Introduction

This chocolate orange brownie tart is a decadent dessert that combines rich dark chocolate with fresh citrus zing. The buttery shortcrust pastry base holds a fudgy, slightly wobbly brownie filling infused with orange zest and juice—a perfect balance of flavors for any occasion.

A round tart with one slice cut out and placed next to it shows a thick, dark brown chocolate filling with a smooth but slightly bumpy texture. The crust is light golden brown, crisp and crimped around the edges, forming one layer at the base and sides. Thin, curly orange zest strands are spread decoratively on top of the chocolate layer, providing contrast in color and texture. The tart sits on a white plate with a black tray underneath. A knife with black handle and some crumbs rests beside the tart on a white marbled textured surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

320g pack Jus-Rol™ Shortcrust Pastry Sheet
120g dark chocolate, chopped
120g butter, cubed
2 eggs
80g golden caster sugar
80g light brown soft sugar
80g plain flour
1 orange, zested and juiced plus more zest to serve
Crème fraîche to serve

Instructions

Step 1: Heat the oven to 180C/fan 160C/gas 4. Unroll the shortcrust pastry and line a 20cm tart tin. Press the pastry into the sides, gently cutting around the edges with a little overhang. Line the pastry with scrunched-up baking parchment and fill with raw rice or baking beans. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the paper and weights and bake for another 5-10 minutes until the pastry is dry.
Step 2: While the pastry bakes, melt the butter and chopped chocolate together in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water, stirring often. Once melted, remove from heat and let cool slightly. Add a pinch of salt if using unsalted butter.
Step 3: In a bowl, whisk the eggs and both sugars briefly until combined. Stir in the melted chocolate and butter mixture. Sift over the flour and fold in gently until just combined. Add the orange juice and zest, mixing thoroughly.
Step 4: Trim the edges of the baked tart shell with a serrated knife for a neat finish. Pour the brownie mixture into the pastry case and smooth the surface with a spoon or spatula.
Step 5: Bake the tart for 30-35 minutes until the top forms a crust and the filling is set but still slightly wobbly in the center.
Step 6: Allow the tart to cool for 15 minutes before removing it from the tin if serving warm. Otherwise, serve at room temperature with a dollop of crème fraîche and a sprinkle of extra orange zest.

Tips & Variations

For a more intense orange flavor, add a teaspoon of finely grated orange zest directly into the brownie batter.
Use baking beans or rice as weights when blind baking the pastry to prevent puffing and shrinking.
Try substituting the orange juice with a splash of Grand Marnier or another orange liqueur for an adult twist.
If you prefer a fudgier centre, reduce the baking time slightly and keep an eye on the texture.

Storage

Store the tart in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a low oven or serve cold with crème fraîche. This tart also freezes well; thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

How to Serve

A chocolate tart sits on a round white plate, featuring a single thick layer of rich, dark brown chocolate filling with a slightly rough texture and a golden tan crust around the edges that is flaky and crisp. The top of the tart is decorated with thin, curly strands of bright orange zest scattered unevenly across the surface. One slice is cut and slightly pulled out, revealing the same dark chocolate layer inside with the crust holding it together. The tart is placed on a white marbled surface with a knife resting nearby, a few crumbs scattered around. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pastry for the tart base?

Yes, shortcrust pastry is traditional, but you can use a sweet pastry or even a cookie crumb base for a different texture and flavor.

What if I don’t have fresh oranges?

You can use bottled orange juice and some finely grated orange zest or a few drops of orange extract to mimic the fresh citrus flavor, though fresh oranges offer the best taste.