Dark Chocolate Pumpkin Tart Recipe

Rich Dark Chocolate Pumpkin Tart Recipe: Fall’s Sweetest Treat

Rich dark chocolate pumpkin tart promises an indulgent autumn dessert that combines unexpected flavor profiles.

Seasonal ingredients merge into a decadent culinary experience that surprises and delights the palate.

Warm spices intertwine with deep cocoa notes, creating a complex sensory journey.

Smooth textures and deep flavors characterize this elegant dessert that crafts traditional autumn baking.

Sophisticated yet approachable, the tart balances sweet and robust elements with remarkable harmony.

Home bakers can craft this impressive treat using straightforward techniques and minimal specialized equipment.

chocolate lovers and pumpkin enthusiasts will find this recipe irresistibly tempting.

Dark Chocolate Pumpkin Tart Is Bold, Rich, and Beautiful

  • Indulge in Decadent Chocolate Comfort: This dark chocolate pumpkin tart blends rich cocoa with velvety pumpkin, creating a luxurious dessert that wraps you in warm, comforting flavors perfect for cozy autumn evenings.
  • Effortless Elegance in Baking: With straightforward steps and minimal ingredients, this recipe transforms simple components into an impressive dessert that looks professionally crafted, making home bakers feel like culinary experts.
  • Seasonal Flavor Fusion: The unexpected combination of deep chocolate and classic pumpkin spice delivers a sophisticated twist on traditional desserts, offering a unique taste experience that surprises and delights taste buds.
  • Quick and Convenient Treat: From preparation to baking, this tart comes together in under an hour, making it an ideal dessert for spontaneous gatherings or when craving something sweet without spending hours in the kitchen.

What Goes Into a Stunning Chocolate Pumpkin Tart

Crust Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: A classic baking staple that provides structure and texture to the tart crust, best when fresh and stored in a cool, dry place.
  • Dark Cocoa Powder: Adds rich chocolate flavor and deep color, choose high-quality Dutch-processed cocoa for the best taste.
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the crust and helps with browning, provides a smooth texture.
  • Kosher Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the crust.
  • Unsalted Butter: Brings richness and helps bind the crust ingredients, ensures consistent flavor and texture.
Filling Ingredients:
  • Pure Pumpkin: Creamy base that delivers authentic pumpkin flavor, look for 100% pure pumpkin puree without added spices.
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds sweetness and creates a smooth, creamy filling texture.
  • Large Egg: Acts as a binding agent and helps set the filling.
  • Pumpkin Pie Spice: Classic blend of warm spices that complement the pumpkin flavor.
  • Kosher Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall taste of the filling.

Baking Directions for a Smooth, Silky Tart Filling

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 425°F (220°C). Grab a 9-inch round tart pan with a removable bottom and give it a quick spray of non-stick cooking magic.

Step 2: Create the Chocolatey Crust

Gather your dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Dark cocoa powder
  • Granulated sugar
  • Kosher salt

Make a cozy little well in the center and pour in melted butter. Mix until the mixture turns into a delightful crumbly dough.

Gently press the dough into every nook and cranny of the tart pan, making sure it’s packed tight and looking fabulous.

Step 3: Pre-Bake the Crust

Slide the tart pan onto a baking sheet for easy handling. Pop it in the oven and bake for 10 minutes.

Don’t panic if the crust bubbles a bit- that’s totally normal! Once done, pull it out and let it chill for 10 minutes.

Step 4: Whip Up the Pumpkin Filling

In a separate bowl, combine:
  • Pumpkin puree
  • Sweetened condensed milk
  • Egg
  • Pumpkin pie spice
  • Kosher salt

Whisk everything until smooth and looking absolutely dreamy.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Pour the pumpkin filling into the pre-baked crust, spreading it out evenly like a pro.

Bake at 425°F for 10 minutes, then lower the temperature to 350°F (175°C).

Continue baking for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick comes out clean and the filling looks perfectly set.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Patience is key! Let the tart cool for at least an hour. This gives the flavors time to get to know each other and the filling to set perfectly.

For an extra touch of decadence, top with a fluffy dollop of whipped cream.

Serving Tip: This showstopper is best enjoyed slightly warm or at room temperature. Your taste buds will thank you!

Tips for Balancing Bitterness with Autumn Sweetness

  • Nail the Crust Texture: Press the chocolate crust mixture firmly and evenly into the tart pan, using your fingertips to create a compact, smooth base that will hold the pumpkin filling perfectly.
  • Prevent Crust Burning: Cover the edges with aluminum foil during the second baking stage to avoid over-browning and maintain a rich, dark chocolate color.
  • Get Silky Smooth Filling: Whisk the pumpkin mixture thoroughly to eliminate any lumps, ensuring a creamy, velvety consistency that blends all flavors seamlessly.
  • Check Doneness Precisely: Use the toothpick test carefully- when inserted in the center, it should come out mostly clean with just a slight moisture to indicate perfect baking.
  • Chill for Enhanced Flavor: Let the tart cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for a few hours to intensify the dark chocolate and pumpkin spice notes, creating a more developed and rich dessert experience.

