Rich Dark Chocolate Pumpkin Tart Recipe For Fall Bakers

Autumn’s golden hues whisper promises of indulgence with this rich dark chocolate pumpkin tart that blends velvety decadence and seasonal warmth.

Silky chocolate melds seamlessly with earthy pumpkin, creating a dessert that dances between luxurious and comforting.

Each slice promises a symphony of deep cocoa notes and subtle spice that tingles your palate with complex flavors.

The tart glossy surface hints at the luscious experience waiting beneath its delicate chocolate shell.

Layers of smooth filling and buttery crust promise a dessert that feels both elegant and rustic.

Minimal ingredients and straightforward technique mean you can craft this impressive treat without stress.

One bite transports you to a cozy kitchen filled with the magic of fall’s most beloved ingredients.

Dive into this recipe and let the rich, dark chocolate and pumpkin enchant your senses.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 45-50 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10-15 minutes

Calories: 335 kcal

Servings: 9

Dark Chocolate Pumpkin Tart Ingredient Lineup

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our crumbly, rich base that brings structural integrity to the tart.
• Dark Cocoa Powder: Delivers deep, intense chocolate flavor and creates a luxurious dark color.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps bind the crust ingredients together smoothly.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances the overall flavor profile and balances the sweetness of the tart.
• Unsalted Butter: Provides rich, creamy texture and helps create a perfectly crisp crust.

• Pure Pumpkin: Brings authentic, velvety autumn essence with natural earthy sweetness.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Creates a silky, luscious texture and adds creamy sweetness to the filling.
• Large Egg: Acts as a binding agent and ensures a smooth, consistent filling texture.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice: Infuses warm, comforting holiday flavors with its blend of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves.
• Kosher Salt: Subtly elevates and rounds out the complex flavors in the filling.

Tools That Make Dark Chocolate Pumpkin Tart a Breeze

• 9-inch tart pan with removable bottom: Essential for creating the perfect tart shape and easy removal.
• Large mixing bowl: Crucial for mixing dry ingredients and creating the chocolate crust.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending ingredients smoothly without lumps.
• Baking sheet: Helps handle the tart pan more easily and provides stable support in the oven.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures precise ingredient measurements for a consistent result.
• Spatula: Helps spread the filling evenly and scrape bowl sides clean.
• Toothpick: Helps check the doneness of the tart filling.

Instructions to Bake Dark Chocolate Pumpkin Tart Smoothly

• Chocolate Cookie Base

Crush chocolate cookies into fine crumbs and blend with melted butter to create a rich, dark foundation for your tart.

• Cocoa Crust Preparation

Press the cookie mixture firmly into a tart pan, ensuring an even layer that covers the bottom and sides with a smooth, chocolatey texture.

• Pumpkin Cream Filling

Whisk together smooth pumpkin puree, sweet condensed milk, warm spices, and eggs until the mixture becomes silky and well combined.

• Baking Magic

Pour the pumpkin cream into the chocolate crust and bake at high temperature, then lower the heat to allow the filling to set perfectly without cracking.

• Cooling and Serving

Let the tart rest and cool completely, allowing the flavors to meld and the filling to stabilize. Top with a light cloud of whipped cream for an elegant finish.

Tips to Balance Sweetness in Dark Chocolate Pumpkin Tart

• Flavor Boosters: Sprinkle dark chocolate shavings or cocoa nibs on top for an intense chocolate crunch that elevates the tart's richness.
• Make-Ahead Magic: This tart can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator, allowing flavors to deepen and develop a more complex taste profile.
• Spice Swap: Experiment with different spice blends like chai masala or maple cinnamon to create unique variations that complement the dark chocolate and pumpkin base.
• Topping Transformations: Replace whipped cream with mascarpone cheese, a drizzle of salted caramel, or a sprinkle of candied pecans for unexpected flavor and texture contrasts.
• Storage Secrets: Cover the cooled tart with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making each slice even more delicious as time passes.

Presenting Dark Chocolate Pumpkin Tart at Any Event

• Festive Holiday Centerpiece: Create a stunning dessert display by placing the tart on a beautiful cake stand with scattered autumn leaves or cinnamon sticks around the base for a warm, seasonal presentation.
• Decadent Topping Variations: Sprinkle finely chopped dark chocolate shavings, drizzle caramel sauce, or add a light dusting of pumpkin pie spice on top to enhance the rich chocolate and pumpkin flavors.
• Complementary Beverage Pairing: Serve alongside a warm mug of spiced chai latte or a rich espresso to balance the tart's sweet and deep chocolate notes, creating a perfect after-dinner indulgence.
• Elegant Garnish Option: Top with a delicate swirl of whipped cream and a few toasted pecans or pumpkin seeds for added texture and a gourmet touch that elevates the dessert's visual appeal.

Store Dark Chocolate Pumpkin Tart to Keep It Intact

• Refrigeration Strategy: Store the tart in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, keeping its rich chocolate and pumpkin flavors intact and texture smooth.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire tart up to 2 days before serving, allowing the flavors to deepen and develop a more complex taste profile.
• Freezing Finesse: Wrap the cooled tart tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for maximum 3 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to maintain its delicate texture.
• Slice and Serve Tip: Cut clean, precise slices by using a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between each cut, ensuring beautiful presentation without crumbling the delicate chocolate crust.

Decadent Dark Chocolate Pumpkin Tart

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4.8 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10-15 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Silky dark chocolate pumpkin tart combines autumnal richness with deep cocoa notes. Seasonal spices and luxurious chocolate layers create a dessert that welcomes you to savor each indulgent bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 (15 oz / 425 g) pure pumpkin
• 1 (14 oz / 397 g) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup dark cocoa powder
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• ¼ tsp kosher salt

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Instructions

1. Crust Preparation: Thoroughly combine flour, dark cocoa powder, sugar, and salt in a mixing bowl, eliminating any lumps. Create a central well and integrate melted butter until the mixture achieves a crumbly consistency.
2. Pan Setup: Coat a 9-inch round tart pan with non-stick spray. Firmly press the chocolate dough into the pan’s bottom and sides, ensuring uniform thickness and complete coverage.
3. Initial Baking: Position the tart pan on a baking sheet and bake at 425°F for 10 minutes, developing a slight crust firmness. Remove and allow to cool for 10 minutes.
4. Filling Creation: Whisk pumpkin puree, sweetened condensed milk, egg, pumpkin pie spice, and salt until achieving a smooth, streak-free mixture.
5. Filling and Final Baking: Pour the pumpkin mixture into the pre-baked chocolate crust, distributing evenly. Bake at 425°F for 10 minutes, then reduce temperature to 350°F and continue baking for 25-30 minutes.
6. Cooling and Finishing: Remove from oven and verify doneness with a clean toothpick insertion. Cool completely for one hour to allow filling to set. Optionally garnish with whipped cream before serving.

Notes

• Prevent Crust Cracking: Avoid overmixing the chocolate crust dough to maintain a tender, flaky texture that won’t crumble or break during baking.
• Temperature Control Matters: Use an oven thermometer to ensure precise temperature, as accurate heat is crucial for achieving the perfect crust and smooth filling.
• Achieve Smooth Filling: Whisk pumpkin mixture thoroughly to eliminate streaks, creating a silky-smooth consistency that guarantees a professional-looking tart.
• Cooling is Crucial: Let the tart rest completely for one hour, allowing the filling to set properly and flavors to meld, resulting in a more delicious and structurally sound dessert.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 335
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 37 mg