Rich, silky dark chocolate ganache fills buttery tart shells, crowned with chopped toasted hazelnuts and chocolate shavings — these Dark Chocolate Hazelnut Tartlets are a luxurious, nutty dessert perfect for any elegant occasion or indulgent night in. Their balance of deep chocolate flavor and roasted nut crunch creates a sophisticated treat that is as stunning as it is satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These tartlets offer a decadent yet refined dessert experience. The crisp, buttery shells provide the perfect contrast to the smooth, velvety ganache, while toasted hazelnuts add texture and warmth. Easy to make ahead and ideal for individual servings, they are well-suited for dinner parties, holidays, or a personal indulgence. The recipe is also adaptable for flavor variations and works beautifully with high-quality dark chocolate.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the tart crust:
all-purpose flour
powdered sugar
salt
cold unsalted butter, cubed
egg yolk
ice water

For the ganache filling:
heavy cream
dark chocolate (70%), chopped
unsalted butter
vanilla extract

Topping:
toasted hazelnuts, roughly chopped
dark chocolate shavings or curls

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a mini tart pan or tartlet tins.
2. In a food processor, pulse together the flour, powdered sugar, and salt.
3. Add the cold, cubed butter and pulse until the mixture resembles fine crumbs.
4. Add the egg yolk and 1–2 tablespoons of ice water, pulsing until the dough just begins to come together.
5. Press the dough evenly into tartlet pans. Prick the bottoms with a fork and chill for 15 minutes.
6. Bake the crusts for 12–15 minutes or until golden. Let them cool completely before filling.
7. For the ganache: Heat the heavy cream in a saucepan until steaming, but not boiling.
8. Pour the hot cream over the chopped dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl and let sit for 1 minute.
9. Stir gently until the mixture is smooth, then add the butter and vanilla extract. Mix until fully incorporated.
10. Let the ganache cool slightly before pouring it into the cooled tart shells.
11. Top each tartlet with chopped toasted hazelnuts and chocolate shavings or curls.
12. Chill for at least 1 hour, or until the ganache is fully set.
13. Serve slightly chilled or at room temperature.

Servings and timing

Servings: Makes 6–8 tartlets
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Bake Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 55 minutes

Variations

• Nut-Free Option: Skip the hazelnuts and top with freeze-dried raspberries or sea salt flakes.
• Citrus Twist: Add orange zest to the ganache for a hint of citrus brightness.
• Espresso Infusion: Add 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the cream for a mocha flavor.
• Milk Chocolate Substitute: Replace dark chocolate with milk chocolate for a sweeter version.
• Nutella Style: Mix 1 tablespoon of hazelnut spread into the ganache for a smooth Nutella-inspired flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Store tartlets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For the best texture, allow them to sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving. These tartlets freeze well — wrap each individually and store for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving. Reheating is not necessary and not recommended for ganache-based desserts.

FAQs

Can I make the tart shells ahead of time?

Yes, the shells can be baked up to 2 days in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature.

Can I use store-bought tart shells?

Yes, pre-baked tart shells can save time and work well for this recipe. Just ensure they are fully cooled before filling.

What type of chocolate is best for ganache?

Use high-quality dark chocolate with around 70% cocoa for a rich, smooth finish.

How do I toast hazelnuts?

Spread hazelnuts on a baking sheet and roast at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes, shaking halfway through. Let cool and rub off skins with a kitchen towel.

Can I use a different nut?

Yes, almonds, pecans, or walnuts are good alternatives to hazelnuts.

How do I make chocolate curls or shavings?

Use a vegetable peeler on a block of chocolate or use a microplane grater for finer shavings.

Can I make these in a full-size tart pan?

Yes, press the crust into a 9-inch tart pan and adjust the baking and chilling times accordingly.

Is the ganache supposed to be runny before chilling?

Yes, ganache is pourable when warm but firms up beautifully after chilling.

Can I flavor the ganache with liqueur?

Yes, add a tablespoon of hazelnut liqueur or orange liqueur for an adult twist.

What’s the best way to serve these?

Serve slightly chilled or at room temperature for the smoothest texture and richest flavor.

Conclusion

Dark Chocolate Hazelnut Tartlets are a celebration of elegant indulgence. With their crisp, buttery crusts and rich, creamy ganache filling, these treats deliver a refined dessert experience with minimal effort. Whether for a dinner party, a romantic evening, or a personal reward, these tartlets are the perfect way to savor the irresistible pairing of dark chocolate and roasted hazelnuts.

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