Name: Vegan Gingerbread Chocolate Tart Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 4 h 38 min
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 150 g (1 ¼ cups) plain flour (use gluten-free all-purpose flour if required); 100 g (3.5 oz) vegan butter, block style; 60 g (3 tablespoons) molasses; 1 teaspoon ground ginger; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; ½ teaspoon allspice; ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg; ¼ teaspoon sea salt; ½ teaspoon orange zest (optional); 250 g (8.8 oz) dark chocolate (use 170 g for a softer filling); 350 g (12.4 oz) coconut cream; 60 g (3 tablespoons) pure maple syrup; 20 g (1 tablespoon) molasses; 1 teaspoon ground ginger; Pinch of sea salt; ¼ batch vegan gingerbread cookies; 2 tablespoons pomegranate seeds (optional)

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If you’re craving a dessert that marries warm spices with rich, intense chocolate, you’re going to adore this Vegan Gingerbread Chocolate Tart Recipe. It’s the perfect harmony of a tender gingerbread crust hugging a luscious chocolate filling, bursting with cozy holiday flavors yet utterly comforting any time of the year. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just exploring plant-based treats, this tart’s deeply satisfying texture and vibrant flavor will become an instant favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A round tart pan filled with smooth, even light brown dough pressed flat into the base and up the sides, creating a single uniform layer with a slightly crimped edge along the pan's rim, sitting on a white marbled surface. There are faint traces of flour dusted lightly over the dough’s surface. The pan is black with a scalloped edge. In the background, a wooden cutting board with a halved red fruit is visible at the top left corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Vegan Gingerbread Chocolate Tart Recipe lies in its simplicity and the quality of its ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in creating a balance between the aromatic spices, velvety chocolate, and tender crumb that makes this tart so delightful.

Plain flour (150 g / 1 ¼ cups): The base of the crust, providing structure; opt for gluten-free if needed to keep it inclusive.
Vegan butter (100 g / 3.5 oz): Adds richness and helps achieve that perfect crumbly texture in the crust.
Molasses (60 g / 3 tbsp for crust, plus 20 g / 1 tbsp for filling): Deepens the flavor with its signature robust sweetness and gives that classic gingerbread taste.
Ground ginger (1 tsp crust, 1 tsp filling): Imparts warmth and spice, key for that authentic gingerbread essence.
Ground cinnamon (1 tsp): Brings a cozy sweetness that perfectly compliments the ginger.
Allspice (½ tsp): Adds complexity with subtle hints of clove and nutmeg flavors.
Ground nutmeg (½ tsp): Enhances the warmth and depth of spice.
Sea salt (¼ tsp crust, pinch in filling): Balances the sweetness and intensifies all the flavors.
Orange zest (½ tsp, optional): Lifts the spices with a bright, citrus note.
Dark chocolate (250 g / 8.8 oz or 170 g for a softer filling): Use good-quality dark chocolate for the richest, creamiest filling possible.
Coconut cream (350 g / 12.4 oz): Makes the filling luxuriously smooth and indulgent while keeping it vegan.
Pure maple syrup (60 g / 3 tbsp): Sweetens naturally, adding subtle caramel undertones.
Vegan gingerbread cookies (¼ batch): Crumbled on top for an extra textural and flavorful punch.
Pomegranate seeds (2 tbsp, optional): Add a pop of color and tartness that complements the rich chocolate.

How to Make Vegan Gingerbread Chocolate Tart Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Gingerbread Crust

Start by combining the flour with the fragrant spices, salt, and orange zest (if using). Cut in the vegan butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Then, stir in the molasses until a dough forms. Press this dough evenly into a tart pan, making sure to create a slightly raised edge to hold the filling. Chill it for at least 30 minutes; this helps it firm up and bake more evenly.

Step 2: Bake the Crust

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the chilled crust for about 15-20 minutes until it’s golden and fragrant. Keep an eye on it—the spices will fill your kitchen with the amazing scents of gingerbread heaven.

Step 3: Make the Chocolate Filling

While the crust cools, gently melt the dark chocolate in a double boiler or microwave. In a bowl, whip the coconut cream, maple syrup, molasses, ground ginger, and a pinch of sea salt until smooth and creamy. Fold the melted chocolate into this mixture until perfectly combined, creating a silky, decadent filling.

Step 4: Assemble the Tart

Pour the rich chocolate filling into the cooled gingerbread crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Refrigerate the tart for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to allow the filling to set and all those flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Just before serving, sprinkle the tart with crumbled vegan gingerbread cookies and, if you like, scatter pomegranate seeds over the top to add a festive touch.

How to Serve Vegan Gingerbread Chocolate Tart Recipe

A tart with two visible layers, the bottom layer is a light brown crust forming a thick, uneven edge around the tart, and the top layer is a smooth, thick, dark brown chocolate filling filling the crust completely. The tart sits inside a black fluted tart pan, placed on a white marbled surface. Nearby, there are garnishes showing half a bright red pomegranate with seeds inside and a neat stack of brown gingerbread cookies on the right side. Small green leaves are visible at the bottom right corner, adding contrast to the scene. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Enhance your tart’s appearance and flavor by adding a generous sprinkle of crushed vegan gingerbread cookies for crunch. Pomegranate seeds bring a jewel-like brightness that contrasts beautifully with the dark filling, adding a fresh burst of tartness.

Side Dishes

Serve this tart with a scoop of creamy coconut or vanilla vegan ice cream for a dreamy combination. Alternatively, a simple dollop of coconut whipped cream pairs wonderfully, balancing the richness while keeping things light.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning presentation, slice the tart into neat wedges and place them on decorative plates drizzled lightly with vegan caramel sauce or dusted with cinnamon. You might also arrange fresh winter berries alongside for a pop of color and a refreshing counterpoint to the spicy, chocolaty flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once enjoyed, keep any leftovers covered in the refrigerator. Stored properly, this tart stays fresh and flavorful for up to 4 days, making it a fantastic make-ahead treat for busy weeks or unexpected guests.

Freezing

You can freeze the tart in an airtight container for up to one month. To thaw, simply transfer it to the refrigerator overnight. This makes the Vegan Gingerbread Chocolate Tart Recipe ideal for holiday preparation or whenever you crave a special dessert with minimal fuss.

Reheating

Reheat slices gently by bringing them to room temperature or warming briefly in a low-heated oven for a few minutes to revive that soft, chocolatey texture. Avoid microwave reheating as it may alter the texture of the filling.

FAQs

Can I use gluten-free flour for the crust?

Absolutely! Using a gluten-free all-purpose blend works wonderfully in this recipe without compromising texture or flavor, making it accessible for those with gluten sensitivities.

What type of dark chocolate is best?

Choose a high-quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content for the richest flavor. This will give your filling the perfect balance of bitterness and sweetness.

Is molasses necessary in the recipe?

Molasses adds that iconic depth and richness central to gingerbread’s flavor profile. While you can substitute with dark maple syrup or blackstrap molasses, the traditional taste is best achieved with molasses.

Can I make the tart nut-free?

Yes! This recipe is naturally nut-free unless your vegan butter or chocolate contains traces of nuts. Just double-check labels if allergies are a concern.

How long does the tart keep in the fridge?

Stored in an airtight container, the tart remains fresh for up to 4 days, giving you plenty of time to savor each slice.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Gingerbread Chocolate Tart Recipe is a heartfelt tribute to the flavors we love during cozy seasons and beyond. It’s an elegant yet approachable dessert that’s sure to impress everyone at your table. Give it a try and let the comforting spices and decadent chocolate become your new go-to sweet treat!