Description
A rich and velvety chocolate mousse tart made with chocolate stout, nestled in a salty-sweet gluten-free crust of pretzels and peanuts. This indulgent dessert balances crunchy, creamy, sweet, and salty elements, perfect for celebrations or satisfying cravings.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups gluten-free pretzels, crushed
1/2 cup roasted unsalted peanuts, chopped
1/4 cup brown sugar
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
8 oz bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
3/4 cup heavy cream, divided
1/2 cup chocolate stout beer
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon instant espresso powder (optional)
Whipped cream (optional, for topping)
Shaved chocolate or cocoa powder (optional, for topping)
Crushed pretzels or peanuts (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom.
- In a mixing bowl, combine crushed pretzels, chopped peanuts, and brown sugar.
- Stir in the melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Press the crust mixture firmly into the tart pan, covering the bottom and sides evenly.
- Bake for 10 minutes, then let the crust cool completely.
- Place the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl.
- In a small saucepan, combine sugar, 1/4 cup heavy cream, chocolate stout, vanilla extract, sea salt, and espresso powder (if using). Heat until just simmering.
- Pour the hot mixture over the chocolate. Let it sit for 2 minutes, then whisk until smooth and glossy.
- Allow the chocolate mixture to cool to room temperature.
- Whip the remaining 1/2 cup of heavy cream to soft peaks.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cooled chocolate mixture until fully combined.
- Pour the mousse into the cooled crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Refrigerate the tart for at least 4 hours, or until set.
- Before serving, optionally top with whipped cream, shaved chocolate, or crushed pretzels/peanuts.
Notes
You can substitute semisweet chocolate for a sweeter flavor.
Regular pretzels work if gluten-free is not required.
Try almond butter in the crust for a different nutty flavor.
Replace chocolate stout with coffee or cream for a non-alcoholic version.
Crush pretzels using a rolling pin or food processor, aiming for a mix of fine and coarse textures.
Store the tart covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. Do not freeze.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Chilled
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 50mg