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Are you ready to indulge in a dessert that perfectly captures the essence of luxurious flavors and textures? The Decadent Pear & Hazelnut Chocolate Tart is just that—a rich and indulgent creation that harmoniously blends the sweetness of ripe pears, the crunch of toasted hazelnuts, and the smoothness of bittersweet chocolate. This dessert is not only visually stunning but also delivers a delightful balance of sweetness and texture, making it an ideal choice for special occasions or a cozy evening spent at home.

Pear & Hazelnut Chocolate Tart

Indulge in the exquisite flavors of a Decadent Pear & Hazelnut Chocolate Tart that beautifully combines ripe pears, crunchy hazelnuts, and rich bittersweet chocolate. This visually stunning dessert masterfully balances sweetness and texture, making it perfect for special occasions or cozy nights in. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting out, this step-by-step guide will elevate your dessert game and impress everyone at the table. Enjoy the satisfaction of creating a homemade treat that's as delightful to make as it is to savor!
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Ingredients
  

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1/2 cup powdered sugar

1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed

1 large egg yolk

2 tablespoons ice water

1 cup bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped

1/2 cup heavy cream

1/4 cup granulated sugar

2 ripe pears, thinly sliced

1/2 cup roasted hazelnuts, roughly chopped

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Pinch of salt

Optional: Additional hazelnuts and dark chocolate shavings for garnish

Instructions
 

Prepare the Tart Crust: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and powdered sugar until well combined. Add the chilled, cubed butter, and use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, with pea-sized pieces of butter remaining.

    Form the Dough: Slowly add the egg yolk and ice water to the dry mixture. Stir gently until the dough starts to come together. If the dough appears too crumbly, incorporate more ice water one teaspoon at a time until it binds.

      Chill the Dough: Shape the dough into a flat disk, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

        Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready for baking.

          Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to fit a 9-inch tart pan. Gently press the dough into the pan's sides and bottom, trimming any excess from the edges. Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork to prevent puffing during baking.

            Pre-Bake the Crust: Place a piece of parchment paper over the crust and fill it with pie weights or dried beans to weigh it down. Bake for 15 minutes, then carefully remove the weights and parchment. Bake for another 10 minutes or until the crust is firm and set. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely.

              Make the Chocolate Filling: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the heavy cream and granulated sugar, stirring until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is hot but not boiling. Remove from heat and add the chopped bittersweet chocolate, salt, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth and glossy, ensuring all chocolate is melted.

                Assemble the Tart: Pour the rich chocolate filling into the cooled tart shell, spreading it evenly. Arrange the thinly sliced pears on top of the chocolate in an overlapping pattern. Sprinkle the roughly chopped hazelnuts evenly over the pears for added crunch and flavor.

                  Bake Again: Return the assembled tart to the oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until the pears are tender but still retain their shape.

                    Cool and Serve: Allow the tart to cool completely at room temperature before slicing into wedges. For a decorative finish, consider garnishing with additional roasted hazelnuts and shavings of dark chocolate just before serving. Enjoy every bite of this indulgent dessert!

                      Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 45 min | 1 hr 30 min | 8 servings