Chocolate Ganache Tart with Sea Salt

This Chocolate Ganache Tart with Sea Salt is the perfect blend of pure luxury and simplicity. It features a buttery cookie-like crust filled with a silky, glossy dark chocolate ganache and finished with a delicate sprinkle of flaky sea salt for balance and elegance.

This dessert feels like something you’d buy from a high-end French bakery — yet it’s so easy to make at home with just a handful of quality ingredients.

Why I Love This Recipe

✔ It’s rich but beautifully balanced — salt enhances the chocolate
✔ Looks visually stunning with minimal effort
✔ Zero complicated decorating required
✔ A perfect make-ahead dessert for gatherings
✔ Amazingly smooth and melts in your mouth

Why It’s a Must-Try

If you love chocolate, this tart will leave a lasting impression. The contrast of smooth ganache and crisp crust + that pop of salt creates an unforgettable bite.

It’s also customizable — switch the crust, chocolate depth, or toppings to suit any occasion.

Time + Yield + Nutrition

CategoryDetails
Prep Time20 minutes
Chill Time2 hours
Total Time2 hours 20 minutes
Servings8–10 slices
Calories~360 kcal per slice
CourseDessert
CuisineFrench-inspired modern bakery

Ingredients

For the Crust (Tart Shell)

  • 1 ½ cups (190g) graham cracker crumbs or crushed digestive biscuits
  • 6 tbsp (85g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • Pinch of salt

(Optional: Use pre-baked shortcrust or chocolate cookie crust)

For the Ganache Filling

  • 10 oz (285g) high-quality dark chocolate, finely chopped (60–70% cocoa)
  • 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, room temp
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

Garnish

  • Flaky sea salt (Maldon recommended)

Cooking Directions

Step-by-Step Method

Prepare the Crust

1️ Mix crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and salt until coated.
2️ Press mixture firmly into the bottom and sides of a 9-inch tart pan.
3️ Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or until lightly set.
4️ Let cool completely before filling.

Make the Ganache

5️ Heat cream in a small pot until steaming (not boiling).
6️ Pour hot cream over chopped chocolate in a bowl.
7️ Let sit 2–3 minutes, then whisk until smooth.
8️ Add butter + vanilla, whisk to a glossy finish.

Assemble

9️ Pour ganache into cooled crust.
Smooth the top and tap gently to release bubbles.
Chill 2 hours or until firm.

Finish

Sprinkle with flaky sea salt before serving.

How to Serve

  • Serve slightly chilled for best texture
  • Pair with:
    • fresh raspberries
    • espresso or cappuccino
    • a drizzle of caramel for extra decadence

Cut with a warm knife for clean slices!

Special Equipment Needed

  • 9-inch tart pan (preferably with removable bottom)
  • Heatproof mixing bowls
  • Rubber spatula
  • Fine sharp knife for chopping chocolate

Recipe Tips

  • Use real chocolate, NOT chocolate chips (stabilizers affect texture).
  • If ganache splits: add a tbsp of warm cream and whisk back together.
  • Press crust firmly so it doesn’t crumble when slicing.
  • Chill fully before slicing — patience pays off!

Delicious Variations

VariationWhat to Change
Raspberry Chocolate TartAdd fresh raspberries on top or underneath ganache
Salted Caramel LayerSpread ½ cup caramel sauce over crust before ganache
Espresso Dark Chocolate TartAdd 1 tsp espresso powder to hot cream
Orange Infused ChocolateAdd 1 tbsp orange zest to ganache + candied orange slices
Hazelnut CrunchAdd layer of crushed toasted nuts to crust base

Freezing & Storage

MethodHow LongNotes
Refrigerated3–4 daysKeep covered to prevent moisture and odor absorption
FrozenUp to 2 monthsFreeze un-salted; thaw overnight then add salt

FAQ

Q: Can I use milk or semi-sweet chocolate?
Yes! Just reduce cream slightly so ganache sets properly.

Q: My ganache didn’t firm up — why?
Chocolate ratio may be too low — add 2 oz melted chocolate, whisk in, and chill again.

Q: What if I don’t have a tart pan?
A pie dish works fine; lines won’t be as sharp but flavor stays perfect!

Conclusion

This Chocolate Ganache Tart with Sea Salt is the definition of effortless elegance. With rich, deep chocolate and just the right hint of salt, it’s a dessert that impresses every single time. Whether for a dinner party, holiday, or personal celebration, this tart brings bakery-style luxury straight to your home kitchen.

Chocolate Ganache Tart with Sea Salt

Recipe by Elina JamesCourse: DessertsCuisine: FrenchDifficulty: easy
Servings

10

servings
Prep time

20

minutes
Cooking time

2

hours 
Total time

2

hours 

20

minutes

Ingredients

  • For the Crust (Tart Shell)

  • 1 ½ cups (190g) graham cracker crumbs or crushed digestive biscuits

  • 6 tbsp (85g) unsalted butter, melted

  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar

  • Pinch of salt

  • (Optional: Use pre-baked shortcrust or chocolate cookie crust)

  • For the Ganache Filling

  • 10 oz (285g) high-quality dark chocolate, finely chopped (60–70% cocoa)

  • 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream

  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, room temp

  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

  • Garnish

  • Flaky sea salt (Maldon recommended)

Directions

  • Prepare the Crust : Mix crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and salt until coated. Press mixture firmly into the bottom and sides of a 9-inch tart pan. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or until lightly set. Let cool completely before filling.
  • Make the Ganache : Heat cream in a small pot until steaming (not boiling). Pour hot cream over chopped chocolate in a bowl. Let sit 2–3 minutes, then whisk until smooth. Add butter + vanilla, whisk to a glossy finish.
  • Assemble : Pour ganache into cooled crust . Smooth the top and tap gently to release bubbles Chill 2 hours or until firm.
  • Finish : Sprinkle with flaky sea salt before serving.

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