Healthy Chocolate Orange Tart

This Healthy Chocolate Orange Tart is a rich, decadent dessert that feels indulgent but is made with wholesome ingredients. I love how the smooth chocolate filling pairs beautifully with bright, citrusy orange flavor. It’s naturally sweetened, dairy-free, and can easily be made gluten-free — perfect for when I want to enjoy a guilt-free treat that still tastes luxurious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this tart because it strikes the perfect balance between healthy and satisfying. The crust is made with nuts and oats instead of refined flour, and the creamy chocolate filling is made with dark chocolate and natural sweeteners. It’s elegant enough for dinner parties but simple enough for a weekday dessert. The combination of deep chocolate and zesty orange makes it refreshing yet indulgent, and I always feel good serving it to family and friends.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the crust:

• Rolled oats
• Almond flour or ground almonds
• Cocoa powder
• Coconut oil, melted
• Maple syrup or honey
• Pinch of salt

For the filling:

• Dark chocolate (70% or higher), chopped
• Coconut cream (or full-fat coconut milk)
• Orange zest
• Fresh orange juice
• Pure maple syrup or honey (optional, for extra sweetness)
• Vanilla extract

For garnish (optional):

• Orange zest curls or slices
• Shaved dark chocolate
• Sea salt flakes

Directions

1. I start by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a food processor, I pulse the oats until finely ground, then add almond flour, cocoa powder, salt, melted coconut oil, and maple syrup. I blend until the mixture sticks together when pressed.
3. I press the mixture firmly into the bottom and sides of a tart pan (about 9 inches) to form an even crust.
4. I bake the crust for 10–12 minutes, then let it cool completely while I prepare the filling.
5. For the filling, I heat the coconut cream in a saucepan over medium heat until just simmering.
6. I pour the hot cream over the chopped dark chocolate in a bowl, letting it sit for a minute before stirring until smooth and glossy.
7. I stir in the orange zest, orange juice, maple syrup (if using), and vanilla extract until well combined.
8. I pour the filling into the cooled crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
9. I refrigerate the tart for at least 2–3 hours, or until set.
10. Before serving, I decorate it with extra orange zest, shaved chocolate, or a sprinkle of sea salt.

Servings and timing

This tart serves about 8–10 people. It takes roughly 20 minutes to prepare and 10 minutes to bake, plus 2–3 hours to chill and set. In about 3 hours total, I have a stunning dessert that’s ready to slice and serve.

Variations

• I sometimes add a teaspoon of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor.
• For a nut-free crust, I replace almond flour with sunflower seed meal.
• If I want a silkier texture, I blend the chocolate filling before pouring it into the crust.
• I love adding a tablespoon of orange liqueur (like Grand Marnier) for a grown-up twist.
• For a no-bake version, I skip baking the crust and simply refrigerate it until firm before filling.

Storage/Reheating

I store the tart in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 5 days. It holds its texture beautifully and tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. For longer storage, I freeze individual slices in airtight containers for up to a month and let them thaw in the fridge before serving. This tart is best served chilled or at room temperature — I never reheat it.

FAQs

Can I make this tart ahead of time?

Yes, I often make it a day ahead since it needs time to set. It’s even more flavorful after chilling overnight.

Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?

Yes, but I prefer dark chocolate since it keeps the dessert rich without being overly sweet. If I use milk chocolate, I reduce or omit the maple syrup.

What can I use instead of coconut cream?

I sometimes use heavy cream or cashew cream if I want a slightly different texture or flavor.

Can I make the crust without oats?

Yes, I replace the oats with extra almond flour or finely ground nuts. The texture becomes a bit more crumbly but still delicious.

How do I know when the tart is set?

The filling should be firm to the touch but still silky when sliced — similar to a soft ganache. I make sure it chills for at least 2 hours.

Conclusion

This Healthy Chocolate Orange Tart is my favorite way to enjoy a rich dessert without feeling heavy afterward. I love how the smooth, dark chocolate pairs perfectly with the bright citrus notes and the wholesome crust adds just the right crunch. It’s elegant, nourishing, and satisfying — the kind of dessert that impresses everyone while still being simple to make.

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