Get ready to fall in love with the ultimate dessert experience with this Peanut Butter Chocolate Ganache Tart Recipe! This dreamy tart blends the rich, velvety smoothness of dark chocolate ganache with a fluffy, luscious peanut butter filling nestled inside a crunchy chocolate cookie crust. Every bite sings with the perfect balance of salty and sweet, creating a dessert that feels both indulgent and comforting. Whether you’re a peanut butter lover or a chocolate fanatic, this tart is guaranteed to delight your taste buds and become a go-to favorite for celebrations or cozy nights in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the short ingredient list fool you—each component in this Peanut Butter Chocolate Ganache Tart Recipe plays a starring role in crafting layers of flavor and texture. From the buttery chocolate crust to the airy peanut butter filling and the silky ganache topping, these simple ingredients come together to create pure magic.
- Chocolate cookie crumbs: The base of your crust, offering a deep chocolate flavor and satisfying crunch.
- Unsalted butter: Melts into the cookie crumbs to bind the crust and add richness.
- Creamy peanut butter: For that smooth, nutty filling that’s at the heart of this tart.
- Cream cheese: Adds a tangy creaminess, balancing the sweetness in the filling.
- Confectioner’s sugar: Sweetens the filling without graininess, keeping it silky smooth.
- Heavy whipping cream: Whipped to light peaks, it brings a fluffy texture to the peanut butter filling and makes the ganache ultra glossy.
- Semi-sweet and bittersweet chocolate chips: Combined for a rich ganache with layers of chocolate intensity.
- Vanilla extract: Elevates the flavors and rounds out the richness.
- Flakey sea salt: A final touch to enhance the sweet and savory contrast on top of the ganache.
How to Make Peanut Butter Chocolate Ganache Tart Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crunchy Chocolate Cookie Crust
The foundation of this tart is its irresistibly crunchy and chocolatey crust. Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees, then mix the chocolate cookie crumbs with melted unsalted butter until the texture resembles wet sand. Press this mixture evenly into your tart pan, making sure to cover the bottom and press it up the sides for a sturdy shell. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes to set it, then let it cool—this makes the perfect crispy base that will hold all the luscious filling without sogginess.
Step 2: Whip Up the Fluffy Peanut Butter Filling
This part is where creamy peanut butter meets light and airy whipped cream for an unexpected, dreamy texture. First, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form and refrigerate it until ready. In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese and peanut butter together until smooth and velvety. Add in the sifted confectioner’s sugar to sweeten, then fold in some of the whipped cream for lightness, followed by the rest, carefully folding to keep it fluffy. Spoon this cloud-like filling into your cooled crust and smooth the top to get ready for the crowning ganache layer.
Step 3: Create the Silky Smooth Chocolate Ganache
Ganache is the cherry on top, literally! Chop your semi-sweet and bittersweet chocolate into small pieces and place them in a bowl. Warm up heavy cream just to a simmer—no boiling allowed—then pour over the chocolate, adding butter and vanilla as well. Let this mixture sit for 5 minutes so the chocolate melts fully, then whisk vigorously until glossy and smooth. Pour this luscious ganache over the peanut butter filling and spread it evenly. Chill the tart in the fridge until the ganache sets into a shiny, firm topping.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Chocolate Ganache Tart Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling flakey sea salt on top adds a beautiful contrast that brings out the sweetness while adding a sophisticated touch. You can also consider a light dusting of cocoa powder, chopped roasted peanuts, or even a drizzle of caramel for extra flair. These simple garnishes elevate the look and taste, making it party-ready.
Side Dishes
The richness of this tart pairs wonderfully with a lightly sweetened whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. For a fruit contrast, fresh raspberries or sliced strawberries bring a bright, refreshing note that cuts through the indulgence perfectly. A small cup of espresso or strong coffee alongside will also balance the flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Serve individual tartlets by using mini tart pans or cut the big tart into neat slices topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of chopped nuts. Layer slices with fruit compote for a celebratory feel or present it as part of a dessert platter with other small bites to dazzle at any gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Peanut Butter Chocolate Ganache Tart Recipe keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days—perfect if you want dessert ready to go. Keep it covered with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent the crust from absorbing moisture.
Freezing
If you want to make this dessert ahead of time, consider freezing the whole tart before adding the ganache, or freeze individual slices with ganache already set. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil to avoid freezer burn. It will keep well for up to a month and thaw in the refrigerator the day before serving.
