Pioneer Woman’s Chocolate Dream Tart Recipe

Pioneer Woman’s Chocolate Dream Tart is the ultimate indulgence for any chocolate lover. This rich and luscious dessert layers a crisp homemade crust with a silky chocolate ganache filling, topped off with fluffy whipped cream and a sprinkle of chopped pecans. It’s perfect for special occasions, family gatherings, or whenever you’re craving something truly decadent. Easy to prepare but impressive in flavor, this tart is a chocolate dream come true.

Why Everyone Will Love This Recipe

• Decadent yet approachable: The tart strikes a perfect balance between rich chocolate and light whipped cream.
• Homemade crust: A buttery, flaky crust adds a delightful texture contrast.
• Make-ahead friendly: Prepare the tart a day in advance to let flavors meld beautifully.
• Family-approved: A crowd-pleaser that's as easy as it is elegant.

What Is the Chocolate Dream Tart?

Created by Ree Drummond, aka the Pioneer Woman, this Chocolate Dream Tart is a signature dessert known for its luxurious texture and straightforward technique. It features a cookie-like buttery crust paired with a smooth, creamy chocolate filling, crowned by a generous layer of homemade whipped cream and crunchy pecans. It’s a modern classic in the world of chocolate desserts, combining ease with show-stopping appeal.

Pro Tips for the Best Chocolate Dream Tart

• Use high-quality chocolate: For the ganache, semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate bars melt best and give the richest flavor.
• Don’t overbake the crust: It should be golden but still tender, creating a perfect base for the ganache.
• Whip cream just right: Soft peaks hold better for topping but avoid overwhipping into butter.
• Chill thoroughly: Refrigerate the tart to let the ganache set firm before serving.
• Toast pecans: Enhance their flavor by toasting lightly in a dry pan before sprinkling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use store-bought pie crust instead of homemade?

Yes, but the homemade crust gives a better buttery, crisp texture that complements the creamy filling.

What kind of chocolate is best for the ganache?

Use good-quality semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate bars; avoid chips as they contain stabilizers that affect texture.

How long does the tart keep in the fridge?

Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; best eaten within that time for freshness.

Can I make this tart gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour in the crust with a gluten-free flour blend.

Can I freeze the tart?

It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated; freezing can affect the texture of the whipped cream topping.

How to Store

Cover the tart tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. For the best texture, let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving to soften the ganache slightly.

How to Freeze

Freezing is not recommended due to the delicate whipped cream topping. If you must freeze, omit the whipped cream and wrap the tart tightly. Freeze for up to 1 month and thaw overnight in the fridge before adding whipped cream.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1 large egg yolk
• 2 tbsp cold water

For the Filling (Ganache):

• 10 oz semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate, chopped
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter

For the Topping:

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 tbsp powdered sugar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup chopped toasted pecans

How to Make Pioneer Woman’s Chocolate Dream Tart