Chocolate-Chili Ganache Tart with Sea Salt

By · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A rich dark chocolate ganache tart with a subtle kick of chili powder, balanced by a flaky crust and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. This french-inspired desserts ready in about 35 minutes layers all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, powdered sugar 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 410 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 8 French cuisine 410 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. In a food processor, combine 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, and 1/4 tsp salt. Pulse briefly to mix.
  2. Step 2: Add 1/2 cup cold, cubed unsalted butter and pulse until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 large egg yolk and pulse until dough starts to come together. Press dough into a 9-inch tart pan with removable bottom, evenly covering the base and sides.
  4. Step 4: Prick the tart shell with a fork and bake for 15 minutes until firm. Let cool.
  5. Step 5: For ganache, heat 3/4 cup heavy cream in a small saucepan until it just begins to simmer, then pour over 8 oz dark chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Let sit for 2 minutes, then stir until smooth.
  6. Step 6: Stir in 2 tbsp softened unsalted butter and 1/4 tsp chili powder until glossy and combined.
  7. Step 7: Pour ganache into cooled tart shell and smooth the surface. Chill tart in refrigerator for at least 2 hours to set.
  8. Step 8: Before serving, sprinkle 1/2 tsp flaky sea salt evenly over the ganache to enhance flavor.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Chocolate-Chili Ganache Tart with Sea Salt take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 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 Chocolate-Chili Ganache Tart with Sea Salt?

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 Chocolate-Chili Ganache Tart with Sea Salt?

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 Chocolate-Chili Ganache Tart with Sea Salt 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 Chocolate-Chili Ganache Tart with Sea Salt?

French desserts 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.