No-Bake Chocolate Tart

This easy no-bake chocolate tart recipe features a crumbly oreo cookie crust and a to-die-for creamy, no-bake ganache filling that’s as simple as boiling water. 

Easy Chocolate Tart

I’ve been making this chocolate tart recipe on repeat since I did a variation with Baileys before Christmas. It is an incredibly simple recipe with minimal hands-on time.

Intrigued?!

What Makes THIS Chocolate Tart So Special

This isn’t just any chocolate tart; it’s the ultimate chocolate lover’s dream. It has a crumbly, chocolatey crust coupled with a creamy, rich ganache filling that will melt in your mouth. Not only is it decadently delicious, but it’s also incredibly easy to make!

Here’s what’s to love:

No-Bake Filling: There’s no need to worry about over-baking or under-baking because the filling is no-bake. Just mix, pour, and chill.
Simple Ingredients: The ingredients are basic and easy to find, which makes this recipe accessible for anyone.
Gentle Melting Method for Chocolate: I use a failproof, gentle method of melting the chocolate with hot cream, making it nearly impossible to seize the chocolate, ensuring your ganache is smooth perfection every time.

With these foolproof features, even a beginner can make this tart successfully, while experienced bakers will appreciate its gourmet taste and texture.

What You Need for this Easy No-Bake Chocolate Tart Recipe

Before you get started on this mouthwatering dessert, you’ll want to gather all your ingredients, consider any variations, and make sure you’ve got the right tools on hand.

Chocolate Tart Ingredients

Rich chocolate ganache in an oreo crust. What could be better? Here’s what you’ll need:

Chocolate Tart Shell Ingredients:

Chocolate Cookie Crumbs: The base of the crust, the dark chocolate oreo flavor provides a rich and chocolatey foundation. You can buy your own or process oreo cookies or chocolate wafers to fine crumbs using a food processor.
Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the cocoa in the cookie crumbs.
Melted Butter: Binds the crust ingredients together.

Ganache Filling Ingredients:

Dark Chocolate: The star of the show, providing deep chocolate flavors.
Heavy Cream: Also called whipping cream or 35% m.f. cream, this adds creaminess and helps to melt the chocolate into a smooth texture.
Softened Butter: Gives the ganache extra richness and a glossy finish.

What Chocolate Should I Use?

The ganache filling is luscious and creamy with a bit of chew like a really thick hot fudge. Using dark chocolate makes for a deep and rich flavour. One thing to consider is that with so few ingredients, the flavor of the chocolate itself really shines through.

I stock up on Lindt dark chocolate in bulk at Costco, but I’ve found massive 500g grocery-store-brand Swiss dark chocolate bars are also great and a fraction of the price. 

Just choose chocolate you’d consider worth stealing a few nibbles of straight from the baking drawer. If that’s Chipits for you, great.

Variations and Substitutions

Want to add your own twist? Feel free to get creative with these ideas:

Swap Out Tart Shell Flavor: Use graham cracker crumbs instead of chocolate for a different crust.
Change the Flavor: Infuse the whipping cream with mint or orange zest for a unique flavor.
Different Chocolate: Use milk chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate instead of dark for a different taste profile.
Gluten-Free Crust: Swap out the standard cookie crumbs for a gluten-free variety, or use almond meal for a nutty, gluten-free base. Make sure to double-check all other ingredients for hidden gluten sources.
Vegan or Dairy-Free Option: To make a dairy-free version, opt for coconut oil instead of butter and use coconut cream (not coconut milk). Be sure to choose vegan chocolate and cookies. There are no eggs in the recipe.

Grab These Tools

Before diving in, make sure you have the following kitchen tools to make the process a breeze:

9-inch Tart Pan: Ideally with a removable bottom for easy tart removal.
Microwave-safe Bowl: For heating the whipping cream. (You can alternatively do this stovetop in a small saucepan).
Whisk: For combining ingredients smoothly.
Rubber Spatula: To scrape every last bit of your delicious ganache.

Now, you’re all set to create this irresistible No-Bake Chocolate Tart with Ganache. Let’s get started!

How to Make No-Bake Chocolate Tart: An Easy Guide

Once you realize how easy it is to make a crazy-delicious chocolate tart, you’ll be making it all. the. time.

Here’s a quick peek at how to make this no-bake chocolate tart:

Combine Oreo crumbs and butter. Press into a tart pan and freeze.
Heat cream to a simmer and pour it over chopped chocolate and cover bowl; let stand 5 minutes. Uncover and whisk to finish melting. Whisk in butter.
Pour into prepared chocolate tart crust and chill until set.

Now here’s a bit more detail:

How to Make the No-Bake Chocolate Cookie Crust

Start by gathering your tart pan and set it aside. There’s no need to preheat the oven since this is a no-bake recipe.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cookie crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. The goal is to achieve a moist, crumbly texture.
Press this mixture into your 9-inch tart pan, making sure to press firmly so it adheres to the bottom and sides of the pan. Use the flat bottom of a cup to help with this.
Place the crust in the freezer for about 15 minutes to set.

