The Paleo Chocolate Hazelnut Tart is a decadent, no-bake dessert that perfectly blends rich chocolate with the nutty flavor of hazelnuts. This tart is not only paleo-friendly but also vegan and raw, making it a versatile treat suitable for various dietary preferences. Let’s dive into the benefits and tips for making this delightful dessert.
Health Benefits of Chocolate Hazelnut Tart
This tart is a healthier alternative to traditional desserts, packed with nutritious ingredients. Hazelnuts, the primary component of the crust, are rich in healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. They are a good source of vitamin E, which is essential for skin health and acts as a powerful antioxidant. Additionally, hazelnuts contain magnesium and B vitamins, which support energy production and brain health.
The chocolate filling is made with high-quality cocoa powder, known for its antioxidant properties. Cocoa powder is rich in flavonoids, which can help reduce inflammation, improve heart health, and enhance brain function. Using a combination of natural and Dutch-process cocoa powder adds depth to the flavor, making this tart irresistibly rich and chocolatey.
Tips for Making the Perfect Paleo Chocolate Hazelnut Tart
- Use High-Quality Ingredients: Opt for fine hazelnut flour and high-quality cocoa powder to ensure the best taste and texture. Brands like Bob’s Red Mill offer excellent options for hazelnut flour.
- Temperature Control: When preparing the filling, heat the coconut oil, coconut milk, and maple syrup just until melted. Avoid boiling to preserve the smooth, glossy texture of the chocolate.
- Chill Properly: Allow the tarts to chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour. If you don’t overheat the filling, the chill time can be shorter, giving you a quicker turnaround for this delicious dessert.
Versatility of the Paleo Chocolate Hazelnut Tart
One of the best aspects of this tart is its versatility. You can easily customize the flavor by switching the vanilla extract with orange, coconut, or mint extract. Each variation offers a unique twist, making the tart even more enjoyable. Additionally, garnishing with fresh strawberries, sifted cocoa powder, or crushed hazelnuts can enhance the presentation and add extra flavor.
Convenience of No-Bake Desserts
No-bake desserts like this Paleo Chocolate Hazelnut Tart are incredibly convenient. With minimal preparation and no need for baking, you can whip up this dessert quickly and effortlessly. It’s perfect for those who want a delicious treat without spending too much time in the kitchen.
A Healthier Dessert Choice
Choosing a Paleo Chocolate Hazelnut Tart means opting for a dessert that aligns with healthier eating habits. This tart is dairy-free, gluten-free, and refined sugar-free, making it suitable for various dietary preferences. The natural sweeteners like maple syrup provide a touch of sweetness without the need for processed sugars, ensuring that your dessert is both tasty and nutritious.
Creative Presentation Ideas
Mini versions of this tart are not only adorable but also perfect for portion control. Using foil-lined muffin cups as tart molds is a great alternative if you don’t have mini tart pans. This method creates cute, individual-sized tarts that are easy to serve and enjoy.
In conclusion, the Paleo Chocolate Hazelnut Tart is a delicious, healthy, and convenient dessert option. Its rich flavors and nutritious ingredients make it a perfect treat for anyone looking to indulge without compromising on health. Whether you are following a paleo diet or simply looking for a tasty no-bake dessert, this tart is sure to satisfy your cravings. Enjoy the combination of hazelnuts and chocolate in this delightful and versatile treat.
Chocolate Hazelnut Tart
No-bake desserts are my favorite. Very little prep time and ready to eat quickly are also bonuses. This dessert is the trifecta with all 3 of those elements. And it's delicious to boot. What more could you ask for?!
Ingredients
Supplies
- 4 Foil or Foil-Lined Muffin Cups
Crust
- 3/4 cups Fine Hazelnut Flour, I prefer Bob's Red Mill
- 2 tsp Natural Cocoa Powder
- 3 Tbsp Coconut Oil, melted
- 1 Tbsp Pure Maple Syrup
- 1/8 tsp Sea Salt
Filling
- 3 Tbsp Coconut Oil
- 3 Tbsp Full-Fat Coconut Milk
- 3 Tbsp Maple Syrup
- 6 Tbsp Cocoa Powder, I use half Natural, half Black Onyx
- 1/2 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract
Instructions
Prepare Tart Molds (if you do not already have mini tart pans):
- Use foil or foil-lined muffin cups (paper cups are too flimsy), place a regular-mouth mason jar top-down in the center of the muffin liner and press down until the liner is widened.
Crust
- In a medium bowl, add all crust ingredients and stir with a fork until evenly combined.
- Divide mixture into quarters and press evenly into the bottom and sides of the prepared tart pans/molds. If using the muffin-liner method, be careful not to crush the accordion edges.
- Set the prepared crusts in a small baking pan with a flat bottom and set aside while you prepare the filling.
Filling
- Heat coconut oil, coconut milk, and maple syrup in a small saucepan over medium-low heat until just melted and smooth. Do not let it come to a simmer or boil.
- Remove from heat and whisk in the cocoa powder until smooth and glossy.
- Whisk in the vanilla just until combined.
- Option 1: Pour the filling mixture evenly between the 4 prepared tart crusts.
- Place tarts in the refrigerator to chill for at least 1 hour or overnight, or until firm. If you didn't heat the filling too much, your chill time will be significantly reduced.
- Garnish with strawberries, sifted cocoa powder, or crushed hazelnuts (if desired) and serve chilled.
Nutrition Information
Yield 4 Serving Size 1 mini tartAmount Per Serving Calories 406Total Fat 36gSaturated Fat 21gUnsaturated Fat 0gSodium 77mgCarbohydrates 22gFiber 5gSugar 12gProtein 4g
Nutrition is calculated by a third party and may not be 100% accurate
Unschool Mama
Friday 21st of February 2020
This has become a go to for our family to impress people. We triple it and make one large tart. Love it! Thank you.
The Foodie Journey
Thursday 5th of April 2018
The texture of that chocolate mousse looks absolutely incredible!
Gabi
Saturday 20th of January 2018
I made it with almond meal.......obscenely delicious!!!!!!!
Cody
Saturday 8th of October 2016
Tonight was my second time making these. There are almost infinite variations. I was out of nut flour today, so I substituted 1/2 cup ground pecans and 1/4 cup coconut flour. For the filling, I omitted the maple syrup and substituted half a ripe banana and a couple of teaspoons of of almond milk and increased the coconut oil by a tablespoon. It was delicious!
Jessica Beacom
Sunday 6th of March 2016
These look soooooo amazing and I love your hack to make cute little tart 'pans' from foil cupcake liners.