Decadent Chocolate Pecan Tart
Indulge in this rich and luxurious Decadent Chocolate Pecan Tart, a recipe that showcases the perfect marriage of creamy ganache and crunchy pecans. Originating from my sister, co-owner of the renowned Carpe Diem restaurant in Charlotte, N.C., this dessert is the star of their menu, captivating everyone with its velvety chocolate filling and delightful crust. A true crowd-pleaser, this dessert is perfect for special occasions or whenever you want to treat yourself to a slice of heaven.
12
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Heavy cream
1 1/2 cups (None)
Bittersweet chocolate
12 ounces (Chopped)
Egg yolk
1 (None)
Pecans
1 1/2 cups (Chopped finely)
Melted butter
4 tablespoons (Melted)
Sugar
3/4 cup (None)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
2
In a bowl, combine the chopped pecans, melted butter, and sugar. Mix until well combined.
3
Press the pecan mixture evenly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom.
4
Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 12 minutes or until it turns light brown. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely.
5
In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it reaches a boil, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
6
Once boiling, remove the saucepan from the heat and immediately add the chopped bittersweet chocolate and the egg yolk. Stir vigorously until the mixture is completely smooth and glossy, ensuring the chocolate is melted thoroughly.
7
Pour the chocolate ganache filling into the cooled pecan tart shell, smoothing the top as needed.
8
Refrigerate the tart for at least 2 hours or until the ganache is set and firm.
9
Once set, slice the tart into wedges and enjoy this decadent dessert!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Decadent Chocolate Pecan Tart?
It is a luxurious dessert featuring a creamy bittersweet chocolate ganache filling and a crunchy pecan-based crust.
How many servings does this tart provide?
This recipe yields 12 servings.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 325°F (160°C).
What kind of chocolate is used in the ganache?
The recipe calls for 12 ounces of chopped bittersweet chocolate.
How long does the pecan crust need to bake?
The crust should bake for about 12 minutes or until it turns light brown.
What type of pan is recommended for this recipe?
A 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom is recommended.
How long must the tart be refrigerated before serving?
The tart needs to be refrigerated for at least 2 hours or until the ganache is set and firm.
What are the ingredients for the tart crust?
The crust is made from 1 1/2 cups of finely chopped pecans, 4 tablespoons of melted butter, and 3/4 cup of sugar.
Who is the source of this recipe?
The recipe originated from the sister of the recipe creator, who is a co-owner of the Carpe Diem restaurant.
Where is the Carpe Diem restaurant located?
Carpe Diem restaurant is located in Charlotte, N.C.
How is the ganache prepared?
Heavy cream is brought to a boil, then removed from heat and stirred vigorously with bittersweet chocolate and an egg yolk until smooth.
Does the crust need to be cooled before adding the filling?
Yes, the pecan crust must be allowed to cool completely before the ganache is poured in.
What is the purpose of the egg yolk in the ganache?
The egg yolk is stirred into the hot chocolate mixture to add richness and help achieve a smooth, glossy texture.
How many ingredients are required in total?
There are 6 main ingredients: heavy cream, bittersweet chocolate, egg yolk, pecans, melted butter, and sugar.
What is the texture of the finished dessert?
The dessert features a velvety, smooth chocolate filling contrasted by a crunchy, buttery pecan crust.
How should the pecans be prepared for the crust?
The pecans should be chopped finely to ensure they can be pressed evenly into the tart pan.
Is this tart suitable for special occasions?
Yes, it is described as a star menu item and a perfect crowd-pleaser for special events.
What preparation is needed for the heavy cream?
The heavy cream should be heated over medium heat until it reaches a boil, stirring occasionally.
How do you ensure the ganache is glossy?
Stir the chocolate and egg yolk into the hot cream vigorously until the mixture is completely smooth.
Can you use a different type of nut for the crust?
While this specific recipe uses pecans for their unique flavor, you could experiment with other nuts, though it will change the profile of the dish.
What happens if I don't stir the cream while heating?
It is important to stir occasionally to prevent the cream from scorching at the bottom of the saucepan.
Is there any added sugar in the chocolate filling?
No, the sugar is only added to the pecan crust; the sweetness in the filling comes from the chocolate itself.
What is the best way to slice the tart?
Wait until the ganache is fully set and firm, then use a sharp knife to slice it into wedges.
Is the butter used in the crust salted or unsalted?
The recipe specifies 4 tablespoons of melted butter but does not specify salt content; typically, unsalted is used in baking unless otherwise noted.
Can this recipe be made in advance?
Yes, because it requires at least 2 hours of refrigeration, it is an ideal make-ahead dessert.
What tags describe this recipe?
Tags include dessert, chocolate, pecan, ganache, tart, heavenly, rich, decadent, and special occasions.
How much heavy cream is needed?
You will need 1 1/2 cups of heavy cream.
How much sugar is used in the recipe?
The recipe uses 3/4 cup of sugar.
What should the consistency of the pecan mixture be before baking?
It should be well combined and moist enough to be pressed into the bottom and up the sides of the tart pan.
How do you know when the ganache is ready?
The ganache is ready when it is no longer liquid and has become set and firm to the touch after refrigeration.