If you have been searching for a dessert that feels like a rich, indulgent treat but is completely plant-based and gluten-free, then this Chocolate Hazelnut Tart (Vegan) Recipe is your new best friend. It combines the earthy nuttiness of hazelnuts with the deep, luscious flavors of vegan chocolate to create a tart that is both stunning and decadent. Whether you’re sharing it at a dinner party or enjoying a quiet moment alone, this tart delivers velvety, creamy decadence with every bite while staying kind to your body and the planet.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this tart comes from its beautifully simple ingredients, each selected to bring harmony to texture, flavor, and that irresistible chocolate-hazelnut combo. From the gluten-free flour for a crisp base to the silken tofu that creates an amazingly smooth filling, every component plays a key role.
- Gluten-free all purpose flour (1 ½ cups): Provides a sturdy yet tender crust; you can use regular flour if gluten is not a concern.
- Cacao powder (¼ cup): Adds a rich chocolate depth to the crust without overpowering the hazelnut flavor.
- Brown sugar (2 tablespoons): Sweetens the crust just enough and enhances the caramel notes.
- Sea salt (¼ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and elevates all the flavors.
- Vegan butter (4 tablespoons): Essential for that flaky, buttery crust texture.
- Hazelnut butter (2 tablespoons for crust, ½ cup for filling): The star nutty element that infuses both crust and filling with its distinctive flavor.
- Vegan chocolate (8.8 oz): Melts smoothly to make the luscious filling deeply chocolaty.
- Silken tofu (12.5 oz): The secret to a creamy, velvety filling without any dairy.
- Pure maple syrup (¼ cup): Natural sweetness that keeps the filling perfectly balanced and silky.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle warmth and enhances the chocolate notes.
- Vegan chocolate shavings: For garnishing, bringing extra texture and a shiny finish.
- Chopped hazelnuts: Adds a delightful crunch and visual appeal.
- Edible flowers such as pansies: Optional, but a beautiful way to elevate the tart’s presentation.
How to Make Chocolate Hazelnut Tart (Vegan) Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 175°C (350°F) and greasing your tart tin lightly to prevent sticking. Combine the gluten-free flour, cacao powder, brown sugar, and sea salt in a food processor. Add the vegan butter and hazelnut butter, then blitz everything together until the mixture sticks and forms a dough. If the dough feels dry, add a splash of water, but just enough to help it come together. Press this dough evenly into the base and sides of your prepared tart tin, then use a fork to prick the base. Baking the crust for 15 minutes until golden will create a deliciously firm and slightly crumbly base that perfectly complements the smooth filling.
Step 2: Make the Filling
While the crust cools, melt your vegan chocolate gently over a double boiler to ensure it stays smooth and doesn’t seize. In a blender, combine the silken tofu, hazelnut butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of sea salt. Blend these ingredients until completely creamy and well combined. Pour in the melted chocolate and blend again until the mixture is luxuriously smooth and silky. This filling is the luscious heart of your Chocolate Hazelnut Tart (Vegan) Recipe, so take a moment to enjoy how beautifully all the flavors come together here.
Step 3: Assemble and Chill
Pour your sumptuous filling into the cooled crust shell. Spread it out evenly with a spatula. For a special touch, if you have a turntable, place the tart on it and while spinning, use your spatula to create elegant swirls on top of the filling. This simple trick turns your tart into a work of art. Then, place your tart in the fridge for at least 2 hours to allow it to set perfectly. You can also let it chill overnight for the best results—this allows those flavors to mingle and intensify beautifully.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Carefully remove the tart from the tin once chilled and firm. To finish, sprinkle with vegan chocolate shavings and chopped hazelnuts for an inviting crunch and beautiful texture. If you want to go the extra mile, decorate with edible flowers like pansies for a floral pop of color that is sure to impress any guest.
How to Serve Chocolate Hazelnut Tart (Vegan) Recipe
Garnishes
Besides the standard chocolate shavings and chopped hazelnuts, consider lightly dusting the top with cacao nibs for extra crunch or dusting a fine layer of powdered sugar for a classic look. Edible flowers add a charming, fresh appearance that’s perfect for special occasions or seasonal celebrations.
Side Dishes
This tart shines best as the star of the show, but if you’d like to complement it, a fresh berry compote or a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream is a delightful pairing. The tartness from berries balances the rich chocolate, while ice cream adds a creamy contrast that feels like a special treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the tart into elegant wedges and serving on a slate platter with extra chopped hazelnuts sprinkled around for stunning visual appeal. You can also plate individual slices with a drizzle of melted vegan chocolate or hazelnut liqueur for guests who love a boozy twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Chocolate Hazelnut Tart (Vegan) Recipe, wrap the leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container and store in the fridge. It stays fresh and delicious for up to 5 days, allowing you to savor every bite at your own pace.
