Chocolate Pistachio Ganache Tart Recipe
If you’re looking for a dessert that truly impresses, then this Chocolate Pistachio Ganache Tart Recipe is just what you need! The combination of rich chocolate and nutty pistachios creates a delightful treat that feels like a celebration on any occasion. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering with friends, this tart is sure to be the star of the show.
What makes this tart even more special is how each layer complements one another. From the cocoa pastry shell to the luscious ganache and creamy pistachio center, every bite is an experience. Plus, it’s a great make-ahead option, allowing you to prepare it in advance and relax while your guests enjoy a slice of happiness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Decadent flavors: Enjoy the perfect blend of rich chocolate and creamy pistachio.
- Beautiful presentation: The layers and garnishes make for an eye-catching dessert.
- Make-ahead convenience: Prepare in advance so you can spend more time with loved ones.
- Family-friendly appeal: Kids and adults alike will savor each delicious bite.
- Simple and wholesome ingredients: Use easy-to-find items that create magic in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll love how simple and wholesome these ingredients are! Each one plays a vital role in bringing this Chocolate Pistachio Ganache Tart Recipe to life.
For the Chocolate Tart Shell
- 1 1/4 cups (150g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup (30g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/3 cup (40g) powdered sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1–2 tablespoons cold milk (as needed)
- Pinch of salt
For the Bottom Ganache Layer
- 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
- 100g dark chocolate (at least 60%), chopped
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For the Pistachio Layer
- 1 cup (130g) shelled unsalted pistachios (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/4 cup (60ml) whole milk
- 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
For the Top Ganache Layer
- 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
- 100g dark chocolate, chopped
- 1 tablespoon butter
Garnish
- Chopped or whole roasted pistachios
Variations
This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun variations to try:
- Change the nuts: Substitute pistachios with almonds or hazelnuts for a different flavor profile.
- Add fruit: Layer fresh raspberries or strawberries on top before adding the ganache for a fruity twist.
- Switch up the chocolate: Use white chocolate instead of dark chocolate for a sweeter, creamier taste.
- Make it gluten-free: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour for a delicious alternative.
How to Make Chocolate Pistachio Ganache Tart Recipe
Step 1: Make the Chocolate Tart Shell
In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and salt. This step creates a flavorful base for your tart. Next, add the cubed cold butter and blend until it resembles coarse crumbs. Mixing in just enough milk helps bring your dough together without making it sticky. Wrap it in plastic wrap and chill; this step ensures your crust will be flaky when baked!
Step 2: Blind Bake the Shell
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out your chilled dough into a 9-inch tart pan. Pricking the base allows steam to escape while baking. Lining it with parchment and weights prevents bubbling. Bake until set; letting it cool completely gives you that perfect crunch when you add your filling!
Step 3: Prepare the Bottom Ganache Layer
In a small saucepan, heat cream until simmering. Pour it over chopped chocolate so they can melt together beautifully. Stirring until smooth ensures there are no lumps—this layer adds that silky richness beneath the pistachio cream.
Step 4: Make the Pistachio Cream Layer
Blend shelled pistachios with milk until smooth; this will be your creamy center. Cooking it slowly thickens it into a custard-like consistency—this step is key! Gently fold in some whole roasted pistachios for added texture before spreading over your cooled ganache layer.
Step 5: Prepare the Top Ganache Layer
Heat cream until simmering again before pouring over chopped chocolate and butter. Stir until glossy; this glossy finish makes your tart look professional! Pour over the pistachio layer gently to keep everything intact.
Step 6: Garnish and Chill
Sprinkle roasted pistachios around the edge for that final touch of elegance. Chilling allows all layers to set perfectly—patience is rewarded here! After at least an hour, slice into this beautiful creation and enjoy every bite!
Pro Tips for Making Chocolate Pistachio Ganache Tart Recipe
Creating this delightful tart may seem challenging, but with a few handy tips, you’ll master it in no time!
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Use cold ingredients for the crust: Ensure your butter and any liquid additions are cold. This helps achieve a flaky pastry that holds its shape beautifully during baking.
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Don’t skip chilling times: Chilling the dough and layers is crucial for achieving the perfect texture. It allows the pastry to relax and helps the ganache set properly, so your tart slices cleanly.
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Grind pistachios finely: When making the pistachio cream, ensure you blend the nuts until smooth. This will create a creamy texture that blends well with the other layers and prevents a grainy finish.
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Adjust sweetness to taste: Feel free to tweak the sugar levels in both the ganache and pistachio layers. Everyone has different preferences, and balancing sweetness will elevate your tart’s flavor profile.
