Orange Zest Chocolate Tart with Almond Crust: A Refined Dessert Bake

Tarts, with their elegant appeal, are always a crowd pleaser. While enjoying one at a cafe is always an option, there's a unique joy in creating a customized version that perfectly suits your palate. A tart, with its versatile flavors, allows you to unleash your creativity and bake a dessert that's truly your own. This time, presenting you with an Orange Zest Chocolate Tart with Almond Crust. A refined dessert that is perfect for cozy movie nights, quiet evenings or to treat your loved ones with opulence.

The richness of dark chocolate with the zing of orange zest and balances all on a buttery almond crust. It sounds like a high end dessert, but you don’t need to be a pro baker to make it at home. The ingredients are easy to find, and the steps are as straightforward as making a basic biscuit base.

Whether it’s a special weekend or a midweek sweet craving, this tart brings a moment of calm and joy in every bite.

Ingredients:

For the crust:

• 1 cup almonds (ground or finely crushed)
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• A pinch of salt

For the filling:

• 200 g dark chocolate (chopped)
• ½ cup fresh cream
• ¼ cup milk
• 2 tablespoons honey or sugar
• Zest of 1 large orange
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• A pinch of sea salt

Method:

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C.
2. For the crust, mix ground almonds, flour, sugar, salt and melted butter in a bowl.
3. Stir until you get a soft dough. Press this mixture into a tart tin, covering the base and sides evenly.
4. Use the back of a spoon to level it. Bake for 12-15 minutes till it turns golden. Let it cool.
5. For the filling, heat cream and milk in a pan until hot but not boiling.
6. Remove from heat, add chopped chocolate, and stir until it melts completely.
7. Add orange zest, vanilla, honey, and a pinch of salt. Mix well.
8. Pour this smooth filling into the cooled tart shell.
9. Tap gently for even filling. Refrigerate for 3-4 hours or till set.
10. Garnish with orange curls, slivered almonds or grated chocolate before serving.

7 Tips to Follow

1. Toast the almonds

Toasting almonds for a few minutes in a dry pan or oven boosts their natural aroma and gives the crust a rich, nutty base. Once toasted, let them cool and then grind. Don’t over-grind or they’ll turn into paste, keep it slightly coarse for better bite.

2. Use real orange zest

The zest from a fresh orange gives a bright, citrusy kick that no bottled essence can match. Use a fine grater or zester and gently scrape only the colored part of the peel,avoid the bitter white underneath. Fresh zest makes the chocolate taste more lively and keeps the filling from feeling too intense. If your oranges aren’t juicy enough, you can even add a few drops of fresh juice into the filling.

3. Melt chocolate gently

Whether you use a double boiler or microwave, make sure to melt the chocolate slowly. Overheating or direct heat can cause the chocolate to split or seize. Once you pour the hot cream and milk mixture over the chocolate, let it sit for a minute, then stir gently till smooth. Adding the orange zest and vanilla after melting gives a lovely aroma without affecting the consistency.

4. Press the crust evenly

Uneven pressing of the crust can lead to too-thick or too-thin spots, which might bake unevenly. Use your fingers and then the back of a spoon or small bowl to press the crust evenly across the base and up the sides of the tin.

5. Choose good quality chocolate

Since chocolate is the heart of this tart, use one you enjoy eating on its own. Avoid overly sweet compound chocolate, it may feel flat and oily. Go for a bar with 55% to 70% cocoa for that rich, balanced taste. If using unsweetened chocolate, adjust the sweetener in the recipe slightly to keep it from turning too bitter. The orange will naturally lift the flavor.

6. Chill the tart fully before slicing

The tart needs to set in the fridge for at least 3- hours before serving. Cutting too soon will give you a runny middle. For sharp slices, use a warm knife (dip it in hot water and wipe) and cut cleanly. If you’re making it ahead, keep it chilled and garnish just before serving to keep the crust firm and the top neat.

7. Add toppings with care

This chocolate tart with orange zest and almond crust already packs a strong punch, so keep toppings light. A sprinkle of shaved dark chocolate, a curl of orange peel, or a few slivered almonds is all you need.