Freezing
If you want to save this gem for later, freeze the uncut tart in an airtight container or wrapped securely in plastic wrap and foil. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge for best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Because this tart is best served chilled, reheating isn’t recommended. Instead, allow frozen slices to thaw slowly in the fridge, then bring them to room temperature briefly for a soft, creamy texture without losing the velvety feel of the filling.
FAQs
Can I use regular flour instead of gluten-free flour?
Absolutely! If gluten is not a concern, you can swap in regular all-purpose flour. It will create a slightly different texture that’s a bit more classic but just as delicious.
Is silken tofu necessary for the filling?
Yes, silken tofu provides the perfect creamy, smooth texture without dairy. It’s the key ingredient that makes this tart vegan while keeping it rich and luscious.
Can I substitute the hazelnut butter with another nut butter?
You sure can! Almond or cashew butter will work, but keep in mind that hazelnut butter is what gives this tart its signature flavor. The taste will vary slightly with substitutions.
How long does it take for the tart to set in the fridge?
About 2 hours is usually sufficient for the filling to firm up nicely, but chilling it overnight makes the texture even better and allows the flavors to develop fully.
Can I make this tart nut-free?
This recipe heavily relies on hazelnuts and their butter for flavor and texture, so making it nut-free would require significant substitutions. However, sunflower seed butter might be an option, though the flavor will be quite different.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Hazelnut Tart (Vegan) Recipe is one of those desserts that feels truly special yet is surprisingly simple to make. With every forkful, you get a perfect balance of rich chocolate and nutty goodness wrapped in a crisp, tender crust. Whether you’re vegan, gluten-free, or just a chocolate lover, this tart is sure to become a beloved staple in your dessert repertoire. I can’t wait for you to try it and share the joy this decadent treat brings.
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Chocolate Hazelnut Tart (Vegan) Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegan
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This rich and creamy Vegan Chocolate Hazelnut Tart is a decadent gluten-free dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Made with a luscious hazelnut and chocolate filling set in a crisp cacao-infused crust, this tart combines silky silken tofu with vegan chocolate for a smooth texture that’s both indulgent and plant-based. Garnished with chocolate shavings, chopped hazelnuts, and edible flowers, it offers a stunning presentation while being entirely cruelty-free and dairy-free.
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
- Prepare the Crust: 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 Dough: Add all the crust ingredients—gluten-free flour, cacao powder, brown sugar, sea salt, vegan butter, and hazelnut butter—into a food processor. Blitz until the mixture sticks together to form a cohesive dough. If the dough feels dry, add a tablespoon of water to help it bind.
- Shape and Bake the Crust: Press the dough evenly into the base and sides of the prepared tart tin. Use a fork to prick several holes in the base to prevent bubbling. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes until slightly browned. Remove from oven and allow to cool while still in the tin.
- Melt the Chocolate: Melt the vegan chocolate gently over a double boiler (bain-marie) until smooth and completely melted. Set aside.
- Prepare the Filling: In a blender, combine the silken tofu, hazelnut butter, pure maple syrup, vanilla extract, and sea salt. Blend for about a minute until creamy. Add the melted chocolate and blend again for two minutes, ensuring the filling is silky and smooth.
- Assemble the Tart: Pour the chocolate hazelnut filling into the cooled tart crust. Use a spatula to level and smooth the surface. For a swirl effect, place the tart on a turntable and gently create swirls with your spatula while spinning.
- Chill to Set: Transfer the tart to the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results, until the filling is fully set.
- Garnish and Serve: Once set, carefully remove the tart from the tin. Garnish with vegan chocolate shavings, chopped hazelnuts, and edible flowers for a beautiful presentation.
- Storage: Store the tart in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Consume within 5 days to ensure freshness and quality.
Notes
- You can substitute regular all purpose flour if gluten-free is not required.
- Use a good quality vegan chocolate for the best flavor and texture.
- Silken tofu provides creaminess without dairy, but ensure it is well-blended for a smooth filling.
- Allowing the tart to chill overnight enhances the flavor and texture.
- If a swirl turntable is not available, you can create swirls manually with a spatula.
- Edible flowers are optional but add a lovely decorative touch.
- This tart should be stored refrigerated and is best enjoyed within five days.
