Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Sophisticated Flavor Profile: Brings together toasted walnuts, rich dark chocolate, and a hint of bourbon warmth.
- Easy Assembly: Made with straightforward ingredients that come together quickly for impressive results.
- Versatile Dessert: Works beautifully for Thanksgiving, dinner parties, or a special family gathering.
- Elegant Finish: The glossy chocolate ganache creates a luxurious, bakery-quality appearance.
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups walnut halves
- 1 pre-made 9-inch tart shell (or homemade if preferred)
- 2/3 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons bourbon (optional, can substitute vanilla extract)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 3/4 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
1. Preheat and Prepare:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Place the tart shell in a 9-inch tart pan with removable bottom and press firmly into place.
2. Toast the Walnuts:
- Spread walnut halves on a baking sheet and toast for 5-7 minutes until fragrant.
- Let cool slightly, then arrange evenly in the tart shell.
3. Prepare the Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together brown sugar, maple syrup, melted butter, eggs, bourbon, vanilla extract, and sea salt until fully combined.
- Pour the mixture over the toasted walnuts, making sure they are completely covered.
4. Melt the Chocolate:
- In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine dark chocolate chips and heavy cream.
- Microwave in 15-20 second intervals, stirring between each, until the chocolate is fully melted and silky smooth.
5. Create the Chocolate Layer:
- Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the walnut filling.
- Use a butter knife or toothpick to create gentle swirls throughout for a stunning marbled appearance.
6. Bake the Tart:
- Place the tart in the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes, until the filling is set around the edges.
- The center should have a slight jiggle, and the top should appear golden with a light sheen.
7. Cool and Serve:
- Allow the tart to cool completely on a wire rack for at least 2 hours.
- Serve at room temperature or slightly chilled with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8 slices
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Baking Time: 45-55 minutes
- Cooling Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: Approximately 3 hours 15 minutes
Variations
- Whiskey Chocolate Tart: Replace bourbon with your favorite whiskey for a smokier, bolder flavor.
- White Chocolate Drizzle: Use white chocolate chips instead of dark for a sweeter, creamier variation.
- Mixed Nut Medley: Combine walnuts with pecans or hazelnuts for a more complex nutty taste.
- Salted Caramel Finish: Drizzle salted caramel sauce over the cooled tart for an extra decadent touch.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Cover loosely and keep at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 6 days.
- Freezing: Wrap the cooled tart tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
- Reheating: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 12-18 seconds or in a 275°F oven for 8-12 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use a store-bought tart shell?
Yes, a store-bought tart shell is perfectly convenient, but you can make a homemade shortcrust pastry for extra richness.
How do I know when my walnut tart is done baking?
The filling should be firm around the edges but slightly jiggly in the very center. A toothpick inserted should come out mostly clean.
Can I make this tart without maple syrup?
Yes, you can substitute honey or agave nectar, though the flavor profile may shift slightly from the original.
What kind of chocolate is best for this recipe?
Dark chocolate chips with 60-70% cacao work beautifully, but you can also use chopped chocolate bars for better quality.
Can I make this tart in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the tart a day ahead and store it covered at room temperature or refrigerated.
Do I have to toast the walnuts first?
Toasting is highly recommended as it deepens the flavor and adds a wonderful aromatic quality. Toast them in a dry pan for 5-7 minutes over medium heat.
Can I make this tart without eggs?
You can try egg substitutes like commercial egg replacer, but the texture may not be as rich and firm.
What can I serve with bourbon walnut chocolate tart?
Vanilla bean ice cream, bourbon whipped cream, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce are excellent pairings.
Why did my tart crack on top?
Overbaking can cause surface cracks. Remove the tart when the center is still slightly wobbly.
Can I use a different type of nuts?
Yes, almonds, pecans, or macadamia nuts can replace walnuts for a delicious alternative twist.
Conclusion
Bourbon Walnut Chocolate Tart is a luxurious, sophisticated dessert that combines the earthy richness of walnuts with velvety dark chocolate. Whether for a holiday celebration or an intimate dinner party, this tart is sure to impress. Serve it warm, at room temperature, or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate indulgent experience.
Bourbon Walnut Chocolate Tart
This Bourbon Walnut Chocolate Tart is a sophisticated twist on classic nut desserts, featuring a buttery walnut filling swirled with dark chocolate and a hint of bourbon. Perfect for holidays, celebrations, or whenever you want an elegant treat!
- Prep Time: 20min
- Cook Time: 2hours
- Total Time: 3hours15min
- Yield: 8slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Southern
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups walnut halves
- 1 pre-made 9-inch tart shell (or homemade)
- ⅔ cup packed light brown sugar
- ⅓ cup pure maple syrup
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons bourbon (optional)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ¾ cup dark chocolate chips
- ⅓ cup heavy cream
Instructions
1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Shell:
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Place the tart shell into a 9-inch tart pan, pressing firmly into place.
2. Toast the Walnuts:
- Spread walnut halves on a baking sheet and toast for 5-7 minutes until fragrant.
- Let cool, then arrange evenly in the tart shell.
3. Prepare the Filling:
- In a large bowl, whisk together brown sugar, maple syrup, melted butter, eggs, bourbon, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
- Pour over the walnuts, ensuring they are fully coated.
4. Melt the Chocolate:
- In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips and heavy cream.
- Microwave in 15-20 second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth.
5. Create the Chocolate Swirl:
- Pour the melted chocolate over the walnut filling.
- Use a knife or toothpick to gently swirl for a marbled effect.
6. Bake the Tart:
- Place the tart in the oven and bake for 45-55 minutes until the filling is set but slightly jiggly in the center.
- A toothpick inserted should come out mostly clean.
7. Cool & Serve:
- Let the tart cool completely for at least 2 hours before slicing.
- Serve as is, or pair with vanilla ice cream or bourbon whipped cream.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use high-quality dark chocolate with 60-70% cacao.
- Toasting walnuts before baking intensifies their nutty flavor.
- For a firmer texture, refrigerate the tart for 1 hour before serving.