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Let it rest before serving: Allowing the tart to chill fully enhances its flavors as they meld together beautifully. The longer it sits (up to overnight), the better it tastes!
How to Serve Chocolate Pistachio Ganache Tart Recipe
This Chocolate Pistachio Ganache Tart is not just a treat for the taste buds; it’s also a feast for the eyes! Here are some ideas on how to present this stunning dessert.
Garnishes
- Chopped Roasted Pistachios: Sprinkle these around the edge or on top of your tart for an added crunch and vibrant color.
- Chocolate Shavings: Delicately shave some dark chocolate over the top for an elegant touch that complements the rich flavors.
- Fresh Berries: A few fresh raspberries or strawberries can add a pop of color and a hint of acidity, enhancing the overall taste experience.
Side Dishes
- Coconut Whipped Cream: This light and airy topping adds a tropical twist that pairs wonderfully with chocolate.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream serves as a perfect counterpart to the rich ganache, creating a delightful contrast.
- Espresso or Coffee: A small cup of strong espresso or coffee can accentuate the chocolate flavors beautifully and provide a warm beverage option alongside your tart.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad can cleanse the palate between bites, making each piece of tart even more enjoyable.
With these serving suggestions and pro tips, you’re all set to impress your family and friends with your homemade Chocolate Pistachio Ganache Tart! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage
This Chocolate Pistachio Ganache Tart is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time and store it, making it a great option for parties or special occasions.
Storing Leftovers
- Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- The tart can last up to 3 days while retaining its delicious flavors.
- If you notice the crust getting soggy, consider consuming it within the first couple of days.
Freezing
- To freeze, wrap individual slices of the tart tightly with plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- The tart can be frozen for up to 2 months—perfect for those spontaneous dessert cravings!
- Thaw the slices in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Reheating
- There’s no need to reheat this tart; it’s best served chilled!
- If you prefer a slightly warm experience, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving.
FAQs
Here are some common questions about the Chocolate Pistachio Ganache Tart Recipe:
Can I use other nuts instead of pistachios?
Absolutely! While this recipe highlights pistachios, feel free to experiment with almonds or hazelnuts for a delightful twist on flavors.
How should I serve the Chocolate Pistachio Ganache Tart?
For the best experience, serve chilled. Garnish with extra chopped pistachios for added texture and visual appeal—your guests will love it!
What makes this Chocolate Pistachio Ganache Tart Recipe special?
This recipe stands out due to its elegant layers of chocolate and pistachio that create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, making it perfect for celebrations!
Can I make this Chocolate Pistachio Ganache Tart Recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure that other ingredients are also certified gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
I hope you find joy in creating this delightful Chocolate Pistachio Ganache Tart! Its rich layers and beautiful presentation make it a showstopper dessert that will impress family and friends alike. As you embark on your baking journey, remember that each slice is filled with love and creativity. Enjoy every moment of making—and sharing—this special treat!
Chocolate Pistachio Ganache Tart
Indulge in the luxurious flavors of our Chocolate Pistachio Ganache Tart, a stunning dessert that will leave your guests in awe. With a rich cocoa pastry shell and layers of smooth chocolate ganache combined with creamy pistachios, this tart is a perfect blend of decadent flavors and beautiful presentation. Ideal for any occasion, from cozy family dinners to festive gatherings, this make-ahead treat allows you to relax and enjoy time with loved ones while your dessert shines as the star of the show.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 8 slices 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: General
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (for ganache)
- 100g dark chocolate (at least 60%), chopped
- 1 cup shelled unsalted pistachios (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Instructions
- Make the Chocolate Tart Shell: In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and salt. Add cold butter and mix until crumbly. Incorporate egg yolk and enough milk to form a dough. Wrap in plastic and chill.
- Blind Bake the Shell: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out chilled dough into a tart pan, prick the base, line with parchment paper and weights. Bake for about 15 minutes until set; cool completely.
- Prepare Bottom Ganache Layer: Heat cream in a saucepan until simmering. Pour over chopped chocolate; stir until smooth.
- Make Pistachio Layer: Blend pistachios with milk until smooth. Cook with sugar and cornstarch until thickened. Fold in whole pistachios before spreading over cooled ganache layer.
- Prepare Top Ganache Layer: Repeat the process for the top ganache layer using cream, chopped chocolate, and butter; pour gently over pistachio layer.
- Garnish and Chill: Sprinkle roasted pistachios on top and chill for at least one hour before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (85g)
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 50mg