Imagine a dessert that combines the rich, velvety smoothness of dark chocolate with the bright, zesty essence of fresh oranges, all nestled in a delicate, buttery tart shell. These Orange Chocolate Ganache Tartlets are not just a dessert; they're a culinary journey that transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary sensory experience. Perfect for impressing dinner guests or treating yourself to a luxurious moment of pure indulgence, these tartlets are about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 12 tartlets
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup dark chocolate, chopped
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 tablespoon orange juice
Instructions
- Prepare the tart shell dough by combining softened butter and powdered sugar in a mixing bowl, beating until light and creamy.
- Add the egg to the butter mixture and mix until fully incorporated, ensuring a smooth consistency.
- Gradually fold in the all-purpose flour, mixing until a soft, cohesive dough forms. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 12-cup tartlet pan or mini muffin tin.
- Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to approximately 1/8 inch thickness. Cut circles slightly larger than the tartlet molds.
- Carefully press the dough circles into each tartlet mold, trimming excess edges. Prick the bottom of each shell with a fork.
- Blind bake the tart shells for 12-15 minutes until light golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool completely.
- For the ganache, heat heavy cream in a saucepan until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat.
- Pour hot cream over chopped dark chocolate in a bowl. Let sit for 2-3 minutes, then whisk until smooth and glossy.
- Stir in fresh orange zest and orange juice into the chocolate ganache, mixing until fully combined.
- Allow ganache to cool slightly until it reaches a spreadable consistency, about 10-15 minutes.
- Carefully spoon or pipe the orange-infused chocolate ganache into the cooled tart shells.
- Refrigerate tartlets for 30 minutes to set the ganache. Garnish with additional orange zest if desired before serving.
Tips
- Chill Your Dough: Refrigerating the tart shell dough for 30 minutes helps prevent shrinkage and ensures a crisp, flaky texture.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Use softened butter and eggs at room temperature for smoother, more consistent dough.
- Blind Baking Technique: Always prick the bottom of the tart shells and use pie weights or dried beans to prevent the crust from puffing up during baking.
- Chocolate Quality Matters: Use high-quality dark chocolate for the most luxurious ganache flavor.
- Ganache Consistency: Let the ganache cool slightly before filling to achieve the perfect spreadable texture.
- Zest Freshness: Use freshly grated orange zest for the most vibrant citrus flavor.
- Make Ahead: These tartlets can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator, making them perfect for entertaining.
- Garnish Options: Consider topping with a light dusting of cocoa powder, a sprinkle of orange zest, or a small chocolate curl for an extra touch of elegance.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 55mg
