Let's face it, life gets busy. You've invited friends for dinner, envisioned a delicious spread, but reality sets in: you're swamped at work and haven't had a chance to hit the shops. Stress not! We've got your back (and your dessert course) covered with this super-easy, incredibly impressive Almond Chocolate Tart.
This recipe is all about smart substitutions and utilising pantry staples. With a little creativity and everyone's favourite spread – 99th Monkey Almond Butter – you can whip up a show-stopping dessert in minutes.
The Magic of Pantry Staples
Gone are the days when last-minute dessert means settling for store-bought cookies. We're taking the "store-bought, homemade-looking" approach to a whole new level. Here's what makes this recipe a lifesaver:
- Charlie's Chocolate Brownie Cookie Dough: This readily available option from Woolworths does all the heavy lifting. Forget complicated pastry doughs – this pre-made cookie dough forms the perfect base for our tart.
- Plain Chocolate: Dark, milk, or a mix – the choice is yours!
- 99th Monkey Nut Butter: The star of the show! The creamy nuttiness of our almond butter adds a delicious layer of flavour that complements the chocolate beautifully. Plus, it's packed with protein and healthy fats, making this dessert surprisingly guilt-free. (Okay, maybe just a little guilt-free!)
The Recipe: Simple Steps, Stellar Results
Here's what you'll need to create this dessert hero:
- 1 tub Charlie's Chocolate Brownie Cookie Dough
- 1 block of plain chocolate (your choice of dark, milk, or a mix)
- 1 jar 99th Monkey Almond Butter
- Fresh raspberries (optional)
- Oil for greasing the pan
- Small tart or cake pan
Instructions:
-
Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 190°C (375°F). While it preheats, find that hidden gem in your pantry – a jar of 99th Monkey Almond Butter (we know it's there!).
-
Prep the Crust: Grab your tart pan and give it a quick light coat of oil. Now, comes the fun part! Press the cookie dough into the bottom and sides of the pan, creating a thin layer (about 0.5 cm thick). It's okay if it's not perfectly even, a rustic look adds to the charm.
-
Bake the Base: Pop your tart into the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes. While it's baking, melt your chosen chocolate. You can use a double boiler or the microwave method, whichever you find easier.
-
Create the Filling Well: Once the 10 minutes are up, remove the tart from the oven. Use a spoon to gently press down on the brownie base, creating a well in the centre. This will be the perfect spot for our decadent filling. Let the base cool slightly.
-
Almond Butter Bliss: Now, for the pièce de résistance! Spoon your 99th Monkey Almond Butter into the well you created, filling it to the brim. The creamy nuttiness will create an irresistible contrast to the chocolate.
-
Chocolate Glaze: Take your melted chocolate and drizzle it generously over the entire tart, ensuring it covers the almond butter filling and brownie base. Smooth it out with a spoon for a glossy finish.
-
Berry Brilliance (Optional): Add a pop of colour and freshness with your favourite berries. We used raspberries, but strawberries or blueberries would work beautifully too.
-
Slice and Serve: Let the chocolate cool and harden slightly before slicing your tart. Serve with a smile (and maybe a scoop of ice cream!) and watch your guests swoon over your "homemade" masterpiece.
Easy Doesn't Have to Mean Ordinary
This Almond Chocolate Tart recipe proves that whipping up a delicious and impressive dessert doesn't require hours in the kitchen. With the use of simple ingredients, you can create anything you desire.
