Mascarpone and Chocolate Tart

The mascarpone and chocolate tart is a rich and indulgent dessert, perfect for those who love intense flavors. Here’s how to prepare this delight.

Ingredients

For the shortcrust pastry:

• 300 g of type 00 flour
• 150 g of cold butter from the fridge
• 120 g of icing sugar
• 1 whole egg + 1 yolk
• 1 pinch of salt
• Grated zest of 1 lemon (optional)

For the mascarpone cream:

• 250 g of mascarpone
• 100 g of icing sugar
• 200 ml of whipping cream
• 1 packet of vanillin or vanilla extract

For the chocolate ganache:

• 200 g of dark chocolate
• 200 ml of fresh cream

Preparation

Shortcrust pastry:

1. Mix the flour and the cold butter cut into pieces, working with your fingertips until you get a sandy mixture.
2. Add the icing sugar, pinch of salt, and grated lemon zest.
3. Mix in the whole egg and the yolk, then quickly work the dough until you form a homogenous ball.
4. Wrap the ball of dough in plastic wrap and let it rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
5. Roll out the pastry into an even layer and line a previously buttered and floured tart tin.
6. Prick the bottom with a fork and bake in a preheated oven at 180 °C for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. Allow to cool.

Mascarpone cream:

1. Mix the mascarpone with the icing sugar and vanillin until smooth.
2. In another bowl, whip the cream until it is foamy and firm.
3. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone, with movements from the bottom up so as not to deflate the mixture.

Chocolate ganache:

1. Transfer the cream to a saucepan and bring it almost to a boil.
2. Remove from the heat and add the broken dark chocolate, stir until you obtain a smooth and glossy cream.
3. Let the ganache cool until it reaches a spreadable consistency.

Assembly:

1. Spread the mascarpone cream over the cooled shortcrust pastry base.
2. Pour the chocolate ganache on top and spread it to create an even layer.
3. Let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.

The mascarpone and chocolate tart is ideal to conclude a lunch or dinner with a touch of sweetness. If you want to add a touch of originality, you can decorate the surface with chocolate shavings or fresh fruit such as strawberries or raspberries.

Curiosity

Mascarpone is a typical Italian cheese, originally from Lombardy, and is known and appreciated for its creaminess and delicate flavor, making it ideal for the preparation of spoon desserts and baked goods.