Bitter Chocolate Quinoa Tart
A rich, dark chocolate tart with a nutty quinoa crust and a hint of bitter orange zest. This french-inspired quick meals ready in about 70 minutes layers Quinoa, Coconut oil, Dark chocolate (70% cocoa) into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 8, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Quinoa
- 1/4 cup Coconut oil
- 1/2 cup Dark chocolate (70% cocoa)
- 1 tsp Orange zest
- 2 Eggs
- 1/2 tsp Vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp Salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Pulse quinoa in a food processor until fine, then mix with coconut oil, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips. Press into a 9-inch tart pan and bake for 15 minutes until set.
- Step 2: In a bowl, whisk eggs, vanilla extract, and remaining 1/4 tsp salt. Fold in remaining 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips and orange zest.
- Step 3: Pour the mixture over the baked crust and bake for 20-25 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool completely before slicing.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Bitter Chocolate Quinoa Tart take to make?
Total time is about 70 minutes (30 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Bitter Chocolate Quinoa Tart?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Bitter Chocolate Quinoa Tart?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Bitter Chocolate Quinoa Tart for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Bitter Chocolate Quinoa Tart?
French quick meals like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Used half the salt and it was still plenty flavorful.
- ★★★★★
Added some red pepper flakes for heat — highly recommend.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
