Hazelnut Chocolate Tart with Candied Hazelnuts

A show-stopping dessert for chocolate lovers, this Hazelnut Chocolate Tart is made with a toasted hazelnut-Oreo crust, filled with a rich dark chocolate ganache blended with hazelnut butter, and topped with crunchy candied hazelnuts and sea salt flakes. Each bite is a luscious balance of texture and flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Luxurious chocolate ganache meets nutty hazelnut butter
• Crunchy Oreo-hazelnut crust adds contrast
• Candied hazelnuts offer sweet, caramelized crunch
• A perfect make-ahead dessert for special occasions
• Elegant, rich, and guaranteed to impress

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Oreo Crust:

• 22 Oreo cookies
• 1/3 cup toasted hazelnuts
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Ganache Filling:

• 12 ounces 60% dark chocolate
• 1 1/4 cups heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup hazelnut butter

For the Candied Hazelnuts:

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
• 1 cup hazelnuts, finely chopped
• Sea salt flakes, for garnish

directions

Prepare the Crust:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). In a food processor, pulse Oreos and hazelnuts until finely ground.
2. Add melted butter and salt; pulse until mixture is moist.
3. Press into a 9-inch tart pan and bake for 6–8 minutes. Set aside to cool.

Prepare the Filling:

4. Place chocolate in a medium heatproof bowl.
5. In a saucepan, heat heavy cream, sugar, and butter over medium heat until just boiling.
6. Pour over the chocolate and let sit for 1 minute.
7. Stir until smooth. Add vanilla and hazelnut butter, mixing until fully combined.
8. Pour the filling into the cooled crust. Refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.

Prepare the Candied Hazelnuts:

9. In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar and a pinch of sea salt.
10. Add chopped hazelnuts and cook for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
11. Spread on parchment or a silicone mat to cool completely.

Assemble and Serve:

12. Sprinkle candied hazelnuts and a few sea salt flakes over the tart.
13. Slice and serve chilled.

Servings and timing

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Chill Time: 10 hours
• Total Time: 10 hours 20 minutes
• Servings: 12 servings
• Calories: 510 kcal per serving

Variations

• Use chocolate graham crackers instead of Oreos for a slightly lighter crust
• Swap hazelnut butter with almond butter for a different nutty profile
• Add a splash of espresso to the ganache for mocha flavor
• Top with chocolate curls or a drizzle of melted chocolate for extra flair
• Use dairy-free cream and butter for a vegan-friendly version

storage/reheating

Store the tart covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For best texture, serve chilled. The tart does not require reheating. Freeze slices in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

FAQs

Can I make this tart in advance?

Yes, it’s ideal to make the tart a day ahead to allow the filling to set properly.

Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark?

Yes, but it will be much sweeter and less rich. Reduce the sugar slightly if you do.

Do I need to toast the hazelnuts?

Toasting enhances the flavor, but it’s not required. Pre-toasted hazelnuts also work well.

Can I use store-bought hazelnut butter?

Absolutely. Just make sure it’s smooth and well-stirred before using.

What if I don’t have a tart pan?

A 9-inch pie dish will also work, but the edges may be less defined.

How do I keep the crust from getting soggy?

Make sure the crust is fully cooled before adding the ganache filling.

Are candied hazelnuts necessary?

They add texture and visual appeal but can be skipped or replaced with chopped chocolate or nuts.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Use gluten-free chocolate sandwich cookies or a nut-based crust alternative.

Is this tart suitable for freezing?

Yes, freeze tightly wrapped for up to a month. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

Can I double the recipe?

You can, but use two tart pans or a large rectangular pan and adjust the baking and chilling times as needed.

Conclusion

This Hazelnut Chocolate Tart with Candied Hazelnuts is a rich, indulgent dessert that brings together velvety ganache, a crunchy nutty crust, and caramelized hazelnut topping. Elegant and irresistible, it’s a perfect centerpiece for any celebration or a decadent treat for chocolate enthusiasts.

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