Chocolate and Chilli Tarts

Chocolate and chilli may seem like an unlikely pair, but this bold combination has been enjoyed for centuries. The rich, velvety smoothness of chocolate is lifted by the gentle heat of chilli, creating a dessert that is warm, complex, and deeply satisfying. These Chocolate and Chilli Tarts are perfect for dinner parties, special occasions, or when you want to impress with something a little different — elegant, indulgent, and surprisingly easy to prepare.

Ingredients

Biscuit Base

• 120g black biscuits (Oreo without cream), crushed

• 3 tbsp butter, melted

• 30g butter

Ganache

• 150g dark chocolate buttons

• 1 tsp sugar

• 85ml double cream

• 1 bird’s eye chilli (chilli padi), seeded (optional)

• A pinch of salt

• 2 tsp rum (optional)

Peanut Brittle Topping

• 35g peanut brittle, roughly chopped (optional)

• 60g weetbix wheat biscuits, crushed

Mango-Passionfruit Coulis

• 3 tbsp mango pulp

• ½ tsp cornflour

• 2 passionfruit, pulp only

• 1 ½ tbsp butter, cold

• 2 tsp sugar

• 4 tbsp orange juice

• A few mint leaves (optional)

Method

1. Prepare the Base: Crush biscuits into fine crumbs. Mix with melted butter and press into tart moulds. Refrigerate to set.

2. Make Ganache: Place chocolate in a mixing bowl.

3. In a small saucepan, heat cream with sugar and chilli until it begins to bubble. Remove chilli. Add rum (optional) and salt.

4. Pour the warm cream mixture over the chocolate. Stir until smooth. Let cool 1–2 minutes.

5. Spoon ganache over the biscuit base. Chill for 1 hour.

6. Peanut Brittle Topping: Pulse peanut brittle and crushed weetbix into coarse crumbs. Sprinkle over ganache.

7. Mango-Passionfruit Coulis: Heat all ingredients except butter. Cook until thickened, then whisk in butter. Cool before drizzling over the tarts. Garnish with mint leaves.

Tip: Use chocolate with at least 70% cocoa for a deeper, more intense flavour. For extra heat, finely crush chilli directly into the chocolate mixture.

Takeaway

A little bit of heat can elevate dessert into something unforgettable — this tart is proof that when sweet meets spice, magic happens. PRIME