Indulge in the luxurious depths of this Chocolate Shortcrust Tart with Custard Filling, a masterpiece that combines the rich, velvety texture of cocoa-infused pastry with the smooth, indulgent creaminess of classic custard. Crafted with meticulous attention to traditional Italian baking techniques, this tart is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a treat for the eyes, making it an elegant addition to any dessert table.
Why You’ll Love This: This tart is a true delight for anyone who cherishes the intricate flavors of cocoa and the delicate, comforting sweetness of vanilla custard. The chocolate shortcrust provides a firm yet crumbly base that perfectly contrasts with the soft, rich custard filling. Each component is balanced to enhance the other, ensuring that the cocoa’s bitterness and the custard’s mellow sweetness are in perfect harmony. It’s an ideal choice for chocolate lovers looking for a sophisticated twist on classic desserts.
Perfect Occasion: This Chocolate Shortcrust Tart with Custard Filling is perfect for high tea events, sophisticated dinner parties, or as a special treat during the holiday season. It’s also a fantastic choice for celebrations like birthdays, anniversaries, or any occasion that calls for a bit of decadent indulgence. Serve it as a stunning centerpiece that invites guests to dive into its rich layers.
Decoration Tips: For an elegant presentation, dust the tart with powdered sugar or cocoa powder before serving. Consider garnishing with fresh berries or mint leaves for a splash of color and a fresh contrast to the richness of the chocolate and custard. For a more luxurious touch, add chocolate shavings or gold leaf on top of the custard.
Ingredients:
- For the Chocolate Shortcrust:
- 300g of all-purpose flour
- 150g of cold butter, cubed
- 150g of sugar
- 1 whole egg
- 1 egg yolk
- A pinch of salt
- 30g of unsweetened cocoa powder
- For the Custard:
- 500ml of milk
- 1/2 a vanilla pod
- 3 egg yolks
- 60g of granulated sugar
- 40g of cornstarch
Instructions:
- Prepare the chocolate shortcrust pastry by combining flour, cocoa powder, sugar, and salt. Work in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Mix in the whole egg and egg yolk until the dough forms. Wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 30-40 minutes.
- For the custard, heat the milk with the vanilla pod split in half until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat and let the flavors infuse.
- Whisk the egg yolks with sugar until light and fluffy. Incorporate the cornstarch until smooth.
- Gradually temper the hot milk into the egg mixture, stirring constantly. Return the mixture to the heat and cook, stirring continuously, until the custard thickens.
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F).
- Roll out the chilled pastry and line a 20-22 cm tart pan. Pour the custard into the crust.
- Bake in the oven for 35-40 minutes until the custard is set and the crust is firm.
- Let the tart cool before serving, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Enjoy this elegant Chocolate Shortcrust Tart with Custard Filling, where every slice promises a moment of sweet bliss!
