These chocolate tartlets are the perfect bite-sized indulgence. The crisp, buttery crust pairs beautifully with a luscious, creamy chocolate filling, creating a dessert that is both rich and satisfying. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply treating yourself, these tartlets are a great way to impress with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love this recipe because it combines the perfect balance of textures: a buttery, flaky crust with a smooth and rich chocolate filling. The addition of cream cheese in the filling adds a delightful creaminess, making each bite velvety and decadent. Plus, the tartlet size makes them perfect for portion control, so you can enjoy a treat without overindulging. They’re also versatile—you can garnish them with fruit, nuts, or extra chocolate for added flair.
Perfect Occasion
These tartlets are ideal for any special occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a celebration, or just a treat for yourself. Their bite-sized nature makes them perfect for serving at parties, and they look elegant on any dessert table. They’re also great to serve with tea or coffee, or as a light dessert after dinner. Since they can be made in advance, they’re a convenient option for entertaining.
Decoration Tips
For an extra touch of elegance, you can top these tartlets with fresh berries, a drizzle of caramel, or a sprinkle of sea salt for contrast. You can also dust them with powdered sugar or decorate with a few chocolate curls for a bakery-style finish. If you want to make them even more special, add a small dollop of whipped cream before serving.
Ingredients for the Tart Dough:
- 75g butter
- 75g margarine
- A pinch of salt
- 45g granulated sugar
- 270g flour
- 15ml ice-cold water
Instructions for the Tart Dough:
- Prepare the Dough:
In a food processor, combine the butter, margarine, salt, sugar, and flour. Pulse until the mixture is crumbly. Slowly add the ice-cold water and process until the dough comes together into a smooth, cohesive mixture. - Shape the Dough:
Transfer the dough to a clean surface and gently knead it by hand until it forms small clumps. Roll out the dough and use a 9 cm round cutter to form the tart bases. - Prepare the Tart Shells:
Poke small holes in the center of each tart shell with a fork to prevent them from puffing up during baking. Bake the shells at 150°C (300°F) for 45 minutes, or until lightly golden.
Ingredients for the Creamy Chocolate Filling:
- 260g milk
- 100g cream cheese
- 1 whole egg + 1 egg yolk
- 40g sugar
- 10g cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 120g dark chocolate (chopped)
Instructions for the Filling:
- Prepare the Egg Mixture:
In a bowl, whisk together the egg, egg yolk, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth. Add a small amount of milk to help dissolve the sugar and set aside. - Cook the Filling:
In a saucepan, heat the remaining milk and cream cheese over medium heat until smooth and fully combined. Gradually add the egg mixture, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Strain the mixture for a smoother texture. - Thicken and Add Chocolate:
Cook the mixture on low heat, stirring continuously, until it thickens and begins to bubble. Once thickened, remove from the heat and add the vanilla extract and chopped chocolate, stirring until fully melted and smooth. - Fill and Bake:
Transfer the chocolate mixture to a piping bag and fill each pre-baked tartlet shell. Lightly brush the edges of the tarts with beaten egg for a glossy finish. Bake again at 150-160°C (300-320°F) for an additional 20 minutes, until the filling is set.
Enjoy!