If you’re craving a decadent dessert that combines smooth chocolate, a crisp buttery crust, and a silky-smooth texture, then this Flaky Crust French Silk Chocolate Tart is the perfect treat for you. This recipe combines the rich taste of bittersweet and semisweet chocolate, nestled in a perfectly flaky tart crust, topped with fluffy whipped cream, and garnished with chocolate curls for that extra luxurious touch.
What is a French Silk Chocolate Tart?
A French Silk Chocolate Tart is a luxurious dessert that features a velvety chocolate filling made with butter, sugar, and eggs, giving it its signature smooth, mousse-like texture. Traditionally, it is set in a flaky tart crust and served chilled, making it a perfect choice for special occasions or dinner parties. The tart is no-bake after the filling is added, which means the magic happens in the prep and chilling stages.
The Origin of the French Silk Chocolate Tart
The French Silk Chocolate Tart takes inspiration from the classic French silk pie, a dessert that gained popularity in the United States during the 1950s. The term “silk” refers to the incredibly smooth texture that results from whipping butter, sugar, and eggs together for a mousse-like consistency. Over time, the recipe evolved into a tart form, with the smooth chocolate filling served in a buttery pastry shell for a more elegant twist.
Ingredients for Flaky Crust French Silk Chocolate Tart
This indulgent tart is made up of three parts: the flaky tart crust, the French silk filling, and the delicious topping. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Flaky Tart Crust:
- 1 ¼ cups (155g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (115g) cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 2 tbsp sugar
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2–3 tbsp ice water (as needed)
French Silk Filling:
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 3 oz (85g) bittersweet chocolate, melted and cooled
- 3 oz (85g) semisweet chocolate, melted and cooled
- ¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 3 large pasteurized eggs (VERY important), at room temperature
For Topping:
- Fresh whipped cream
- Chocolate curls or shavings
Step-by-Step Directions to Make the Flaky Crust French Silk Chocolate Tart
Let’s dive into the preparation and the step-by-step instructions for making this luxurious tart.
Step 1: Make the Flaky Tart Crust
Mix the Ingredients
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt.
- Add the cold butter (cut into cubes) and use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to mix until you get pea-sized crumbs.
Bind the Dough
- Add egg yolk and 2 tbsp of ice water to the mixture. Stir until the dough comes together. If the dough feels too dry, add the remaining tablespoon of ice water, a little at a time, until it holds.
Chill the Dough
- Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic, and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. This step ensures the dough is easier to roll and will bake perfectly.
Roll & Blind Bake the Crust
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll the dough into a circle large enough to fit a 9-inch tart pan. Press the dough into the pan, trimming any excess edges. Use a fork to prick the base of the dough to prevent bubbles during baking.
- Line the tart shell with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dry beans.
- Bake for 15 minutes. Remove the parchment and weights, and bake for another 10 minutes or until golden.
- Let the crust cool completely before adding the filling.
Step 2: Make the French Silk Filling
Beat the Sugar and Butter
- In a stand mixer, combine softened butter and granulated sugar. Beat on medium speed for 8-10 minutes until the mixture is pale, fluffy, and airy.
Add the Chocolate
- Add the cooled melted bittersweet and semisweet chocolate, along with vanilla extract. Mix until everything is smooth and fully combined.
Incorporate the Pasteurized Eggs
- With the mixer running, add one pasteurized egg at a time, beating for 5 minutes after each addition. This long beating is essential to achieving that signature silky texture.
- Pro Tip: Use only pasteurized eggs for safety, as the filling is not cooked.
Fill the Tart Shell
- Once the mixture is perfectly smooth, spread it evenly into the cooled tart crust.
Step 3: Chill and Garnish
- Refrigerate the tart for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to allow the filling to set and develop its perfect texture.
- Before serving, top with fresh whipped cream and garnish with chocolate curls or shavings for an extra touch of elegance.
Variations of the Flaky Crust French Silk Chocolate Tart
- Add a Nutty Twist: For a crunchy contrast to the smooth chocolate filling, try adding crushed nuts (like hazelnuts or almonds) to the crust.
- Fruit Flavors: Try adding a layer of raspberry jam or fresh berries on top of the filling for a tangy, fruity contrast.
- Darker Chocolate: For an even more intense chocolate flavor, swap the semisweet chocolate for dark chocolate.
FAQs: Flaky Crust French Silk Chocolate Tart
1. Can I use a store-bought tart crust?
Yes, you can use a pre-made crust to save time, but the homemade flaky crust adds a special touch and flavor that’s hard to beat.
2. How do I prevent the tart from becoming too soft?
Ensure that you refrigerate the tart for the recommended time to allow the filling to set properly. Additionally, avoid adding too much water to the crust dough.
3. Can I make this tart ahead of time?
Absolutely! This tart can be made up to 2 days in advance. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
Conclusion:
This Flaky Crust French Silk Chocolate Tart is the epitome of indulgence, featuring a buttery, crisp pastry shell filled with a rich, velvety chocolate filling that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re preparing for a special occasion or treating yourself to a gourmet dessert, this tart is sure to impress. With its smooth texture, elegant presentation, and luxurious flavor, it’s a dessert you’ll return to time and time again. Remember, the key to perfection lies in patience—be sure to allow the tart to chill fully for that perfect slice!
By following these steps, you’ll be able to create an unforgettable dessert that stands out for both its flavor and its sophistication. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is sure to elevate your dessert game!
