This magnificent Dark Chocolate Tart with a Bacon Shortbread Crust is not just a dessert; it’s an experience that tantalizes your taste buds. The combination of rich, velvety chocolate and the savory crunch of bacon creates an unforgettable flavor profile. In this tutorial, I will guide you through each step of making this indulgent tart, perfect for impressing your guests or satisfying your sweet tooth.
Bacon Shortbread Dark Chocolate Tart
A decadent tart featuring a buttery bacon-infused shortbread crust filled with rich dark chocolate ganache, offering a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.
Prep: 30 min | Cook: 20 min | Total: 50 min
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 8 ounces dark chocolate, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional toppings: sea salt flakes, additional crumbled bacon
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, combine flour, powdered sugar, softened butter, crumbled bacon, and salt until a dough forms.
- Press the dough evenly into a 9-inch tart pan. Prick the bottom with a fork and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from oven and let cool.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, bring heavy cream to a simmer. Remove from heat and add chopped dark chocolate, stirring until smooth. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Pour the chocolate ganache into the cooled shortbread crust. Smooth the top with a spatula.
- Refrigerate the tart for at least 2 hours, or until the ganache is set.
- Before serving, optionally sprinkle with sea salt flakes and additional crumbled bacon for garnish.
Nutrition
- Calories: 450 calories
- Fat: 35g
- Carbs: 30g
- Protein: 5g
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Facebook PinterestFirst, let’s address the ingredients you will need. For the bacon shortbread crust, gather the following:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup cooked, crumbled bacon (about 8 strips)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the dark chocolate filling, you will require:
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 8 ounces high-quality dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
Now let’s get started with the crust. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy. I usually use a hand mixer for this step, but a whisk will do as well if you prefer.
Once the mixture is fluffy, stir in the crumbled bacon. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until the dough forms. Don’t overmix, as you want the crust to remain tender. Press the dough firmly into a 9-inch tart pan, making sure to create an even layer along the bottom and up the sides.
Bake the crust in your preheated oven for about 15–20 minutes, or until it turns slightly golden. Once it’s ready, take it out and let it cool while you prepare the filling. This crust is what makes the tart so special, combining the sweet, buttery flavor of shortbread with the smoky, savory notes of bacon.
Next, for the dark chocolate filling, heat the heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to simmer—don’t let it boil. Remove it from heat and add your chopped dark chocolate, stirring until melted and smooth. Then, whisk in the eggs, vanilla extract, and brown sugar until fully combined.
Now, pour the chocolate mixture into the cooled bacon shortbread crust. Bake the tart at 350°F (175°C) for about 25–30 minutes. The center should be slightly set but still jiggle a little. Allow the tart to cool at room temperature, and then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. This chilling process helps the chocolate filling firm up nicely.
Once the tart is chilled, you can slice it into wedges and serve. If you’d like, you can garnish it with a sprinkle of sea salt or a drizzle of caramel for added depth. Each bite offers a luxurious experience that balances sweetness and savory flavors beautifully. Enjoy your Dark Chocolate Tart with a Bacon Shortbread Crust—it’s a dessert that promises to please any crowd!