How to Store and Reheat This Tart Without Drying It Out

  • Refrigerate: Cover the tart with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep it in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent absorbing other food odors.
  • Freeze: Wrap the tart tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to preserve its texture and flavor.
  • Reheat: Warm individual slices in the oven at 300°F for 10-15 minutes. This method helps restore the crust's crispness and prevents the filling from becoming soggy. Avoid using the microwave, which can make the crust soft and the filling rubbery.

Great Companions for a Slice of Chocolate Pumpkin Tart

  • Pair with Bold Red Wine: A robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel complements the dark chocolate's richness and cuts through the tart's creamy texture, enhancing the deep, complex flavors of pumpkin and cocoa.
  • Serve with Spiced Chai Latte: The warm, aromatic spices in chai perfectly mirror the pumpkin pie spice, creating a harmonious flavor profile that elevates the tart's seasonal warmth and depth.
  • Match with Salted Caramel Ice Cream: The sweet-salty combination adds a luxurious contrast to the tart's dark chocolate base, while the cold, creamy texture provides a delightful counterpoint to the warm, spiced filling.
  • Accompany with Toasted Pecan Garnish: Sprinkle chopped, lightly toasted pecans on top to add a nutty crunch that enhances the tart's texture and brings out the underlying warmth of the pumpkin and chocolate.

Pumpkin-Chocolate Fusion Ideas to Explore

  • Spiced Pecan Chocolate Pumpkin Tart: Add chopped pecans to the crust and sprinkle additional toasted pecans on top for a nutty crunch that complements the rich chocolate and pumpkin flavors.
  • Salted Caramel Chocolate Pumpkin Tart: Drizzle homemade salted caramel sauce over the cooled tart, creating a beautiful contrast between the sweet caramel and deep chocolate base.
  • White Chocolate Marble Pumpkin Tart: Swirl melted white chocolate into the pumpkin filling before baking, creating a stunning marbled effect that adds visual appeal and creamy texture.
  • Maple Bourbon Chocolate Pumpkin Tart: Incorporate a splash of bourbon and pure maple syrup into the filling for a sophisticated, warming flavor profile that enhances the existing spices.
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Dark Chocolate Pumpkin Tart Recipe

Dark Chocolate Pumpkin Tart Recipe


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4.5 from 14 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Rich dark chocolate mingles with silky pumpkin in this elegant seasonal dessert. Buttery graham cracker crust and velvety ganache create an irresistible autumn treat you cannot resist sampling.


Ingredients

Scale

Dark Chocolate Pumpkin Tart Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 (15 ounces / 425 grams) can pure pumpkin
  • 1 (14 ounces / 397 grams) can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 large egg

Dry Ingredients for Crust:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup dark cocoa powder
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt

Wet Ingredients and Seasonings:

  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare a 9-inch round tart pan by lightly coating with non-stick spray, ensuring complete coverage for easy removal.
  2. Create the chocolate crust by combining flour, dark cocoa powder, sugar, and salt in a mixing bowl, whisking thoroughly to eliminate any lumps.
  3. Form a central depression in the dry ingredients and drizzle melted butter into the crater, mixing gently until the mixture transforms into a crumbly, slightly moist texture.
  4. Carefully press the chocolate dough into the pan’s bottom and sides, using fingertips to compact the mixture evenly and create a uniform crust thickness.
  5. Position the tart pan on a baking sheet for stability and slide into a preheated 425°F oven, baking for 10 minutes until the crust develops a slight firmness.
  6. Remove the crust and allow it to cool and settle for approximately 10 minutes while assembling the filling ingredients.
  7. Whisk pumpkin puree, sweetened condensed milk, egg, pumpkin pie spice, and salt in a separate bowl until the mixture achieves a smooth, consistent appearance with no visible streaks.
  8. Gently pour the pumpkin filling into the pre-baked chocolate crust, using a spatula to distribute evenly and eliminate any air pockets.
  9. Return the tart to the oven, initially maintaining 425°F for 10 minutes, then reduce temperature to 350°F and continue baking for 25-30 minutes.
  10. Verify doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean with no wet filling attached.
  11. Allow the tart to cool completely for one hour, permitting the filling to set and flavors to harmonize.
  12. Optional: Garnish with a delicate dollop of whipped cream before serving to enhance the dessert’s visual appeal and flavor profile.

Notes

  • Dive into a decadent dessert that marries rich dark chocolate with smooth pumpkin in a luxurious tart.
  • Crumbly cocoa crust provides a deep, intense base that perfectly complements the silky pumpkin filling.
  • Baking at two different temperatures ensures a perfectly set filling and crisp crust that will impress even the most discerning dessert lovers.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 295
  • Sugar: 24 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 37 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Isabella Rossi

Isabella Rossi

Founder & Culinary Content Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development​, Traditional Irish and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education​

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) – School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development.​

Ballymaloe Cookery School

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Intensive, hands-on experience emphasizing farm-to-table cooking and sustainable practices.​

Liam is the voice behind many of Craft Meats’ most flavorful features. With roots in Dublin’s smoky barbecue scene and a culinary degree from the Dublin Institute of Technology, he brings time-tested cooking techniques to life. 

His training at Ballymaloe Cookery School sharpened his farm-to-table approach, giving him a deep respect for every ingredient he writes about.

He’s not about overcomplicating the process, just helping you cook meat that’s worth talking about. When he’s not writing or grilling, he’s out foraging or nerding out on regional spice blends to add to his next recipe.

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