Last weekend, I whipped up this Vegan Gingerbread Chocolate Tart, and let me tell you—it was nothing short of magical. Picture this: a buttery, spiced gingerbread crust filled with rich, velvety chocolate ganache that melts in your mouth. The best part? It’s completely vegan, so it’s perfect for anyone looking for a treat that’s both indulgent and plant-based. Trust me, it’s going to become your go-to dessert for any occasion! It’s a showstopper for your next holiday gathering or just a sweet little moment of joy on a cozy evening.
Why You’ll Love Vegan Gingerbread Chocolate Tart
This tart isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re looking to wow your friends at a gathering, treat yourself to something decadent, or make a special dessert for a holiday dinner, this tart is versatile enough for any occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Perfect for holiday celebrations, dinner parties, or a cozy night in. Imagine bringing this to a gathering and having everyone ask for the recipe. Or serving it after a family dinner, where every bite is met with satisfaction.
Budget-Friendly: You likely have most of these ingredients on hand already, and they come together to create something extraordinary. You don’t need fancy items to make this tart shine—just good, wholesome ingredients!
Quick and Easy: Don’t worry if you’re not a pastry pro. This tart is super easy to make and doesn’t require any fancy equipment. It’s foolproof, so you can focus on enjoying the process (and the end result!).
Customizable: Whether you love your gingerbread crust spicy or prefer a sweeter touch, you can adjust the flavors to your liking. The filling is rich and chocolatey, but if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to give it that extra depth of flavor.
Crowd-Pleasing: Vegan or not, everyone will love this tart. The combination of spiced gingerbread and smooth chocolate is irresistible, making it a hit with both adults and kids alike.
Ingredients in Vegan Gingerbread Chocolate Tart
Let’s talk about the magic behind this dessert—it’s simple, yet packs a punch of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
Gingerbread Crust: The crunchy, aromatic base for the chocolatey goodness on top. This crust brings all the warmth of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses into the mix. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and spiced.
Coconut Oil: This vegan substitute brings richness and helps the crust hold together. Plus, it adds a lovely subtle coconut flavor that complements the spices.
Gingerbread Spices: A mix of ginger, cinnamon, and a touch of clove gives this tart its signature warmth. It’s the perfect wintery flavor profile!
Dark Chocolate: Rich, smooth, and perfect for a ganache. Make sure to use a good-quality dark chocolate that’s at least 70% cocoa for the best results.
Coconut Cream: The secret to that luscious, velvety ganache texture! It blends perfectly with the chocolate for a creamy, smooth filling.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s get baking! This tart is super simple to make, so don’t stress about it. I’ve broken it down into easy steps, so you’ll be enjoying this beautiful dessert in no time.
1. Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your gingerbread crust bakes evenly and becomes perfectly crisp. It’s the small steps like this that make a big difference!
2. Make the Gingerbread Crust
In a bowl, mix together your dry ingredients: ginger, cinnamon, flour, and a pinch of salt. Add in the coconut oil and molasses, and stir until the dough starts to come together. Press the dough into a tart pan, making sure to evenly coat the bottom and sides. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until it’s golden and fragrant. The house will smell amazing!
3. Prepare the Chocolate Ganache
While the crust is cooling, chop your dark chocolate into small pieces. In a saucepan, heat the coconut cream over medium heat until it’s just about to simmer. Pour the hot coconut cream over the chopped chocolate and let it sit for a minute or two. Then stir until it’s smooth and glossy. This ganache is the definition of rich and creamy!
4. Fill the Tart
Once your crust has cooled completely, pour the chocolate ganache into the gingerbread crust. Spread it out evenly with a spatula, and make sure it’s nice and smooth. Pop the tart into the fridge for at least 2 hours to let the ganache firm up and set.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Once the tart is set, it’s time to slice it up! Serve it chilled, and for an extra touch, you can top it with a dollop of coconut whipped cream or a sprinkle of extra cinnamon. Whether you’re sharing it with friends or enjoying it solo, every bite is going to be a moment to savor.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: [Number of servings]
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]
Preparation Time
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Cook Time: [Time to cook or bake]
Total Time: [Total time needed]
How to Serve Vegan Gingerbread Chocolate Tart
This tart is rich and indulgent on its own, but if you’re looking to elevate the experience, here are some ideas for side dishes and accompaniments:
Fresh Fruit: Pair it with a handful of fresh berries or slices of pear for a refreshing contrast to the rich chocolate.
Coconut Whipped Cream: A dollop of this creamy, dairy-free topping will add a lovely lightness to each bite.
Chai Tea: For a cozy touch, serve this tart with a warm cup of chai tea. The spices in the drink complement the gingerbread flavors in the tart perfectly.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to ensure your tart turns out perfect every time:
Prep Ahead: You can make the crust and the ganache a day in advance. Just assemble everything the day of, and let it chill in the fridge for the best results.
