Is it me, or does this just scream Valentine’s Day? It’s decadent and indulgent, a dark chocolate custard atop a buttery, shortbread crust. Oh, and if that wasn’t enough – how about the heaping mound of sweet whipped cream right on top? I’m pretty sure this is why we have Valentine’s Day. So we can eat things like this. Let’s just have another look, shall we?
I’m a big fan of a standard graham cracker crust, and even a good chocolate wafer crust – but this? Crumbly, buttery shortbread cookies pressed into a tart crust? Major win. But here’s the best part: the amazing shortbread crust is filled to the brim with a dark, slightly-sweet-slightly-bitter chocolate that thickens just the right amount. And just when you think the chocolate is going to be too dark, (is there such a thing?) the sweetness takes over and is further relaxed by a nice big hit of sweetened cream. You guys. I can’t. I don’t have the words to express just how luxurious this tart really is. Here’s the secret: good chocolate. Not just good chocolate, really good chocolate. REALLY, REALLY good chocolate.
Even better? Green & Black’s is Fairtrade certified. What the heck does that mean, anyway? Don’t feel bad, I didn’t know until several months ago, either. Essentially, it involves the production of certain foods (like cocoa, coffee, bananas, tea, and sugar) —in that they must be free of forced labor or poor working conditions for laborers. And perhaps most importantly, participating in a Fairtrade production chain can result in huge benefits for farmers. There are set “floor” prices, which protects smaller farms from fluctuating prices and from bigger, corporate farms from buying them when they are in a weaker market. Pretty awesome cause to support, right? Plus, you can just tell when good quality ingredients are used – and Green & Black’s is committed to creating a great-tasting organic chocolate bar – and I think the fact that they’re socially responsible just makes them taste even better. They’re a great company, and I invite you to support them next time you see them at your market. If you want more information about them, check out their website, their Facebook page and find them on Twitter.
I hope you give this recipe a try. It’s a true treat, and for a chocolate lover, you just can’t go wrong. Not a big dark chocolate fan? Swap it out for some milk chocolate and you won’t be disappointed. What’s your favorite kind of chocolate – are you a white, dark or milk chocolate fan? Let me know in a comment below, and you’ll be automatically entered for a chance to win a $100 cash equivalent gift card and a Green & Black’s Organic Chocolate prize pack of your own! Enjoy!
">Baked Elements, this Dark Chocolate Tart is decadent, indulgent, and the perfect end to a celebratory feast.- 8 ounces shortbread cookies
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 ounces (½ stick) unsalted butter, melted
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- ⅓ cup whole milk
- 5 ounces good-quality dark chocolate (60 to 72%), coarsely chopped
- 4 ounces good-quality milk chocolate, coarsely chopped
- 1 large egg, plus 1 large egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons good-quality vanilla extract
- 1 and ½ cups whipping cream
- ¼ cup confectioners sugar
- 2 teaspoons good-quality vanilla extract
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees (F).
- Prepare a 9-inch springform pan with a light coating of cooking spray. Set aside
- In a food processor, pulse the cookies into fine crumbs.
- Pour the crumbs into a large bowl, and add sugar and salt. Stir to combine.
- Pour melted butter over the top of the crumbs and combine with a fork until all crumbs are moistened.
- Pour crumbs into springform pan, and use your hand or a flat-bottomed cup to spread into an even layer, coming up the sides of the pan about an inch and a half.
- Place crust into the freezer for about 15 minutes.
- Place the springform pan on a baking sheet, and bake for 10-25 minutes (depends on moisture content of cookies, mostly) or until the crust is just dry. Do not allow the crust to brown, but it must dry before you add the filling or you'll have a soggy crust. You can cover the pan with foil if yours takes a long time to dry.
- Remove from oven and set aside while you prepare the filling.
- In a small saucepan over low heat, warm the milk and the cream until they begin to bubble at the sides of the pan and just start to steam.
- Remove from heat, and stir chopped chocolate into the cream mixture. Stir with a rubber spatula until chocolate is melted, completely combined, and smooth. Set aside to cool for about 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, whisk together egg, egg yolk, flour and vanilla. Whisk vigorously until flour dissolves.
- Pour cooled chocolate into egg mixture, and whisk until completely combined.
- Pour chocolate mixture into the prepared tart crust.
- Again, place the pan on a baking sheet, and bake for about 25 minutes, or until the edges are slightly wet and the center is slightly jiggly.
- Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cool, run a thin, offset spatula or a butter knife around the edge of the crust. Carefully release the springform.
- In a large bowl, beat cream on medium-high speed until the cream starts to firm up.
- Add vanilla and confectioners sugar, and continue beating until stiff peaks form.
- Spoon over top of tart, and enjoy!
- Keep refrigerated.
