Vegan Gingerbread Chocolate Tart

Gingerbread chocolate tart is a delightful dessert that combines the warmth of spices with rich chocolate. This Vegan Gingerbread Chocolate Tart is not only perfect for holiday gatherings but also versatile enough for any occasion. With its creamy spiced chocolate ganache filling and a gingerbread spiced shortcrust pastry, this tart will surely impress family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: The steps are straightforward, making it simple even for beginner bakers.
• Nut-Free: This recipe avoids all nut ingredients, making it safe for those with nut allergies.
• Gluten-Free Option: Easily substitute with gluten-free flour to cater to dietary needs.
• Perfect for Holidays: Its festive flavors make it an ideal choice for holiday celebrations.
• Decadent Flavor: The combination of gingerbread and chocolate creates a unique and delicious taste experience.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Vegan Gingerbread Chocolate Tart, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline the process and ensure a smooth baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Food processor
• Round 9 tart tin
• Parchment paper
• Heat-resistant bowl
• Saucepan
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Food processor: Speeds up the mixing of dough, ensuring an even consistency without manual effort.
• Round 9 tart tin: Provides the perfect shape for your tart, allowing even baking and easy removal.
• Heat-resistant bowl: Ideal for melting chocolate without risk of damage from heat.

Ingredients

Gingerbread chocolate tart with a creamy light spiced chocolate ganache filling on a gingerbread spiced shortcrust pastry. It’s easy to make, nut-free, and can also be adapted as gluten-free, perfect for the holidays!

For the Pastry:

• 150 g plain flour (use GF all-purpose flour if required)
• 100 g vegan butter, block style
• 60 g molasses
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon allspice
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon sea salt
• ½ teaspoon orange zest (optional)

For the Filling:

• 250 g dark chocolate (OR 170g for a soft filling)
• 350 g coconut cream
• 60 g pure maple syrup
• 20 g molasses
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• pinch sea salt

Garnish:

• ¼ batch vegan gingerbread cookies
• 2 tablespoons pomegranate seeds (optional)

How to Make Vegan Gingerbread Chocolate Tart

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Preheat your oven to fan-forced 160°C/320°F or conventional 180°C/356°F. Lightly grease the base and sides of a round 9 tart tin with oil or vegan butter and dust with flour. If desired, line the base with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix and Chill the Dough

Add the flour, vegan butter, molasses, spices, and salt to a food processor. Blitz until mixed into a loose dough. Shape into a ball and flatten into a disc. Wrap in clingfilm or place in an airtight container; refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

Roll out the chilled dough so that it’s slightly larger than your tart tin. Carefully lift it over the tin and press it gently into place. Cut around the edges to allow it to rise slightly higher than the sides. Pierce several times with a fork.

Step 4: Bake the Crust

Cut parchment into a circle slightly larger than the tart. Place on top of the pastry and fill it with dried beans or baking beads. Parbake in the oven for 12 minutes. Remove beans/beads then bake another 10-12 minutes until crisp.

Step 5: Prepare the Filling

Finely chop your dark chocolate and add it to a heat-resistant bowl. In a saucepan, bring coconut cream to a simmer (do not boil). Pour hot cream over chocolate; let sit for 5 minutes before whisking until smooth.

Step 6: Combine Ingredients

Add maple syrup, molasses, ginger, and salt into your melted mixture; stir well until combined.

Step 7: Assemble Your Tart

Pour ganache into your baked crust gently tapping on your work surface to remove air bubbles. Let cool for about 10 minutes before transferring to fridge to set for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Step 8: Garnish

Once set, carefully remove from tart tin onto serving dish. Top with vegan gingerbread cookies, pomegranate seeds, or fresh rosemary for decoration before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Vegan Gingerbread Chocolate Tart!

How to Serve Vegan Gingerbread Chocolate Tart

Serving your Vegan Gingerbread Chocolate Tart can elevate its appeal and create a delightful experience for your guests. Here are some creative suggestions to enhance this festive dessert.

Pair with Whipped Coconut Cream

• Whip chilled coconut cream until fluffy and serve a dollop on each slice of tart for a light, creamy contrast.

Top with Fresh Fruit

• Garnish with seasonal fruits like berries or orange slices to add a refreshing touch that balances the richness of the chocolate.

Drizzle with Caramel Sauce

• A homemade or store-bought vegan caramel sauce can add a sweet, sticky finish that complements the gingerbread flavors beautifully.

Serve with Spiced Tea or Coffee

• Pairing this tart with a warm cup of spiced chai or coffee enhances the spices in the tart, making it perfect for cozy gatherings.

