Name: Earl Grey Chocolate Tart Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 4 h 55 min
Cuisine: French-inspired
Ingredients: 255 grams graham cracker crumbs; 25 grams granulated sugar; 85 grams unsalted butter (melted); 250 mL half-and-half cream (10 % fat); 30 grams loose leaf Earl Grey tea; 340 grams dark chocolate (70 % cocoa content, chopped); 57 grams unsalted butter (cut into pieces); 2.5 mL pure vanilla extract; 0.625 mL Diamond Crystal fine kosher salt; 250 grams mascarpone cheese; 188 mL whipping cream (35 % fat); 50 grams icing sugar; 12 grams loose leaf Earl Grey tea (finely chopped)

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 6 reviews

There are certain desserts that just feel like a cozy hug for your taste buds, and this Earl Grey Chocolate Tart Recipe is exactly that kind of treat. Imagine a crisp graham cracker crust enveloping a luxuriously smooth chocolate ganache infused with the delicate aroma of Earl Grey tea, topped with a velvety mascarpone whipped cream subtly enhanced by more fragrant tea leaves. This stunning tart is an elegant blend of flavors that will charm anyone, whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or simply craving a decadent but refined dessert. Let me take you through making this extraordinary Earl Grey Chocolate Tart Recipe step by step — it’s easier than you think but impressively spectacular.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows three square-shaped crackers with small holes on the top half of a white marbled surface. One cracker is broken into two pieces, with one piece slightly overlapping a whole cracker. Below the crackers, there is a small pile of crushed crumbs that match the brown color and texture of the crackers. The overall composition is simple and clean, placed on a white marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

One of the joys of this Earl Grey Chocolate Tart Recipe is how straightforward and meaningful each ingredient is. From the crunchy graham cracker crumbs that create a perfect base, to the rich dark chocolate that guarantees depth, every component plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture.

255 grams graham cracker crumbs: These provide a buttery, crunchy crust that holds everything together beautifully.
25 grams granulated sugar: Just enough sweetness to balance the tartness in the crust without overpowering the chocolate.
85 grams unsalted butter (melted): Binds the crumbs, giving the crust a golden finish and rich flavor.
250 mL half-and-half cream (10% fat): The base for infusing Earl Grey tea into the ganache, adding creaminess and body.
30 grams loose leaf Earl Grey tea: The star of the show, lending its distinct fragrant bergamot essence to the filling.
340 grams dark chocolate (70% cocoa content, chopped): For a deep, bittersweet intensity that complements the tea perfectly.
57 grams unsalted butter (cut into pieces): Adds silkiness and smoothness to the ganache.
2.5 mL pure vanilla extract: Enhances the chocolate’s richness and rounds out the flavors.
0.625 mL Diamond Crystal fine kosher salt: A pinch to amplify the chocolate and balance the sweetness.
250 grams mascarpone cheese: Provides the luscious base for the whipped cream topping.
188 mL whipping cream (35% fat): Whipped into softness, it creates a fluffy, airy topping that pairs exquisitely with the dense ganache.
50 grams icing sugar: Sweetens the mascarpone cream just enough without making it heavy.
12 grams loose leaf Earl Grey tea (finely chopped): A final flourish in the whipped cream adds texture and a lovely tea aroma.

How to Make Earl Grey Chocolate Tart Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and readying a 9-inch square tart pan with a removable bottom. Mixing the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter ensures an even coating that will bake into a crunchy, golden crust. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan’s base and sides—you want that perfect foundation to hold your luscious filling. Spend about 10 minutes baking the crust until it’s just set and fragrant.

Step 2: Infuse the Cream with Earl Grey Tea

While the crust cools, gently simmer the half-and-half cream with loose leaf Earl Grey tea over medium-low heat. The key is to avoid boiling so the tea steeps slowly, releasing its citrusy bergamot notes into the cream for about 10 minutes. This step elevates the ganache with a fragrant complexity that shines through in every bite.

Step 3: Make the Chocolate Ganache

Melt the chopped dark chocolate and butter together in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in short bursts and stirring between each until silky smooth. Then, remove the tea leaves from the cream and gradually whisk the hot, infused cream into the chocolate mixture. If it looks a bit curdled, don’t worry — a quick return to the microwave with stirring will fix that and ensure a glossy ganache. Flavor it further with vanilla extract and a pinch of kosher salt to balance and enhance the chocolate’s richness.