How to Make the Chocolate Ganache Filling

While your crust is setting, place the dark chocolate in a large, heat-safe bowl.
Heat the whipping cream in a microwave-safe bowl until steaming hot—usually between 1 ½ to 2 minutes should do it.
Immediately pour the hot cream over the dark chocolate and cover the bowl with a large plate or baking sheet. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to melt the chocolate.
Remove the cover and add the softened butter. Whisk the mixture until it’s smooth. If there are still some unmelted chocolate bits, microwave at 50% power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until smooth.

How to Assemble Your Chocolate Tart

Take your crust out of the freezer and make sure it’s nicely set.
Pour the ganache filling into the crust, smoothing it out with a spatula if needed.
Place the tart in the fridge and allow it to chill for at least 4 hours to let the ganache firm up.

And voila! Your No-Bake Chocolate Tart with Ganache is ready to be sliced and savored. Enjoy!

Chocolate Tart Make Ahead and Storage

Keeping your No-Bake Chocolate Tart with Ganache fresh and delicious is simple with these tips.

Make Ahead: You can prepare the crust and the ganache up to two days in advance. Store the crust in the freezer and the ganache in the fridge. When you’re ready, simply assemble and chill.
Refrigeration: Once assembled, this tart should be stored in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 5 days.
Freezing: If you’d like to extend its life, you can freeze the tart for up to a month. Make sure it’s tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
Thawing: To enjoy from the freezer, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

How to Serve this No-Bake Chocolate Tart with Ganache Recipe

A dollop of sweetened whipped cream on top adds a welcome light, fluffy counterpoint, but a simple sprinkling of flaky salt would be enough. Here are my notes:

Slicing: Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water for clean, easy slicing.
Accompaniments: Serve individual slices with a dollop of whipped cream, fresh berries (like raspberries or strawberries), a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a pinch of salt (like flaky sea salt) to enhance the chocolate flavor.
Temperature: This tart is best served chilled. Take it out of the fridge just a few minutes before you plan to serve it to maintain its texture.
Portion Size: Given its rich flavor, small slices are usually sufficient, making it perfect for serving a larger group.

3 Most Common Mistakes When Making No-Bake Chocolate Tart with Ganache

Here are the most frequent mix-ups to avoid when making No-Bake Chocolate Tart with Ganache:

Causing the chocolate to seize: Using the method of pouring hot cream over chocolate allows for a gentle, controlled melting process that minimizes the risk of the chocolate seizing and becoming grainy. The gradual heat from the cream ensures that the chocolate melts evenly and smoothly, resulting in a foolproof, luxurious ganache every time. Other recipes that call for a finicky double boiler method or microwaving the chocolate itself are trickier to master.
Not Chilling the Crust: Skipping the chilling process will result in a crust that doesn’t hold its shape.
Rushing the Ganache: Ganache needs time to set. Don’t rush this process; otherwise, it may not solidify properly.

FAQs About No-Bake Chocolate Tart

Just skimming through? Here are some quick answers to the commonly-asked questions.

FAQs About Chocolate Tart

Just skimming through? Here are some quick answers to the commonly-asked questions:

What can I use instead of chocolate cookie crumbs for the crust?
You can use graham cracker crumbs or digestive biscuit crumbs as a suitable substitute for chocolate cookie crumbs.

Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
Absolutely, you can replace dark chocolate with milk chocolate, but keep in mind that it will make your tart sweeter.

How can I make a dairy-free version?
To make a dairy-free version, opt for coconut oil instead of butter and use a non-dairy whipping cream, like coconut cream.

Do I have to use a tart pan?
No, a tart pan isn’t essential. You can also use a pie dish or a springform pan as an alternative.

Can I add flavorings to my ganache?
Yes, you can enhance your ganache with additional flavors. Consider adding vanilla extract, instant coffee, or orange zest.

How do I store leftovers?
For storing leftovers, tightly wrap the tart and place it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze it for up to a month.

Why did my chocolate tart not set?
If your tart didn’t set, it could be because you didn’t use enough chocolate, didn’t let it chill long enough, or used low-fat cream instead of full-fat.

What do you serve with a chocolate tart?
Complement your chocolate tart with additions like whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or fresh berries for an extra layer of flavor.

What wine goes with chocolate tart?
A sweet, fortified wine like Port pairs excellently with chocolate tart. Other good options include red dessert wines, sweet Rieslings, or a rich Cabernet Sauvignon.

How long do chocolate tarts last in the fridge?
When stored properly, chocolate tarts can last for 4-5 days in the refrigerator.

Can you freeze chocolate tart?
Yes, chocolate tart can be frozen. Just make sure to wrap it well to avoid freezer burn and aim to consume it within a month for the best quality.

Other tested-till-perfect chocolate desserts you will love: 

Moist Chocolate Cake

Easy Chewy Brownies

Best-Ever Chocolate Cheesecake

Chocolate Pudding Cake

Last Updated on October 20, 2023 by Jennifer Pallian BSc, RD