Add Crumbled Gingerbread Cookies

• Crushed vegan gingerbread cookies sprinkled on top provide an extra crunch and reinforce the ginger flavor in the tart.

Use Edible Flowers for Decoration

• For a fancy touch, decorate the plate with edible flowers. They can add color and elegance to your dessert presentation.

How to Perfect Vegan Gingerbread Chocolate Tart

Perfecting your Vegan Gingerbread Chocolate Tart involves careful attention to detail. Here are some essential tips to consider.

• Use high-quality chocolate: Select dark chocolate that is at least 70% cocoa for a rich flavor that pairs well with spices.

• Chill the ganache properly: Allowing the ganache to cool before refrigerating ensures it sets perfectly without becoming too firm.

• Adjust spice levels: Feel free to tweak the spices according to your taste. A little extra cinnamon or nutmeg can enhance the holiday aroma.

• Pre-bake crust thoroughly: Ensuring your tart crust is baked until golden guarantees it remains crispy once filled with ganache.

• Let it sit before serving: Allowing the tart to rest at room temperature for about 10 minutes before slicing helps achieve cleaner cuts.

Best Side Dishes for Vegan Gingerbread Chocolate Tart

Complement your Vegan Gingerbread Chocolate Tart with these delightful side dishes that will enhance your dessert table.

1. Hot Apple Cider: A warm drink infused with spices like cinnamon and cloves creates a cozy atmosphere and pairs well with sweet desserts.

2. Cinnamon Roasted Nuts: Mixed nuts roasted with cinnamon provide a crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with the smooth chocolate filling.

3. Spiced Pear Salad: A fresh salad featuring spiced pears adds brightness and balances the richness of the tart.

4. Vegan Vanilla Ice Cream: Serving a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream adds creaminess and complements the tart’s flavors perfectly.

5. Pomegranate Salad: A light salad made from pomegranate seeds, greens, and a citrus dressing offers a refreshing burst of flavor.

6. Chocolate Dipped Fruits: Fresh fruit dipped in vegan chocolate provides an elegant touch while enhancing the overall chocolate experience.

7. Ginger Snap Cookies: These cookies echo the flavors of ginger in the tart and offer an additional crunchy treat alongside it.

8. Chai Spiced Rice Pudding: A comforting rice pudding infused with chai spices rounds out your dessert offerings beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making the perfect Vegan Gingerbread Chocolate Tart can be challenging. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:

• Ignoring ingredient temperature: Ensure that your vegan butter and coconut cream are at room temperature before mixing. This will help achieve a smooth consistency in the ganache.

• Overmixing the dough: When combining the ingredients for the crust, mix just until a dough forms. Overmixing can lead to a tough texture instead of a light, flaky pastry.

• Not chilling the dough: Skipping the refrigeration step can cause the crust to shrink while baking. Always chill your dough for at least 30 minutes for better results.

• Underbaking or overbaking: Keep an eye on your tart shell while baking. It should be golden brown and crisp but not burnt. Follow the baking times closely.

• Pouring hot filling too quickly: Let your chocolate ganache cool slightly before pouring it into the tart shell. This prevents it from cooking the crust, ensuring a delightful texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Keep it in the fridge to maintain freshness and flavor.

Freezing Vegan Gingerbread Chocolate Tart

• Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap or foil before placing them in a freezer-safe container.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months; let thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating Vegan Gingerbread Chocolate Tart

• Oven: Preheat to 180°C/356°F and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 30 seconds, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Warm slices in a non-stick pan over low heat for a few minutes, covering with a lid to retain moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any questions about making this Vegan Gingerbread Chocolate Tart, you’re not alone! Here are some answers:

Can I make this Vegan Gingerbread Chocolate Tart gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute plain flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour. The tart will still have delicious flavor and texture.

How do I know when my tart is done baking?

The crust should be lightly golden and crisp to touch. Use a toothpick to check if it’s baked through; it should come out clean.

What can I use instead of coconut cream?

You can replace coconut cream with silken tofu blended until smooth or any other plant-based cream alternative suitable for whipping.

How long does it take for the ganache to set?

The ganache needs about 4 hours in the fridge to set properly, although overnight is best for optimal firmness.

Can I add other toppings to my tart?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize with nuts, fruit, or even edible flowers for extra flair and flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Gingerbread Chocolate Tart is not only irresistible but also versatile enough for any occasion. Its rich chocolate filling paired with spiced gingerbread crust makes it perfect for holiday celebrations or cozy gatherings. Don’t hesitate to explore different toppings or flavors—there’s always room for creativity!