Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Prepare the Chocolate Cookie Crust
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom.
- In a food processor, pulse the chocolate sandwich cookies (with cream removed) until finely ground into crumbs. Transfer the crumbs to a medium bowl.
- Pour the melted butter over the cookie crumbs and mix until well combined and the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Press the cookie mixture evenly into the bottom and up the sides of the prepared tart pan. Use the bottom of a glass or your fingers to firmly press it down for an even crust.
- Bake the crust for 10-12 minutes, or until fragrant and slightly firm. Let it cool completely on a wire rack while you prepare the filling.
Make the Rich Chocolate Ganache Filling
- Place the finely chopped dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Add the cold butter pieces, vanilla extract, and pinch of salt to the bowl.
- In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer around the edges (do not bring to a rolling boil).
- Immediately pour the hot cream over the chocolate mixture. Let it sit undisturbed for 5 minutes to allow the chocolate to melt.
- After 5 minutes, gently whisk the mixture starting from the center and slowly expanding outwards, until completely smooth, glossy, and emulsified.
- Pour the ganache filling into the cooled chocolate cookie crust. Gently tap the tart pan on the counter a few times to release any air bubbles and ensure an even surface.
Assemble and Decorate the Spiderweb
- Melt the white chocolate with the neutral oil in a small microwave-safe bowl in 15-second intervals, stirring after each, until smooth. Alternatively, melt over a double boiler.
- Transfer the melted white chocolate to a small piping bag (or a small Ziploc bag with a tiny corner snipped off).
- Working quickly while the ganache is still warm and pourable (if it's started to set, you can gently warm the surface with a hairdryer on low for a few seconds), pipe concentric circles of white chocolate onto the ganache, starting from the center and moving outwards.
- Take a toothpick or skewer and drag it from the center of the tart outwards through the white chocolate circles, creating lines that resemble a spiderweb. Repeat this process every 1-2 inches around the tart.
- Once the spiderweb design is complete, transfer the tart to the refrigerator and chill for at least 3 hours, or until the ganache is fully set and firm.
- Once firm, carefully remove the tart from the pan. For best results, allow the tart to sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving to ensure the ganache is creamy.
Notes
For an extra spooky touch, place a small plastic spider in the center of the web before serving. This tart can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Leftovers should be covered and refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
