This cocoa tart recipe is a marvelous blend of rich cocoa pastry and a creamy ricotta filling, dotted with dark chocolate chips that add a hint of luxury with every bite. The cocoa in the crust provides a deep chocolate flavor that perfectly complements the smooth, sweet ricotta center, creating a balanced and indulgent dessert.
Why You'll Love This: Chocolate and cheese enthusiasts alike will revel in this dessert’s complex texture and flavor profile. The bitter notes of the cocoa and dark chocolate contrast beautifully with the mild and creamy ricotta, offering a sophisticated taste experience. It’s a dessert that balances richness and subtlety, making it a perfect choice for those who appreciate the finer details in baking.
Perfect Occasion: This tart is suited for high tea events, sophisticated dinner parties, or as a special treat during the holidays. It's also a great choice for birthdays and celebrations where you want to offer something a little different from the usual cake. The elegance of this tart makes it a standout dessert for any occasion that calls for a bit of decadence.
Decoration Tips: The tart itself is visually striking, but adding a few simple touches can elevate its presentation further. Consider dusting the top with powdered sugar or cocoa powder before serving to enhance its chocolatey appearance. For a festive touch, a few edible gold leaves or a drizzle of caramel could also be beautiful.
Ingredients:
- For the Cocoa Pastry:
- 360 grams of type 0 flour
- 170 grams of cold butter, cubed
- 40 grams of unsweetened cocoa powder
- 180 grams of granulated sugar
- 1 whole egg
- 1 egg yolk
- For the Filling:
- 450 grams of cow's milk ricotta
- 1 egg yolk
- Vanilla extract, to taste
- 80 grams of granulated sugar
- 80 grams of dark chocolate chips
Instructions:
- Prepare the Cocoa Pastry:
- In a large bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, and sugar. Add the cold, cubed butter and work the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in the whole egg and egg yolk until the dough comes together. Wrap in plastic and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Make the Ricotta Filling:
- In a separate bowl, mix the ricotta with the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and sugar until smooth.
- Fold in the dark chocolate chips.
- Assemble and Bake:
- Roll out the chilled dough and line a tart pan, trimming any excess. Pour the ricotta filling into the pastry base.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius for about 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is firm.
- Cool and Decorate:
- Allow the tart to cool completely before removing it from the pan. Decorate as suggested before serving.
Enjoy this elegantly flavored tart, where every slice promises a delightful combination of textures and tastes!