Reheating
Reheating isn’t necessary for this tart since it’s best served chilled, but bringing it to room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving enhances the flavors and makes the ganache soft and silky again. Avoid direct heat, as it can melt the ganache and alter textures.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
You certainly can! Crunchy peanut butter will add a delightful texture to the filling, though it will be a bit less smooth. If you prefer the traditional silky finish, creamy is best, but either way, the flavor will still shine.
Is this tart gluten-free?
It depends on the chocolate cookie crumbs you use. To keep this Peanut Butter Chocolate Ganache Tart Recipe gluten-free, choose gluten-free chocolate cookies for the crust. Otherwise, the rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Can I make this recipe without cream cheese?
Cream cheese adds a nice tang and stability to the peanut butter filling, but you can substitute it with mascarpone cheese or an additional amount of peanut butter to keep the texture creamy. Adjust sugar to taste if you change the balance.
What’s the best way to crush cookies for the crust?
The easiest method is to place the cookies in a sealed plastic bag and gently crush with a rolling pin until fine crumbs form. You can also pulse them in a food processor for a more uniform texture and quicker prep.
How long should I chill the tart before serving?
Chilling for at least 2 hours is ideal to let the ganache set firmly and flavors meld. For best results, refrigerate overnight if possible. This makes slicing clean and serving easier while intensifying the taste.
Final Thoughts
If you’re dreaming of a dessert that feels both luxurious and homey, this Peanut Butter Chocolate Ganache Tart Recipe is your answer. It’s approachable, stunning, and packed with flavors that satisfy every craving. I can’t wait for you to try it and see just how easy it is to create a show-stopping dessert that will keep everyone asking for seconds!
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Peanut Butter Chocolate Ganache Tart Recipe
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 8 servings
Description
This Peanut Butter Chocolate Ganache Tart is a decadent dessert combining a crunchy chocolate cookie crust with a fluffy peanut butter filling and a silky smooth chocolate ganache topping. The perfect balance of salty and sweet, this almost no-bake tart is impressively simple to make and ideal for chocolate and peanut butter lovers.
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 1 3/4 cups crushed chocolate cookie crumbs
- 7 TBSP unsalted butter, melted
For the Peanut Butter Filling
- 1 1/2 cups plus 2 TBSP creamy peanut butter
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup plus 1 TBSP confectioner´s sugar
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream, whipped (1/2 cup before whipping)
For the Ganache
- 1/2 cup semi sweet chocolate chips, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup bittersweet chocolate chips, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 TBSP unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Flaky sea salt for sprinkling (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine the crushed chocolate cookie crumbs and melted unsalted butter until well mixed. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a tart pan using your fingers. Place the tart pan on a cookie sheet and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and let cool completely.
- Make the Peanut Butter Filling: Using a stand mixer with the whisk attachment, whip 1 cup of heavy cream (starting from 1/2 cup pre-whipped) until soft peaks form—be careful not to overbeat. Transfer the whipped cream to a small bowl and refrigerate. Then, using the paddle attachment, beat the softened cream cheese and creamy peanut butter on medium speed until smooth and creamy. Sift in the confectioner’s sugar and mix until fully combined. Stir in 1/4 cup of the whipped cream quickly to incorporate, then gently fold in the remaining whipped cream with a spatula until just combined. Spread the peanut butter filling evenly into the cooled tart crust and smooth the surface with an offset spatula. Set aside.
- Prepare the Ganache: Place the chopped semi sweet and bittersweet chocolate chips into a small bowl. Heat 1/4 cup heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to simmer—do not let it boil. Immediately pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate. Add the cubed unsalted butter and vanilla extract to the mixture. Let stand for 5 minutes without stirring to allow the chocolate to soften. Then whisk vigorously until the ganache is smooth and glossy. Pour the ganache evenly over the peanut butter filling and smooth out using an offset spatula.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the tart until the chocolate ganache is fully set, about 1 to 2 hours. Once set, carefully remove the tart from the pan. Optionally, sprinkle the top with flaky sea salt for that perfect balance of salty and sweet. Slice and serve chilled for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Make sure not to overwhip the cream when making the peanut butter filling to maintain a light, fluffy texture.
- Use room temperature butter and cream cheese for easier mixing and smoother filling.
- Press the crust firmly and evenly to avoid crumbling when slicing.
- Flaky sea salt on top enhances the flavor contrast but is optional.
- Store leftover tart refrigerated and consume within 3 days for optimal freshness.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
