A buttery shortcrust shell holds a smooth, rich chocolate ganache filling in this straightforward tart that requires no special equipment. The ganache is made by pouring hot cream over chopped dark chocolate, then setting in the chilled crust until firm. Active prep takes about 30 minutes, with at least two hours of refrigeration before slicing.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Blend the egg yolk and heavy cream, then add to the mixture, stirring until a dough forms.
Roll the dough on a lightly floured surface to fit into a 9-inch tart pan. Press the dough into the pan and trim the excess. Prick the base with a fork, line with parchment, and fill with baking weights. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove weights and bake for another 5 minutes.
Make the Ganache:
Place the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl. In a saucepan, bring the cream to a simmer. Pour over the chocolate, letting it sit for a minute. Stir until smooth, then mix in the butter and vanilla extract until glossy.
Assemble the Tart:
Pour the ganache into the cooled tart shell and smooth the top. Allow to set at room temperature, about 2 hours.
Serving:
Garnish with fresh berries and a dusting of powdered sugar. Serve slices with a dollop of whipped cream or alongside espresso for a true French experience.
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Notes
For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend.
For a deeper chocolate flavor, choose a high-quality, 70% cacao chocolate.