Chocolate Hazelnut Mini Tarts with Cream – Decadent, Bite-Sized Indulgence

Introduction

Treat yourself and your guests to Chocolate Hazelnut Mini Tarts with Cream, a luscious dessert that combines a crisp tart shell with a rich chocolate-hazelnut filling and a light, airy cream topping. These bite-sized delights are perfect for parties, afternoon tea, or a special indulgence after dinner. Each tart delivers a satisfying crunch followed by a silky, nutty chocolate layer and a creamy finish that melts in your mouth.

Mini tarts are versatile and visually impressive, making them ideal for gatherings or as gifts. The combination of chocolate and hazelnuts offers a luxurious flavor profile reminiscent of classic European desserts. Topped with a dollop of fresh cream or lightly whipped topping, these tarts strike a perfect balance between richness and lightness, making them irresistible to chocolate lovers and dessert connoisseurs alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Decadent yet approachable: Rich chocolate and nutty hazelnut flavor in a small, elegant tart.
Perfectly portioned: Individual servings make presentation effortless.
Customizable: Swap toppings or fillings to suit your taste.
Make-ahead friendly: Can be prepared in advance and stored until serving.
Impressive presentation: Ideal for dinner parties, holiday gatherings, or special occasions.

A Bit of Background

Chocolate and hazelnut combinations are a beloved staple in European confections, particularly in Italian and French pastries. The hazelnut adds a warm, nutty depth that complements the rich, slightly bitter chocolate, while the tart shell provides a crisp base to balance the creamy filling. Mini tarts have long been a favorite for their elegance and versatility, allowing bakers to create beautifully presented desserts without large-scale preparation.

Ingredients

For the Tart Shells

1 ¼ cups (150 g) all-purpose flour
¼ cup (30 g) powdered sugar
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
1 large egg yolk
1–2 tablespoons cold water

For the Chocolate Hazelnut Filling

½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
½ cup (90 g) semi-sweet or dark chocolate, chopped
¼ cup (60 g) chocolate-hazelnut spread (like hazelnut spread)
2 tablespoons toasted hazelnuts, finely chopped

For the Cream Topping

½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
1 tablespoon powdered sugar
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional: whole toasted hazelnuts or chocolate shavings for garnish

Equipment

Mini tart pans or muffin tin
Mixing bowls
Rolling pin
Saucepan
Whisk and spatula

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Tart Shells

In a mixing bowl, combine flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add egg yolk and 1 tablespoon cold water, mixing until the dough just comes together. Add an extra teaspoon of water if needed.

2. Chill the Dough

Form the dough into a disk, wrap in plastic, and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This helps the dough firm up for easier rolling and shaping.

3. Roll and Shape

Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about 3 mm (⅛ inch) thick. Cut out circles slightly larger than your mini tart pans. Gently press the dough into the pans, trimming any excess. Prick the bottoms with a fork to prevent puffing. Chill again for 10–15 minutes.

4. Blind Bake the Shells

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Line the tart shells with parchment paper or foil and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 10 minutes, remove weights and paper, then bake for another 5–7 minutes until lightly golden. Let cool completely.

5. Prepare the Chocolate Hazelnut Filling

In a small saucepan, heat heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat and stir in chopped chocolate until smooth. Mix in chocolate-hazelnut spread and finely chopped toasted hazelnuts until fully incorporated.

6. Fill the Tart Shells

Spoon or pipe the chocolate hazelnut filling into the cooled tart shells. Smooth the tops with a spatula and allow to set at room temperature or refrigerate for 20–30 minutes until slightly firm.

7. Whip the Cream Topping

In a mixing bowl, beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Pipe or dollop the cream over the set chocolate filling. Garnish with whole toasted hazelnuts or chocolate shavings for an elegant finish.

8. Serve

Serve immediately for the freshest texture, or refrigerate for up to 1 day before serving. These mini tarts are best enjoyed slightly chilled, offering a balance of crisp shell, creamy chocolate, and light whipped topping.

Expert Tips

Prevent soggy bottoms: Blind bake tart shells fully and allow to cool before adding filling.
Chocolate variety: Use dark, semi-sweet, or milk chocolate depending on preferred richness.
Nut options: Replace hazelnuts with almonds or pecans if desired.
Make ahead: Tart shells can be baked and stored for a few days; fill and top just before serving.
Uniform mini tarts: Use a mini muffin tin with removable bottoms for even, professional-looking tarts.

Variations & Customizations

Fruit addition: Add raspberries or sliced strawberries atop the chocolate layer for freshness.
Spiced twist: Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or chili powder into the filling for depth.
Vegan version: Use plant-based butter, cream, and chocolate for a dairy-free alternative.
Nut-free: Omit hazelnuts or replace with seeds such as pumpkin or sunflower for texture.
Mini tartlets: Make bite-sized versions for parties or dessert platters.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with coffee, tea, or a dessert wine for a complete indulgent experience.
Arrange on a dessert tray with berries or edible flowers for a visually stunning presentation.
Serve chilled or at room temperature depending on preference.
Offer alongside a scoop of ice cream or fruit compote for added decadence.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Refrigerate: Store assembled tarts in an airtight container for up to 1 day.
Keep crisp: Add cream topping just before serving to maintain tart shell texture.
Freeze: Tart shells can be frozen unfilled for up to 1 month. Thaw completely before filling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use store-bought tart shells?
Yes, ready-made shells save time and work well with this filling.

Can I make the cream topping ahead of time?
Yes, whip just before serving to ensure fluffiness.

Is this dessert suitable for parties?
Absolutely! Mini tarts are perfect for gatherings and elegant displays.

Can I use other nuts instead of hazelnuts?
Yes, almonds, pecans, or pistachios work beautifully.

Nutrition (Per Serving – Approximate)

Calories: 280
Protein: 4 g
Fat: 18 g
Carbohydrates: 28 g
Fiber: 2 g

Conclusion

Chocolate Hazelnut Mini Tarts with Cream are a decadent, elegant dessert that balances crispy tart shells, nutty chocolate filling, and airy whipped cream. Perfect for entertaining, gifting, or indulging yourself, these tarts offer luxurious flavor in every bite. Prepare them ahead for effortless presentation or enjoy freshly made for the best texture and flavor. Each mini tart is a delightful bite of sweet, nutty perfection.