Adjust the Spices: If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of ginger and cinnamon in the crust. Or, if you like it extra spicy, feel free to amp up the ginger for a bold punch!
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. This tart also freezes beautifully for up to a month, so you can always have a slice of sweetness ready when you need it!
Double the Batch: If you’re planning a party or a holiday feast, make two! This recipe is easy to double, and everyone will be thrilled with the second tart.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute the coconut cream with regular cream?
A1: Absolutely! If you’re not vegan or prefer regular cream, you can swap it in for a rich, creamy filling.
Q2: Can I make this tart ahead of time?
A2: Yes, it’s actually better if you let the tart set overnight. It allows the ganache to firm up and develop even more flavor.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store your tart in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It’ll keep its delicious texture and flavor.
Q4: Can I freeze this tart?
A4: You sure can! Just wrap it tightly and store in the freezer for up to a month. Let it thaw before serving.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this tart?
A5: This tart is best served chilled, but if you prefer it slightly warm, gently warm individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Yes, you can double the recipe if you need to serve more guests. Just make sure to use a larger tart pan or a few mini tart pans!
Q7: Is this tart gluten-free?
A7: Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free, as long as you use a gluten-free flour for the crust.
Q8: What’s the best way to decorate the tart?
A8: Top it with fresh berries, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even a drizzle of melted chocolate for extra flair!
Q9: How can I make this tart healthier?
A9: You can swap the molasses with maple syrup or use a lower-sugar dark chocolate. It’s still delicious, just a little lighter!
Q10: Can I use a different crust?
A10: Yes! If you’re not a fan of gingerbread, try a crushed nut or date-based crust for a different twist.
There you have it! This Vegan Gingerbread Chocolate Tart is everything you need for an indulgent, feel-good dessert. Perfect for any occasion and guaranteed to make you smile with every bite!
PrintThe Recipe: Vegan Gingerbread Chocolate Tart
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This decadent tart features a gingerbread-spiced shortcrust pastry filled with creamy, lightly spiced chocolate ganache. Perfect for the holidays or any special occasion!
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 150 g (1¼ cups) plain flour (use gluten-free all-purpose flour if required)
- 100 g (3.5 oz) vegan butter, block style
- 60 g (3 tbsp) molasses
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp allspice
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp sea salt
- ½ tsp orange zest (optional)
For the Filling:
- 250 g (8.8 oz) dark chocolate, finely chopped (use 170 g for a softer filling)
- 350 g (12.4 oz) coconut cream
- 60 g (3 tbsp) pure maple syrup
- 20 g (1 tbsp) molasses
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- Pinch of sea salt
For the Toppings:
- ¼ batch vegan gingerbread cookies (optional)
- 2 tbsp pomegranate seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust:
Preheat your oven to 160°C fan-forced (320°F) or 180°C conventional (356°F). Lightly grease a 9″ tart tin with vegan butter or oil and lightly dust with flour. Optionally, line the base with parchment paper.
In a food processor, blend the flour, vegan butter, molasses, spices, and salt until a loose dough forms. Shape the dough into a ball, flatten into a disc, wrap in clingfilm, and refrigerate for 30 minutes. - Roll and Bake the Crust:
Roll the chilled dough to slightly larger than the tart tin. Gently lift and press the dough into the tin. Trim the edges, leaving a slight overhang. Prick the base with a fork.
Cover with a circle of parchment paper, fill with baking beads, rice, or lentils, and parbake for 12 minutes.
Remove the beads and bake for another 10–12 minutes until crisp. Let cool completely. - Make the Ganache Filling:
Heat the coconut cream in a saucepan until it just begins to simmer (do not boil).
Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Let sit for 5 minutes, then whisk until smooth.
Stir in the maple syrup, molasses, ginger, and salt until evenly combined. - Assemble the Tart:
Pour the chocolate ganache into the baked crust. Tap the tart tin gently on your work surface to release any air bubbles.
Allow to cool at room temperature for 10 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. -
- Garnish and Serve:
Once set, carefully remove the tart from the tin and place on a serving plate.
Top with vegan gingerbread cookies, pomegranate seeds, or fresh rosemary, as desired.
Slice and enjoy!
- Garnish and Serve:
Notes
- Vegan Butter: Use a block-style vegan butter for best results. A nut-free option like Violife works well.
- Molasses: For a subtler flavor, substitute part or all of the molasses with maple syrup.
- Coconut Cream: Use chilled full-fat coconut milk and scoop the thick cream from the top, or use canned coconut cream.
- Quick Crust Option: Press the dough directly into the tart tin without rolling. Bake for 12–16 minutes and cool before filling.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (of 12)
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg