Chocolate Hazelnut Tart the rich, creamy goodness of a vegan gluten-free chocolate hazelnut tart! This delightful dessert combines the nutty flavor of hazelnuts with a velvety chocolate filling, making it a perfect treat for any occasion. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating this decadent dessert.

Ingredients

For the Hazelnut Crust:

• 1 cup raw hazelnuts
• 1 cup almond flour (or gluten-free all-purpose flour)
• ¼ cup melted coconut oil
• 3 tablespoons maple syrup
• ¼ teaspoon sea salt

For the Chocolate Filling:

• ½ cup coconut milk (full-fat for creaminess)
• 1½ cups vegan chocolate chips
• ¼ cup maple syrup (adjust to taste)
• ½ cup melted coconut oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• ¾ cup finely chopped hazelnuts (for added texture)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Process Hazelnuts: In a food processor, blend the raw hazelnuts until they form a fine crumb.
3. Mix Ingredients: Add almond flour, melted coconut oil, maple syrup, and sea salt to the food processor. Blend until the mixture starts to come together and sticks when pressed between your fingers.
4. Form the Crust: Transfer the dough into a parchment-lined tart pan. Press it evenly across the bottom and up the sides of the pan.
5. Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until lightly golden and fragrant. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool for about 10–15 minutes.

Step 2: Make the Chocolate Filling

1. Heat Coconut Milk: In a small saucepan, heat the coconut milk over medium heat until just before boiling.
2. Melt Chocolate: Place the vegan chocolate chips in a heat-safe bowl and pour the hot coconut milk over them. Let it sit for about 3–5 minutes, then stir until smooth.
3. Combine Ingredients: Add melted coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and sea salt to the chocolate mixture. Stir until fully combined and glossy.
4. Add Hazelnuts: Fold in the finely chopped hazelnuts for added texture.

Step 3: Assemble and Chill

1. Pour Filling: Pour the chocolate filling into the cooled hazelnut crust, smoothing out the top with a spatula.
2. Chill: Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or overnight, until set.

Step 4: Serve

1. Garnish (Optional): Before serving, you can garnish with shaved chocolate, additional chopped hazelnuts, or fresh berries for a pop of color.
2. Slice and Enjoy: Carefully remove from the tart pan, slice, and serve chilled.

Tips for Success

• Nut Variations: Feel free to substitute other nuts if you prefer; just ensure they are gluten-free.
• Sweetness Level: Adjust maple syrup according to your sweetness preference; taste as you go!
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.

This vegan gluten-free chocolate hazelnut tart is not only easy to make but also incredibly indulgent. Perfect for parties, holidays, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, this dessert is sure to impress anyone who tries it! Enjoy this rich treat knowing it’s made with wholesome ingredients that cater to various dietary needs.