Entry Instructions: No duplicate comments. You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods: 1. Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post 2. Tweet (public message) about this promotion; including exactly the following unique term in your tweet message: “#SweepstakesEntry”; and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post 3. Blog about this promotion, including a disclosure that you are receiving a sweepstakes entry in exchange for writing the blog post, and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post 4. For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry. This sweepstakes is open to US Residents age 18 or older (or nineteen (19) years of age or older in Alabama and Nebraska). Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. The notification email will come directly from BlogHer via the sweeps@blogher email address. You will have 2 business days to respond; otherwise a new winner will be selected. The Official Rules are available here. This sweepstakes runs from 2/5/2015 – 3/31/2015. Be sure to visit the Green & Black’s Organic Chocolate brand page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ posts!
Love good quality dark chocolate. Would love to win some to make this recipe!! 🙂
I like Milk Chocolate the best! I like the Green&Black’s Milk Chocolate the Best!
my email jewelwood55(at)gmail(dot)com
I like white chocolate when it is mixed with other items such as pretzels and popcorn. I like milk chocolate on its own.
My ultimate top pick for a favorite in chocolate is the extra dark chocolate, so delicious.
Nicole.ddziedzic at gmail dot com
Love dark chocolate for sure 🙂
I’m a fan of all chocolates. If I had to pick just one, I would go with white chocolate.
mami2jcn at gmail dot com
I love Dark Chocolate!
My favorite is dark chocolate
elena150980@yahoo.com
My favorite is milk chocolate.
My favorite is dark chocolate.
My favorite is milk chocolate.
Dark chocolate! Most definitely!
onefrugalgirl AT gmail DOT com
I prefer mlk chocolate for frostings especially. But I can enjoy a good dose of dark chocolate, as well! Thank you!
I love my dark chocolate. The darker the better for eating and most baking. Truly enjoy Green and Black toffee bar for a treat too!
I love dark chocolate( well, any chocolatally, but dark chocolate especially)!
Milk chocolate, dark is too much
I LOVE dark chocolate, it’s so rich. Sometimes it can be bitter by itself, but I adore it
Dark chocolate all the way!
chambanachik(at)gmail(dot)com
I’m definitely a dark chocolate-aholic. And scientific studies have shown that it’s good for you, so…no guilt right? 🙂
I really prefer dark chocolate! One of my favorite are the Lindt Truffles! They’re all delicious!
I am a super loyal fan of dark chocolate but I also love milk chocolate.
heather hgtempaddy@hotmail.com
Milk chocolate is my favorite.
kellywcu8888ATgmailDOTcom
I love chocolate with sea salt.
I like them all….but milk chocolate is my favorite.
I love all dark chocolate.
tcarolinep at gmail dot com
My favorite is usually dark chocolate!
madelinebrubaker {at} gmail [dot] com
I love dark chocolate, but I’ve never met a chocolate that I didn’t like!
I love milk chocolate the best
I am a dark chocoholic all the way. How awesome is it to be able to eat something you love that’s also good for you!!
That tart is BEAUTIFUL!! I’m a dark chocolate lady all the way!
I am a huge white chocolate fan
mummytotwoboys@yahoo.com
Dark Chocolate, please! Green & Black’s 70% is excellent!
Dark Chocolate, please! Green & Black’s 70% is excellent! The quality of their chocolate is a difference you can taste!
I don’t mind white in moderation but always go for dark.
i like White Chocolate.
I like dark and milk chocolate equally well – sometimes I’m in the mood for one and other times I’m in the mood for the other. I cannot eat white chocolate, however. I overdosed on it one Easter when I was a child and to this day it makes me ill just to think of it.
The milk chocolate.
I am definitely a fan of milk chocolate the most.. I don’t really like white chocolate at all.
prettyinhotpink6 at gmail dot com
Milk chocolate is definitely my fave!
Dark Chocolate!!!!
Milk chocolate is my favorite.
s2s2 at cox dot net
I love milk chocolate
Milk chocolate is my favorite!
Milk chocolate
Green and Black’s Milk Chocolate is my favorite.
Dark!
https://twitter.com/cdhabolt/status/571522710037114880
My favorite is milk chocolate.
MCantu1019 at aol dot com
My favorite is dark chocolate
dark chocolate
dlatany at gmail dot com
I am a big fan of white chocolate — I’d rather have it any day over other types of chocolate!
My favorite is definetly Milk Chocolate
I tweeted https://twitter.com/bdiane35/status/573642168306384896
I like white chocolate and milk chocolate.
I love a good white chocolate 🙂
My favorite is milk chocolate.
I like all types of chocolate!
i love white
I like them all but I prefer milk chocolate
I love, love, love dark chocolate. Thanks for the giveaway!
Depends what I’m in the mood to have. I really love all chocolates evenly. Thanks so much.