Step 4: Assemble and Chill

Let the ganache cool at room temperature for about an hour so it thickens but remains pourable. Carefully pour it into the baked crust and smooth it out, taking care not to disturb the edges that took such care to bake crispy. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, letting the filling set completely into a firm yet creamy centerpiece for your tart.

Step 5: Whip the Earl Grey Mascarpone Cream

Create your final magic by whipping together mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, icing sugar, and finely chopped Earl Grey tea leaves. Start on low to blend, then increase speed until you reach soft but firm peaks. Be cautious not to overwhip, or you’ll end up with butter! This topping adds an airy, tea-infused lightness that balances the dense ganache underneath.

Step 6: Finish the Tart

Spread the whipped cream generously over the set tart with an offset spatula, swirling it to create pretty peaks and texture. Don’t worry if some of the ganache peeks through—it adds to the rustic charm and hints at the rich layers beneath the cream. Chill slightly if desired, and your Earl Grey Chocolate Tart Recipe is ready to dazzle.

How to Serve Earl Grey Chocolate Tart Recipe

This image shows a square tart with a visible crust layer that is golden brown and crisp. Above the crust, there is a smooth, dark chocolate layer, and on top of that is a thick cream layer with small black specks spread evenly, showing a soft and airy texture. A single square slice is lifted by a silver cake server, revealing the tart's layers clearly. The tart is placed on a light natural wooden surface with visible wood grain. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Add a personal touch by sprinkling a few delicate bergamot zest curls or dusting cocoa powder lightly atop the whipped cream. Fresh edible flowers like violets or lavender can beautifully complement the tea’s floral notes, making your presentation even more tempting.

Side Dishes

This tart pairs wonderfully with a simple cup of hot Earl Grey tea or a creamy latte to echo its flavors. For an added indulgence, serve alongside fresh berries—like raspberries or blackberries—that offer a refreshing burst of tartness to contrast the rich chocolate.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving individual tart slices with a dollop of honey-drizzled Greek yogurt or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a more elaborate dessert experience. You can also plate it with swirls of berry coulis or a sprinkle of toasted nuts for exciting texture contrasts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Earl Grey Chocolate Tart Recipe covered in the refrigerator, ideally wrapped with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to three days—perfect for making ahead or enjoying leftovers.

Freezing

You can freeze the tart by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. For best results, freeze without the whipped cream topping and add that fresh after thawing. Frozen tart can last up to one month, making it a convenient treat to prep in advance.

Reheating

This tart is best served chilled, so avoid reheating. If you want to soften the chocolate slightly, simply let slices sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. This gentle warming brings out the ganache’s creamy texture without losing its lovely firmness.

FAQs

Can I use Earl Grey tea bags instead of loose leaf?

Absolutely! Earl Grey tea bags work fine. Just use the quantity suggested and ensure you steep the tea gently to extract those citrus bergamot flavors without bitterness.

What if I want a more intense Earl Grey flavor?

Feel free to increase the amount of tea leaves or let the cream steep a bit longer, but be careful not to overdo it; too strong can make the tart taste astringent rather than aromatic.

Can I substitute the graham cracker crust for a different type?

Certainly! You could use a chocolate cookie crust or even a shortbread base depending on your preference, though the graham cracker crust gives a lovely buttery contrast that highlights the tea and chocolate beautifully.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

The traditional graham cracker crumbs usually contain gluten, but you can look for gluten-free graham crackers or substitute with ground almonds or gluten-free cookie crumbs to keep it safe for gluten-intolerant guests.

How long does it take for the tart to fully set?

The ganache filling needs at least 4 hours in the refrigerator to become firm yet creamy, so planning ahead is key. Overnight chilling is even better if you have the time!

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about an Earl Grey Chocolate Tart Recipe that combines elegance, warmth, and lusciousness in every bite. Whether you’re indulging yourself or impressing guests, this tart’s delicate balance of bergamot-infused tea and rich chocolate will quickly become a treasured favorite. I can’t wait for you to try making it and experience the lovely magic it brings to your dessert table.