1 Shares

There are desserts that feel indulgent, and then there are desserts that feel like a true experience—something layered, complex, and memorable from the very first bite. The Cherry Chocolate Ganache Tart fits firmly into that second category. Imagine the buttery crunch of a chocolate cookie crust giving way to a jewel-toned layer of tart-cherry jam, its brightness lifted by the addition of Granny Smith apple. Just as you settle into that vibrant fruitiness, a silky, cloud-like ganache, made with the finest dark chocolate, melts luxuriously across your palate. The balance is perfection: sweet yet tart, rich yet refreshing, decadent yet lively. This tart is not just a treat; it’s an expression of how thoughtfully chosen ingredients can come together to create a masterpiece. Perfect for dinner parties, holidays, or as a centerpiece dessert for special occasions, it is as striking on the table as it is satisfying on the tongue.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

Cherry Jam Layer

Tart cherries (fresh or frozen)
Grated Granny Smith apple
Granulated sugar

Crust

Chocolate wafer cookie crumbs
Granulated sugar
Sea salt
Unsalted butter
Chopped dark or semi-sweet chocolate

Chocolate Filling (Ganache)

Dark chocolate (70–75%)
Heavy whipping cream
Unsalted butter
Vanilla extract

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Combine chocolate wafer crumbs, sugar, sea salt, melted butter, and chopped chocolate. Mix until crumbs are evenly coated.
Press mixture firmly into a tart pan with a removable bottom, covering the base and sides. Chill for 15 minutes, then bake for 10 minutes. Let cool completely.
In a saucepan, combine tart cherries, grated Granny Smith apple, and sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until thickened and jam-like. Cool slightly, then spread evenly over the crust.
Finely chop the dark chocolate and place in a heatproof bowl. In a small saucepan, heat cream until just simmering. Pour over the chocolate and let sit for 1–2 minutes.
Stir gently until smooth, then add butter and vanilla extract. Mix until glossy.
For a lighter texture, whip a small portion of cream separately and fold it gently into the ganache before pouring.
Pour ganache over the cooled cherry jam layer, smoothing the top.
Chill tart for at least 2 hours, or overnight, until set.
Slice and serve, garnished with fresh cherries, powdered sugar, or mint leaves if desired.

Nutrients (per serving, approx. 10 servings)

Calories: ~493 kcal
Fat: ~31 g (Saturated: ~18 g)
Carbohydrates: ~50 g (Sugar: ~28 g, Fiber: ~5 g)
Protein: ~6 g
Sodium: ~86 mg
Potassium: ~404 mg
Cholesterol: ~65 mg
Vitamin A: ~617 IU
Vitamin C: ~4 mg
Calcium: ~51 mg
Iron: ~5 mg

Why This Recipe Stands Out

This tart earns its place as a crowd-pleaser by leaning on the art of contrast. The chocolate cookie crust is buttery yet crisp, providing a solid, slightly salty base that ensures each bite begins with richness. The cherry jam brings its own magic—a concentrated fruit tang sharpened by Granny Smith apple, which naturally balances the sweetness and cuts through the weight of the chocolate. Above it all floats a layer of chocolate ganache, light yet intense, a feat of texture that combines creaminess with airiness. Together, these elements form not just a dessert, but an orchestrated performance where each layer plays its part. What sets it apart from other chocolate tarts is this ability to be indulgent without overwhelming. It leaves you satisfied but still reaching for another slice, thanks to its thoughtful pairing of brightness and decadence.

The Benefits of the Ingredients

The strength of this tart lies not just in its flavor but also in the purposeful selection of ingredients. Tart cherries bring more than fruitiness; they are loaded with antioxidants and deliver a natural, mouthwatering tang that keeps the tart from being cloying. Pairing them with Granny Smith apple is genius—the apple not only adds acidity but also acts as a natural thickener, eliminating the need for artificial stabilizers like pectin. This creates a jam layer that is both wholesome and vibrant. The crust, built from chocolate wafer crumbs, is more than just a support—it contributes depth and crunch, infused with melted dark chocolate to ensure sturdiness and flavor that echo the ganache. The ganache itself relies on quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa, ensuring bitterness and complexity to counterbalance the sweetness of the jam. Cream and butter introduce silkiness, while vanilla provides warmth and aroma. These choices result in a tart that is as nutritious as it is indulgent, where every component is intentional and contributes to the final harmony.

Cooking Tips

Perfect execution of this tart comes down to attention to detail in each layer. The crust benefits greatly from being pre-chilled before baking or setting—this ensures it holds its shape and slices cleanly without crumbling. When preparing the cherry jam, patience is key. Allow the fruit to cook slowly, stirring often to avoid scorching, and cook until thickened enough to spread without running. For the ganache, chop chocolate finely so that when hot cream is poured over it, it melts quickly and uniformly, producing a smooth finish without graininess. One trick to achieving the “cloud-like” ganache texture is to whip a portion of the cream separately and fold it into the chocolate mixture, creating a mousse-like consistency that feels lighter while still indulgent. Finally, give the tart plenty of chilling time—at least two hours, though overnight is ideal—so the layers firm up and flavors meld beautifully. A tart pan with a removable bottom makes serving effortless and ensures that the presentation is pristine.

Serving Suggestions

Presentation and pairing can elevate this tart even further. Serve slices either at room temperature, which enhances the ganache’s silkiness, or slightly chilled for a firmer bite. A small dollop of whipped cream, lightly sweetened, provides a cool counterpoint, while vanilla bean ice cream turns a slice into a restaurant-quality plated dessert. For garnish, you can keep it simple with a dusting of powdered sugar or lean into elegance with fresh cherries, mint sprigs, or even edible flowers. Beverages matter too: sparkling rosé enhances the tart’s brightness, port intensifies the richness of the chocolate, and espresso offers a bold, slightly bitter contrast that sharpens the palate. This tart also shines as part of a dessert table, its dark, glossy ganache layer drawing the eye and inviting guests to indulge. However it’s served, the tart always stands as the centerpiece—a balance of flavors and textures that makes the experience memorable.

Conclusion

The Cherry Chocolate Ganache Tart is more than just dessert; it is a layered exploration of contrasts, textures, and carefully chosen ingredients that come together in stunning harmony. The chocolate cookie crust provides structure and depth, while the cherry jam adds vibrancy and brightness, and the ganache crowns it all with silky indulgence. It is sophisticated enough to impress at a dinner party but approachable enough to prepare at home without stress. With its rich flavors and striking appearance, it is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression. Beyond taste, it speaks to the idea that the best desserts don’t overwhelm—they balance, they surprise, and they linger in memory long after the last bite. This tart delivers all of that, making it not just a recipe to try, but one to treasure.

Pin1