My favorite kind of chocolate is dark chocolate
I love dark Chocolate
I love all chocolate, but when I need to pick-I choose dark.
I like Milk Chocolate.
Milk chocolate is my fave, then dark and white third
tvollowitz at aol dot com
I like milk chocolate best…drool
My favorite is dark chocolate. I also like milk chocolate but am not such a fan of white.
I really love -all- chocolate! Sometimes, dark is just to tasty… but then you want some milk chocolate… and then white chocolate will catch your fancy! 🙂
anastasia2013@gmail.com
My favorite is white chocolate! I have the ingredients to try making my own white chocolate, but I know nothing is better than having the best chocolate made – like Green and Blacks – yum!
I like both milk and dark chocolate.
lazybones344 at gmail dot com
My favorite is dark chocolate. Thanks for the giveaway!
I like milk chocolate and dark chocolate. My favorite changes by the mood I’m in. lol Thank you!
crystalfaulkner2000 at yahoo dot com
Dark chocolate is my favorite! I like all chocolates if they are paired with other flavors correctly!
I’m a huge dark chocolate fan. Wish I had some.
i like milk chocolate and white chocolate
My favorite is dark chocolate although I also enjoy milk chocolate too!
longbarb11@aol.com
I love to make a chocolate French Silk Pie. It is not one you bake, just chill, so it is easy to throw together.
I love chocolate! Especially milk chocolate!
addictedtorodeo at gmail dot com
I love chocolate in all forms but I think when it comes to cookies or candy I like Dark Chocolate! truckredford(at)Gmail(Dot)com
My favorite chocolate is certainly milk chocolate.
My favorite is milk chocolate.
dark chocolate
MILK
I am a fan of milk chocolate only.
kport207 at gmail dot com
I like them all – but milk chocolate is my favorite!
nuthouse(at)centurytel(dot)net
I prefer milk chocolate but would not say no to any kind of chocolate!! MMMmmmm!
I love milk chocolate.
I like milk chocolate
iamdadtastic@gmail.com
I love the milk chocolate the best.
I’m a milk chocolate fan. And I love almonds in it too!
I’ve never met a chocolate I didn’t like. I want to try their Ginger Dark chocolate.
Thanks for the contest.
slehan at juno dot com
White Chocolate is my favorite!
White chocolate.
i love all kinds of chocolate
I’m a Dark Chocolate Girl.
My favorite chocolate is milk chocolate.
wlbellows at gmail dot com
Dark chocolate is by far my favorite. As I get older, I almost find baking chocolate appealing 😉
dmarie824 at aol dot com
i like the dark chocolate
Milk Chocolate
I enjoy both dark chocolate and milk chocolate, especially
organic, but I am not a big fan of white chocolate.
All of the above! But I like dark chocolate the best!
My favorite is always milk chocolate.
eswright18 at gmail dot com
actually, any chocolate i could give my dad would be my favorite–he loves it all
I’m a big fan of dark and white chocolate!
thank you
my faveorite is milk chocolate joebissy at mail dot com
I would like to try the white chocolate! ky_grandma40@yahoo.com
Hands down, my favorite chocolate is dark chocolate. Yum!
Dark chocolate makes my toes curl!
I love the milk chocolate the most but I never turn down any of them! my4boysand1@gmail.com
Dark chocolate is my favorite. I love it paired with raspberries.
I like white and milk chocolate. boylaneely at hotmail dot com
I am a fan of all chocolates but prefer Dark.
motioncitycutie(at)aol(dot)com
I like dark chocolate best, but you really can’t go wrong with chocolate.
My favorite is milk chocolate.
I love all types of chocolate but white chocolate is becoming my new favorite.
I am a milk chocolate fan
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
i am a milk chocolate fan!
debbiebellows (at) gmail (dot) com
I’m a huge fan of white chocolate!
fan of all chocolate
I like milk chocolate
I have always loved milk chocolate the best but I will not turn down any kind of chocolate
I am definitely all about milk chocolate. I never eat white chocolate because, let’s face it, it is not REALLY even chocolate! LOL Dark chocolate is usually not on my radar because it is too bitter.
Angie
14earth at gmail dot com
I prefer milk chocolate
I like milk chocolate
rounder9834 @yahoo.com
I am a fan of White and dark chocolate equally!
dark chocolate
love to make chocolate truffles
the only chocolate I like is milk chocolate !
I absolutely love dark chocolate!
Dark chocolate is my favorite, but I like them all.
I LOVE ME SOME MILK CHOCOLATE! afjackly@oakland.edu
I am a Milk Chocolate fan!
I love all chocolate, but milk chocolate is my favorite!
nuthouse(at)centurytel(dot)net
I like milk chocolate
iamdadtastic@gmail.com