creamy filling. Edible flowers not only brighten up the plate but make the dessert feel truly special—perfect for celebrations or an elegant dinner party.
Side Dishes
This tart pairs beautifully with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream or a dollop of coconut whipped cream for those seeking a luscious complement. Fresh berries such as raspberries or strawberries also add a lovely tartness that cuts through the richness, making every bite balanced and refreshing.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve slices of this tart on beautiful dessert plates with a drizzle of warmed vegan chocolate sauce or hazelnut syrup. For a rustic vibe, arrange whole hazelnuts and a few sprigs of fresh mint nearby. You could even turn it into mini tarts, perfect for sharing at parties or as an elegant finger food option at afternoon tea.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Vegan Chocolate Hazelnut Tart Recipe stays fresh and delicious when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 5 days, during which the flavors meld and the texture remains perfect. Just be sure to keep it chilled and protected from strong odors.
Freezing
If you want to prepare this tart in advance or save some for later, freezing works wonderfully. Wrap the tart securely with plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it in the fridge overnight to maintainthat creamy texture without condensation worries.
Reheating
Because this is a chilled tart, reheating is generally not recommended. Instead, allow any thawed tart to come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving to bring out its flavors beautifully without melting the filling.
FAQs
Can I use regular all-purpose flour instead of gluten-free?
Absolutely! This Vegan Chocolate Hazelnut Tart Recipe works wonderfully with regular all-purpose flour if you’re not avoiding gluten. It will produce a slightly different texture but still delicious and satisfying.
Is silken tofu essential in the filling?
Yes, silken tofu is key to achieving that smooth, creamy consistency in the filling. It’s a fantastic dairy-free alternative that blends perfectly with the chocolate and hazelnut flavors.
Can I substitute hazelnut butter with another nut butter?
You can, but know this may alter the flavor profile. Almond or cashew butter could work, although the distinct hazelnut taste is a signature of this recipe and contributes to its charm.
How long should I chill the tart for the best results?
At least 2 hours in the refrigerator is ideal for the filling to set firmly. If you have time, overnight chilling enhances the flavors and helps the texture become even more luscious.
What is the best way to remove the tart from the tin without breaking it?
Carefully run a thin knife around the edge of the tart to loosen it from the tin. Then, gently lift the tart by the sides or invert it onto a plate if your tin has a removable base. Patience and a light hand make all the difference.
Final Thoughts
Trust me when I say, this Vegan Chocolate Hazelnut Tart Recipe is destined to be a beloved favorite in your dessert repertoire. The combination of silky vegan chocolate, nutty hazelnut butter, and the crisp, tender crust makes for a delectable treat that everyone will adore. So go ahead, dive into making it—you won’t regret sharing this lovely, plant-based indulgence with those you care about!
Print
Vegan Chocolate Hazelnut Tart Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegan
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This decadent vegan Chocolate Hazelnut Tart combines a rich, fudgy chocolate filling with a crisp, cocoa-infused gluten-free crust. Made with silken tofu and hazelnut butter, it offers a creamy, smooth texture that’s entirely plant-based and perfect for any special occasion. Garnished with chocolate shavings, chopped hazelnuts, and edible flowers, it’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 ½ cups gluten-free all purpose flour (or regular all purpose flour if not GF)
- ¼ cup cacao powder
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (or coconut sugar)
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- 4 tablespoons vegan butter
- 2 tablespoons hazelnut butter
Filling
- 8.8 oz vegan chocolate
- 12.5 oz silken tofu
- ½ cup hazelnut butter
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
Garnish
- Vegan chocolate shavings
- Chopped hazelnuts
- Edible flowers such as pansies
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Tart Tin: Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Lightly grease the base and sides of a 9-inch tart tin with oil or vegan butter to prevent sticking.
- Make the Crust Dough: Combine all crust ingredients—gluten-free flour, cacao powder, brown sugar, sea salt, vegan butter, and hazelnut butter—in a food processor. Blitz until the mixture sticks together into a dough. Add a tablespoon of water if necessary to help the dough bind.
- Form and Bake the Crust: Evenly press the dough into the base and sides of the prepared tart tin. Use a fork to prick several holes into the base to prevent bubbling. Bake for 15 minutes until the crust is slightly browned. Remove from the oven and allow to cool, keeping the tart inside the tin.
- Melt Chocolate: Melt the vegan chocolate gently over a double boiler (bain-marie), stirring occasionally until smooth and fully melted.
- Prepare the Filling: Add silken tofu, hazelnut butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and sea salt to a blender. Blitz for about one minute until creamy and smooth. Pour in the melted chocolate and blend again for two more minutes until completely smooth and well incorporated.
- Assemble the Tart: Pour the smooth filling into the baked tart crust. Smooth the surface using a spatula. To create a decorative swirl effect, place the tart on a turntable and gently swirl the surface of the filling while rotating the tart.
- Chill the Tart: Place the tart in the refrigerator and let it set for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results.
- Garnish and Serve: Once set, carefully remove the tart from the tin. Garnish with vegan chocolate shavings, chopped hazelnuts, and edible flowers as desired before serving.
- Storage Instructions: Store the tart in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 5 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
Notes
- For gluten-free version, ensure to use certified gluten-free all purpose flour.
- If the crust dough feels too dry, add water one teaspoon at a time until it holds together.
- Use a gentle double boiler method to avoid burning the chocolate.
- Chilling time can be extended overnight for a firmer set and enhanced flavors.
- Edible flowers are optional but add a beautiful visual appeal to the tart.
- Store leftovers in the fridge up to 5 days; do not freeze as tofu texture may change.
