Chocolate Peanut Butter Tart Recipe
If you’re a fan of heavenly sweet-and-salty desserts, this Chocolate Peanut Butter Tart will be your new obsession! Imagine a rich, chocolatey cookie crust filled with a silky-smooth blend of whipped peanut butter and cream cheese, all topped off with a glossy chocolate ganache. It’s a show-stopping dessert that’s deceivingly easy to make yet guaranteed to blow away anyone lucky enough to snag a slice. Whether you’re hosting a get-together or simply treating yourself, this tart elevates simple ingredients into something magical—the ultimate treat for chocolate and peanut butter lovers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Everything you need for this dessert can be found at just about any grocery store, but each ingredient has its own important role, providing the perfect balance of decadence and flavor. Let’s break down these simple but essential components to see what makes this Chocolate Peanut Butter Tart truly shine.
- Chocolate cookie crumbs: These create the crisp, chocolatey base that brings structure and deep cocoa flavor to every bite.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Butter binds the crust and delivers a rich, satisfying texture that holds its shape.
- Creamy peanut butter: The star of the filling—choose your favorite brand for ultimate creaminess and flavor.
- Cream cheese (softened): Adds tanginess and luscious creaminess, making the filling irresistibly smooth.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the filling while keeping it light and dreamy, without any grittiness.
- Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla ties all the flavors together and brings warmth to the tart.
- Heavy whipping cream (divided): This multitasker helps make the peanut butter filling fluffy and creates a luscious ganache topping.
- Semisweet or dark chocolate (chopped): Melts into a glossy ganache that complements the peanut butter layer perfectly.
- Flaky sea salt (optional): A sprinkle enhances all the flavors and adds a touch of elegant crunch on top.
How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Tart
Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Cookie Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium-sized bowl, combine the chocolate cookie crumbs with the melted butter. Stir until the mixture looks like wet sand—it should hold together when you press it. Transfer this to a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom, pressing the mixture evenly into the base and up the sides to form a firm shell. Pop it in the oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Once done, let the crust cool completely to the touch. This is your crunchy, chocolatey foundation!
Step 2: Mix the Peanut Butter Filling
In a large mixing bowl, beat the creamy peanut butter, softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until completely smooth and creamy. This step sets the scene for an ultra-silky filling—no lumps allowed! Next, whip 1/2 cup of the heavy cream in a separate bowl until you get soft peaks. Gently fold this fluffy whipped cream into your peanut butter mixture. This trick lightens up the filling, making it airy and luxurious inside your tart shell.
Step 3: Assemble the Peanut Butter Layer
Spoon the peanut butter filling into your cooled chocolate crust. Use a spatula to spread it into an even layer all the way to the edges. Take a moment to give it a smooth, level finish—this not only looks beautiful but ensures every slice has a perfect topping-to-crust ratio. Now your tart is ready for its next decadent layer!
Step 4: Make the Chocolate Ganache Topping
Time for ganache! Heat the remaining 1/4 cup of heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat—just until it starts to steam but before it simmers. Pour the hot cream over the chopped semisweet or dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Let it sit undisturbed for a couple of minutes; then, whisk everything together until you have a shiny, smooth ganache. Pour this beautiful chocolate mixture right over your peanut butter layer and spread it to the edges with a spatula, letting gravity help you out.
Step 5: Chill and Garnish
Place the assembled tart in the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 2 hours, or until fully set. This step lets all the layers firm up and the flavors meld. Right before serving, sprinkle on a pinch of flaky sea salt—or chopped peanuts if you like extra crunch. This finishing touch takes your Chocolate Peanut Butter Tart straight to gourmet status!
How to Serve Chocolate Peanut Butter Tart
Garnishes
A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt is my favorite go-to garnish for this tart—it cuts through the sweetness and gives a sophisticated presentation. For a little crunch and visual interest, try scattering some chopped roasted peanuts over the rich ganache before the final chill. If you’re feeling extra fancy, a drizzle of melted white chocolate or a handful of mini chocolate chips would look (and taste!) fabulous.
Side Dishes
This tart is definitely the star of the show, but if you’d like to serve something on the side, go for fresh raspberries or sliced strawberries. Their tart pop really wakes up the richness on your plate. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream is never a bad idea when you want an even more decadent dessert pairing.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, slice your Chocolate Peanut Butter Tart into slim wedges and fan them out on a serving platter. If you’re making dessert for a crowd, cut it into bite-sized bars for an elegant finger-food option. Mini individual tarts using the same recipe are crowd-pleasers at parties—and those look adorable on tiered stands!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover tart can be covered loosely with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerated for up to three days. The crust stays crisp, and the peanut butter and chocolate layers remain decadent and delicious. Store in the tart pan for best results, but individual slices can easily be wrapped and enjoyed as a grab-and-go treat.
Freezing
This tart freezes surprisingly well! For best results, chill it until firm, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and a layer of aluminum foil. Freeze whole for up to one month, or freeze individual slices for an instant dessert fix. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving, and you’ll be all set for a make-ahead indulgence.
Reheating
No reheating needed for this tart—it’s absolutely best served chilled or at room temperature. If your tart is coming out of the freezer, allow it to come to fridge temp overnight, or sit on the counter for about 30 minutes before serving. This lets all those dreamy layers soften just enough to melt in your mouth.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add a little extra texture and a pleasant nutty crunch to the filling. If you love that contrast, go for it—the tart will be just as delicious.
Is it possible to make this tart gluten free?
Yes, simply swap in your favorite gluten-free chocolate cookies for the crust. Make sure your other ingredients are certified gluten free, and you’ll have a treat that’s safe for friends and family with celiac or gluten sensitivities.
What’s the best way to get clean slices when serving?
Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water (then wiped dry) for slicing. This helps cut through the rich ganache and creamy filling smoothly, giving you bakery-worthy slices every time.
Can I make the Chocolate Peanut Butter Tart a day in advance?
You sure can! In fact, the tart is even better when chilled overnight. The flavors meld, the texture firms up, and it makes life easy when you’re entertaining. Just add your final garnishes right before serving.
How can I switch up the chocolate layer?
Feel free to experiment: milk chocolate creates a slightly sweeter topping, while extra-dark chocolate intensifies the richness. You can even try swirling in some melted white chocolate for a stunning marble effect.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to experience just how crave-worthy this Chocolate Peanut Butter Tart really is! Whether it’s the luscious filling, the glossy ganache, or that irresistible salty sprinkle on top, this dessert is one to savor and share. Gather your ingredients and treat yourself and your loved ones to a slice of pure dessert happiness—you’ll want to make this one again and again!
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Chocolate Peanut Butter Tart Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and creamy delight of a Chocolate Peanut Butter Tart. This decadent dessert features a crumbly chocolate cookie crust, a luscious peanut butter filling, and a silky chocolate ganache topping. Perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings!
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream, divided
For the Ganache Topping:
- 8 ounces semisweet or dark chocolate, chopped
- Flaky sea salt for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix chocolate cookie crumbs and melted butter, press into a tart pan, and bake.
- Make the Filling: Combine peanut butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla. Whip cream and fold into the peanut butter mixture. Spread into the cooled crust.
- Prepare the Ganache: Heat cream, pour over chopped chocolate, and stir until smooth. Pour over the peanut butter filling.
- Chill and Serve: Chill the tart for at least 2 hours, garnish with sea salt if desired, and serve.
Notes
- For added texture, sprinkle chopped peanuts on top before chilling.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake (with baked crust)
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
