Vegan Chocolate Hazelnut Tart Recipe for a Rich Plant-Based Dessert

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Why You’ll Love This Hazelnut Vegan Chocolate Tarts

Imagine ending your day with a slice of something creamy, nutty, and completely plant-based that feels like a hug in dessert form. This hazelnut vegan chocolate tarts recipe is just that, blending simple steps with ingredients you might already have on hand. It’s perfect for anyone from busy parents whipping up a treat after dinner to baking enthusiasts experimenting with new flavors. Let’s dive into why this recipe is a game-changer for your kitchen adventures.

One reason you’ll adore these tarts is their ease of preparation. This hazelnut vegan chocolate tarts recipe is straightforward and quick to make, requiring minimal ingredients and simple steps, perfect for both beginners and busy cooks. Plus, it’s packed with health benefits, offering wholesome hazelnuts and dairy-free chocolate that provide healthy fats, antioxidants, and essential nutrients while being free from animal products and refined sugars. The versatility shines through too, as you can easily adapt it to suit gluten-free, low-calorie, or other dietary preferences by swapping ingredients without losing that delicious taste or texture. And don’t forget the distinctive flavor the rich, nutty hazelnut base combined with smooth vegan chocolate creates a uniquely indulgent yet wholesome dessert experience that might just become your new favorite.

To make it even more fun, think about how this recipe can turn an ordinary evening into something special. For instance, if you’re hosting a gathering, these tarts can impress without keeping you tied to the kitchen all day. Whether you’re a student looking for a quick study break snack or a working professional needing a healthy indulgence, this dessert fits right in. For more ideas on pairing desserts with drinks, check out our gingerbread smoothie recipe on the blog, which complements the nutty notes perfectly.

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Essential Ingredients for Hazelnut Vegan Chocolate Tarts

When it comes to making hazelnut vegan chocolate tarts, the right ingredients can make all the difference in creating that perfect balance of flavors and textures. I’ll walk you through everything you need, keeping it simple and straightforward so you can gather your supplies with ease. Remember, using high-quality, plant-based items will help your tarts turn out creamy and irresistible.

Shortbread Base Ingredients

  • 100 g blanched and toasted hazelnuts
  • 185 g all-purpose flour (or 185 g gluten-free flour mix + 1½ tsp xanthan gum, if gluten-free)
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¾ tsp ground cardamom (optional)
  • 50 g caster sugar (superfine sugar)
  • 120 g cold vegan butter
  • ~45 ml fridge cold water (adjust as needed)

Ganache Filling Ingredients

  • 300 g 70% dark vegan chocolate, broken into pieces
  • 120 ml vegan single cream
  • 120 ml plant milk (only if not using hazelnut liqueur)
  • 60 ml hazelnut liqueur (optional, omit and use plant milk if avoiding alcohol)
  • 180 g smooth hazelnut butter
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • Maple syrup or other neutral liquid sweetener (to taste, optional – adjust if using chocolate spread instead of hazelnut butter)

This structured list ensures you have every item measured out precisely, making your baking session smooth and stress-free. For special dietary options, you can keep things fully vegan by using plant-based chocolate and cream, or go gluten-free with the flour mix I mentioned. If you’re watching calories, swap the sweetener for something lighter to keep the magic alive without the extra guilt.

Ingredient CategoryPurposeDietary Notes
Shortbread BaseCreates a sturdy, nutty crustEasily gluten-free with adjustments
Ganache FillingDelivers rich chocolate flavorAlcohol-free options available

As you can see from this table, each part of the recipe plays a key role, and it’s all about customizing to your needs.

How to Prepare the Perfect Hazelnut Vegan Chocolate Tarts: Step-by-Step Guide

Ready to get your hands dirty? Making hazelnut vegan chocolate tarts is like putting together a puzzle that ends in a delicious reward. I’ll guide you through each step with practical tips and a bit of humor to keep things light. Whether you’re a first-timer or a pro, this process is forgiving and fun think of it as your kitchen adventure for the day.

  1. Start by preparing the shortbread base. Grind 100 g of toasted hazelnuts into a fine meal using a food processor. Then, add 185 g all-purpose flour (or the gluten-free mix with xanthan gum), ½ tsp salt, ¾ tsp ground cardamom if you’re using it, 50 g caster sugar, and 120 g cubed cold vegan butter. Pulse until it looks like coarse sand, then slowly drizzle in about 45 ml of cold water until the dough clumps together without getting sticky.
  2. Gently bring the dough together on a clean surface, form it into a disc, wrap it, and chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour. Once chilled, roll it out to about 3-4 mm thick, line your tart tin, trim the edges, and patch any cracks with scraps. Pop it back in the fridge to chill again, then blind bake it at 175°C (350°F) for 15 minutes with baking paper and beads, and another 5-7 minutes until lightly browned. Let it cool completely patience here pays off, I promise!
  3. Now for the ganache filling: Melt 300 g of 70% dark vegan chocolate pieces with 120 ml vegan single cream over a double boiler, stirring constantly until smooth. Off the heat, stir in 60 ml hazelnut liqueur (or 120 ml plant milk if skipping the alcohol), 180 g smooth hazelnut butter, ¼ tsp salt, and maple syrup to taste. Mix just until combined, then let it cool until it’s thick but still pourable.
  4. Assemble the tart by pouring the ganache into the cooled crust. Refrigerate for 4-8 hours until it’s firm. If you want to decorate, add baked pastry scraps or toasted hazelnuts before it sets it adds that wow factor without much effort.
  5. Finally, slice with a warm knife for clean cuts and serve. If your tart doesn’t set quite right, don’t worry; a few extra hours in the fridge usually fixes it, and you’ll still have a tasty treat.

This step-by-step approach, inspired by classic baking techniques, makes the process enjoyable. For more nutty recipes like this one, try our almond croissant bites for a similar twist.

Vegan Chocolate Hazelnut Tart Recipe For A Rich Plant-Based Dessert 9

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Hazelnut Vegan Chocolate Tarts

Everyone’s got their own dietary needs, and that’s okay this recipe is flexible enough to adapt. Let’s chat about how you can tweak things to make these hazelnut vegan chocolate tarts work for you, whether you’re avoiding nuts or just wanting a different flavor vibe. It’s all about keeping that creamy goodness while making it your own.

For protein and main components, swap ground hazelnuts with almond meal or cashew flour if allergies are a concern, or use sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option. This keeps the texture spot on without missing a beat. When it comes to vegetables, sauces, and seasonings, try adding a pinch of cinnamon to the crust for extra warmth, or switch maple syrup with agave nectar for a milder sweetness these changes let you play with flavors while staying true to the recipe’s heart.

Mastering Hazelnut Vegan Chocolate Tarts: Advanced Tips and Variations

Once you’re comfortable with the basics, let’s level up your hazelnut vegan chocolate tarts game. Toast those hazelnuts before grinding to bring out their aroma it’s like waking up the flavors! For a glossy finish, temper the vegan chocolate, which might sound fancy but is just a simple way to make it shine. If you want to experiment, infuse the chocolate with orange zest for a citrus kick or peppermint for a cool twist these variations keep things exciting.

Presentation is key, so serve in small tartlet molds and top with edible flowers or a light cocoa dust. And for busy days, make the crust and ganache ahead, then assemble later. Remember, subtle touches like these make your hazelnut vegan chocolate tarts stand out at any gathering.

How to Store Hazelnut Vegan Chocolate Tarts: Best Practices

After all that effort, you want your hazelnut vegan chocolate tarts to stay fresh and tasty. Store them covered in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days, or wrap individually and freeze for up to 2 months. When reheating, thaw in the fridge overnight to keep that perfect texture microwaving is a no-go as it can make things mushy. For meal prep, batch these up and have desserts ready for whenever you need a quick pick-me-up.

Hazelnut Vegan Chocolate Tarts
Vegan Chocolate Hazelnut Tart Recipe For A Rich Plant-Based Dessert 10

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Hazelnut Vegan Chocolate Tarts

Can I freeze a hazelnut vegan chocolate tart to store it longer?

Yes, you can freeze a hazelnut vegan chocolate tart. To do so, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn. When ready to eat, thaw the tart in the refrigerator overnight for best texture and flavor. Avoid thawing at room temperature to maintain the tart’s consistency. Freezing is a great way to extend its shelf life for up to 1-2 months.

When should I add salt to the ganache in a hazelnut vegan chocolate tart?

Salt should be added during the ganache-making step, typically after melting the chocolate and mixing in the hazelnut butter. Adding a pinch of salt at this stage helps balance the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor, making the chocolate and hazelnut notes more pronounced. Be careful not to oversalt—start with a small amount and adjust to taste.

Can I substitute chocolate hazelnut spread for hazelnut butter in the tart’s ganache?

Yes, chocolate hazelnut spread can be used instead of pure hazelnut butter in the ganache. Since the spread contains sugar and chocolate, you should reduce or omit other sweeteners like maple syrup in the recipe to avoid an overly sweet tart. Keep in mind that the flavor may be less nut-forward and richer in chocolate, which could slightly alter the final taste.

What toppings or decorations work well on a vegan hazelnut chocolate tart?

Popular toppings include toasted hazelnuts, vegan meringues, curls of dark vegan chocolate, orange zest, and crushed biscuits made from leftover pastry. These add texture, flavor, and visual appeal. For a festive touch, edible gold dust or a sprinkle of cocoa powder can also enhance the presentation without overpowering the tart’s natural flavors.

How do I store leftovers of a hazelnut vegan chocolate tart to keep it fresh?

Store leftover tart in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Covering it securely prevents the tart from absorbing other odors and keeps the ganache from drying out. It will remain fresh for up to 4-5 days. Before serving, allow the tart to come to room temperature for better texture and flavor. Avoid leaving it out at room temperature for extended periods to maintain quality.

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Hazelnut Vegan Chocolate Tarts

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🥧 This Vegan Chocolate Hazelnut Tart offers a rich, nutty, and plant-based dessert that satisfies chocolate cravings without dairy.
🌰 Combining a crisp hazelnut shortbread crust with a luscious chocolate ganache, it’s perfect for elegant celebrations or everyday indulgence.

  • Total Time: 5 hours 42 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

– 100 g blanched and toasted hazelnuts

– 185 g all-purpose flour

– 1½ tsp xanthan gum (if gluten-free)

– ½ tsp salt

– ¾ tsp ground cardamom (optional)

– 50 g caster sugar (superfine sugar)

– 120 g cold vegan butter

– ~45 ml fridge cold water (adjust as needed)

– 300 g 70% dark vegan chocolate, broken into pieces

– 120 ml vegan single cream

– 120 ml plant milk (only if not using hazelnut liqueur)

– 60 ml hazelnut liqueur (optional, omit and use plant milk if avoiding alcohol)

– 180 g smooth hazelnut butter

– ¼ tsp salt

– Maple syrup or other neutral liquid sweetener (to taste, optional – adjust if using chocolate spread instead of hazelnut butter)

Instructions

1-Start by preparing the shortbread base. Grind 100 g of toasted hazelnuts into a fine meal using a food processor. Then, add 185 g all-purpose flour (or the gluten-free mix with xanthan gum), ½ tsp salt, ¾ tsp ground cardamom if you’re using it, 50 g caster sugar, and 120 g cubed cold vegan butter. Pulse until it looks like coarse sand, then slowly drizzle in about 45 ml of cold water until the dough clumps together without getting sticky.

2-Gently bring the dough together on a clean surface, form it into a disc, wrap it, and chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour. Once chilled, roll it out to about 3-4 mm thick, line your tart tin, trim the edges, and patch any cracks with scraps. Pop it back in the fridge to chill again, then blind bake it at 175°C (350°F) for 15 minutes with baking paper and beads, and another 5-7 minutes until lightly browned. Let it cool completely patience here pays off, I promise!

3-Now for the ganache filling: Melt 300 g of 70% dark vegan chocolate pieces with 120 ml vegan single cream over a double boiler, stirring constantly until smooth. Off the heat, stir in 60 ml hazelnut liqueur (or 120 ml plant milk if skipping the alcohol), 180 g smooth hazelnut butter, ¼ tsp salt, and maple syrup to taste. Mix just until combined, then let it cool until it’s thick but still pourable.

4-Assemble the tart by pouring the ganache into the cooled crust. Refrigerate for 4-8 hours until it’s firm. If you want to decorate, add baked pastry scraps or toasted hazelnuts before it sets it adds that wow factor without much effort.

5-Finally, slice with a warm knife for clean cuts and serve. If your tart doesn’t set quite right, don’t worry; a few extra hours in the fridge usually fixes it, and you’ll still have a tasty treat.

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Notes

🌰 Use blanched hazelnuts, roasted and skins rubbed off for best flavor.
🥧 For gluten-free dough, press into the tart tin by hand instead of rolling.
❄️ Allow sufficient chilling time for a firm crust and ganache for best texture.

  • Author: Brandi Oshea
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Chill and baking time: 5 hours (1 hour chilling dough + 1 hour baking + 4 hours ganache setting)
  • Cook Time: 22 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Diet: Vegan

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice

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