Ina Garten’s chocolate tart is a luxurious dessert that combines a crisp, buttery tart shell with a rich, silky chocolate filling. This elegant treat is perfect for special occasions or whenever you’re in the mood for an indulgent chocolate dessert. With a balance of deep chocolate flavor and a smooth, creamy texture, this tart is sure to impress.

What Is Ina Garten Chocolate Tart?

Ina Garten’s chocolate tart features a delicate, homemade pastry crust filled with a luscious chocolate ganache. The filling is made with high-quality dark chocolate, heavy cream, and a touch of vanilla for a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth experience. The tart is best served chilled and can be garnished with whipped cream, fresh berries, or a dusting of cocoa powder.

Ina Garten Chocolate Tart recipe — Ina Garten Chocolate Tart

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Reasons to Try Ina Garten Chocolate Tart

Elegant and indulgent – A sophisticated dessert perfect for celebrations.
Simple yet impressive – Easy to make but looks like a bakery-quality treat.
Rich and creamy filling – Made with high-quality chocolate for a luxurious texture.
Versatile toppings – Pairs well with fruit, whipped cream, or nuts.
Make-ahead friendly – Can be prepared in advance for stress-free entertaining.

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten Chocolate Tart

For the Tart Crust:

1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup granulated sugar
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
1 large egg yolk
2 tablespoons ice water

For the Chocolate Filling:

8 ounces bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Chocolate Tart

Prepare the tart crust – In a food processor, pulse flour, sugar, and salt. Add the butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Add the egg yolk and water – Gradually add the egg yolk and ice water, pulsing until the dough just comes together.
Chill the dough – Shape the dough into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Roll out the crust – On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to fit a 9-inch tart pan. Press it into the pan and trim the edges.
Blind bake the crust – Line the tart shell with parchment paper, fill with pie weights, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes. Remove the weights and bake for another 5 minutes until golden. Let cool.
Melt the chocolate – In a heatproof bowl, add the chopped chocolate.
Heat the cream and butter – In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream and butter until just simmering. Pour over the chocolate and let sit for 2 minutes.
Stir the filling – Whisk the chocolate mixture until smooth and glossy. Stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
Fill the tart shell – Pour the chocolate ganache into the cooled tart shell, spreading evenly.
Chill until set – Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until firm.
Garnish and serve – Decorate with whipped cream, berries, or a dusting of cocoa powder before serving.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten Chocolate Tart

Pair with fresh fruit – Raspberries, strawberries, or cherries balance the richness.
Top with whipped cream – Lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a creamy contrast.
Drizzle with caramel or espresso sauce – A little extra indulgence enhances the flavors.
Serve with coffee or red wine – Complements the deep chocolate notes beautifully.
Add a sprinkle of sea salt – Enhances the flavor and provides a sweet-savory contrast.

Key Tips for Making Ina Garten Chocolate Tart

Use high-quality chocolate – The better the chocolate, the richer the tart.
Chill the dough before rolling – Prevents shrinking and ensures a flaky crust.
Bake the crust until golden – A well-baked crust holds up better to the filling.
Let the chocolate sit before stirring – This helps it melt evenly for a smooth filling.
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours – Allow the tart to set properly before serving.
Serve at room temperature – Let it sit for 10 minutes before slicing for the best texture.

Creative Variations of Ina Garten Chocolate Tart

Add espresso powder – A teaspoon of espresso enhances the chocolate flavor.
Use white chocolate filling – Swap dark chocolate for a white chocolate version.
Incorporate nuts – Chopped hazelnuts or almonds add crunch to the filling.
Make a salted caramel layer – Spread caramel in the tart shell before adding chocolate.
Use a graham cracker crust – For a no-fuss alternative, use a crushed graham cracker base.

Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten Chocolate Tart

Refrigerate in an airtight container – Store for up to 4 days.
Keep covered – Prevents the tart from drying out or absorbing odors.
Freeze for longer storage – Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
Thaw in the fridge – Let the tart thaw overnight before serving.

Reheating Tips for Ina Garten Chocolate Tart

Enjoy chilled or at room temperature – This tart doesn’t require reheating.
Let it sit before serving – If refrigerated, allow 10-15 minutes at room temperature before slicing.
Warm slices slightly – Microwave individual slices for 5-10 seconds if you prefer a softer texture.

FAQs

How do you prevent a chocolate tart crust from getting soggy?

To prevent a soggy crust, blind-bake the tart shell before adding the chocolate filling. Line the crust with parchment paper, fill it with pie weights, and bake until golden. Let it cool completely before pouring in the ganache.

What is the best chocolate to use for a chocolate tart?

High-quality bittersweet or semisweet chocolate with at least 60% cocoa content works best for a rich and deep flavor. Ina Garten prefers using premium brands like Valrhona or Lindt for the smoothest ganache.

How long does a chocolate tart need to chill before serving?

A chocolate tart should chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to allow the filling to set properly. For the best texture, let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before slicing.

Can you make a chocolate tart ahead of time?

Yes, a chocolate tart can be made up to 2 days in advance. Store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container or covered with plastic wrap. Garnish just before serving to maintain freshness.

Wrapping Up

Ina Garten’s chocolate tart is the perfect balance of rich, smooth chocolate and crisp, buttery crust.

Try this recipe and experience a true chocolate lover’s delight!