Chocolate Tart with Gingerbread Base

This delightful chocolate tart with a gingerbread base combines rich chocolate filling with a spiced gingerbread crust, creating a perfect dessert for special occasions. The combination of dark chocolate, cream, and spices provides a depth of flavor that chocolate lovers will adore. The gingerbread crust adds a unique texture and festive touch, making it an excellent choice for holiday gatherings. This recipe is versatile and can be easily adapted to suit different tastes and preferences. If you're looking for a dessert that is both simple to make and impressive to serve, this is it. The tart can be garnished with cocoa powder and additional gingerbread cookies for an elegant finish. It's a dessert that promises not just to satisfy your sweet tooth but also to impress your guests with its gourmet appeal. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this chocolate tart with gingerbread base is an exciting recipe to try. Elevate your dessert game by exploring this fusion of rich, creamy chocolate and the spicy warmth of gingerbread.

Ingredients

For the Gingerbread Base:

250g classic "Selga" gingerbread cookies
70g butter

For the Filling:

300g dark chocolate (at least 55% cocoa content)
200ml heavy cream
50g brown sugar
20g wheat flour
2 egg yolks
1 egg
2 tbsp Latvian Balsam (or another strong alcohol of choice)
A pinch of salt
1 tsp cinnamon or gingerbread spices
Vanilla sugar or vanilla extract
Unsweetened cocoa powder for serving

Preparation Time

70 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

Finely crush the gingerbread cookies in a food processor or by placing them in a plastic bag and using a rolling pin.
Melt the butter and mix it with the gingerbread crumbs until well combined. Press the mixture into a tart pan with a removable bottom, ensuring it is evenly compacted.
To prepare the filling, pour the heavy cream into a saucepan and add the broken pieces of chocolate. Melt the chocolate over low heat, stirring constantly until a thick and smooth chocolate mixture is obtained. Be careful not to burn the chocolate.
Remove the saucepan from the heat. In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, cinnamon, salt, and sugar.
Gradually add this dry mixture to the melted chocolate, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
Stir in the balsam, vanilla extract, and once the chocolate mixture has cooled slightly, quickly mix in the egg and egg yolks. Use a whisk and make sure the mixture is not too hot to prevent the eggs from scrambling.
Pour the finished filling into the prepared gingerbread base.
Preheat the oven to 165°C and bake the tart for 25-30 minutes.
Once baked, remove the tart from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 20 minutes.
Carefully take the tart out of the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack for another hour.
Decorate the tart with additional gingerbread cookies and a dusting of cocoa powder.
Slice the tart into small pieces and serve.

Tips

**For a non-alcoholic version**, replace the balsam with an equal amount of milk or cream.
**Ensure the chocolate mixture is not too hot** before adding the eggs to avoid curdling.
**Refrigerate the tart** for a firmer texture before serving, especially during warm weather.

Nutritions

Calories: Approximately 450 (per serving)
Protein: 5g
Fats: 30g
Carbohydrates: 45g

Variations

**For a gluten-free version**, use gluten-free gingerbread cookies and replace wheat flour with almond flour.
**For a vegan version**, substitute heavy cream and butter with coconut cream and coconut oil respectively, and use flax eggs instead of regular eggs.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with **a dollop of whipped cream** or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a richer dessert experience.
Pair with **a cup of hot coffee** or a glass of red wine to complement the chocolate flavors.

Best Places

Ladurée - Famous for its exquisite pastries, particularly the macarons. Location: 16 Rue Royale, Paris, France.
Demel - An iconic bakery known for Austrian desserts. Location: Kohlmarkt 14, Vienna, Austria.
Café Sacher - Renowned for the Sachertorte, a classic Viennese chocolate cake. Location: Philharmoniker Str. 4, Vienna, Austria.
Pasticceria Marchesi - Historic and elegant bakery offering traditional Italian confections. Location: Via Santa Maria Alla Porta, 11/A, Milan, Italy.
Reykjavik Roasters - A cozy spot known for excellent coffee and pastries. Location: Kárastígur 1, Reykjavik, Iceland.
Café de Flore - A legendary Parisian café known for its history and classic French desserts. Location: 172 Boulevard Saint-Germain, Paris, France.
Betty’s Café Tea Rooms - Offers a quintessential English tea and cake experience. Location: 6-8 St Helen's Square, York, England.
La Pâtisserie Cyril Lignac - Offers creative and elegant French pastries. Location: 24 Rue Paul Bert, Paris, France.
Sweet Lady Jane - Known for beautifully crafted cakes and desserts. Location: 8360 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, USA.
Dominique Ansel Bakery - Inventor of the famous Cronut. Location: 189 Spring Street, New York, USA.