Well, all this pie baking was for a gluten-free pie crust making class that I taught last Saturday! I was filling in for the lovely Sabrina, and it was my first time teaching a group of people how to cook. Those few days leading up to the demo, I was shaking in my boots.
Will I be able to answer everyone’s questions?
Can I explain how gluten-free pie crusts work without sounding like I’m stupid?
Will I be able to transfer the pie crust to the pan without ripping it? (Turns out I couldn’t.)
Will they like my pies? Will there be anyone there to eat my pies?
Will there be some sassy person in the audience waiting to tell me what I’m doing wrong?
Will I be talking with something stuck inside my teeth the entire time?
Insecurities and nervous jitters—they always keep me on my toes when it comes to show time.
In the end, I couldn’t have asked for a better group of attendees. No one shamed me when the pie crust ripped apart, I had many lovely volunteers, and everyone told me that they learned something that afternoon (yay!). (By the way, everyone’s favorite tip was learning how to make whipped cream in a mason jar.) But the best part of it all? Everyone loved the pumpkin pie and chocolate tart that I made! So much good feedback on the tart. I didn’t intend on sharing the recipe here, but considering that many people have told me how much they enjoyed it, I felt like I had to share it with you, too!
It’s decadent without being too heavy, rich, or overly sweet, and it requires only FIVE ingredients to make!
MASTER MY MISTAKES / COOKING NOTES
- Use a Tart Pan: Having made several of this recipe in pie form, I’ve come to realize that it is best made in a tart pan. Whenever I made this in a regular pie dish, a lot of the crust got stuck in the bottom crease of the pie dish, which made lifting slices of pie out of the dish very difficult. When I made this as a tart, the whole thing popped out easily, and it was quite easy to cut into.
- Use Bittersweet Chocolate: I’ve tried this recipe with 3 different types of chocolate: milk, semi-sweet, and bittersweet chocolate. Bittersweet chocolate was by far my favorite. If you’re looking for something sweeter, add more sugar to the filling. DON’T use milk chocolate—the sweetness was out of control.
- Use Melted Coconut Oil (or Butter): I tried making the pie crust several ways. First, I mixed softened butter, crushed pretzels, and sugar together and par-baked it in the oven. This was a disaster. The pretzels all sank to the bottom of the dish, and I ended up with a pool of pretzel bits and melted butter. Next, I mixed the same ingredients together, but I didn’t par-bake the crust. Although the crust held together pretty well, the pretzels got way too stale. I was getting a bit frustrated with the crust at this point and sent an SOS message to Cindy, who suggested mixing the pretzel bits with melted coconut oil or butter and then par-baking the crust. Cindy’s suggestions were spot on! Melted (virgin or unrefined) coconut oil adds a lovely flavor to the tart.
- Use Pretzel Twists: Twists are so much easier to crush than pretzel sticks. I also suggest going for the regular pretzel twists instead of the low-sodium version. The salt on the pretzels are a great contrast to the chocolate filling.
- Ditch the Heavy Cream, Go for Whole Milk: I made a version of this with heavy cream because I thought it would make the filling extra decadent. I was right, but I also ended up with a thin layer of congealed fat on the pie filling after it was chilled. It wasn’t pretty, but it sure was decadent.
- Making This Ahead: If you make this overnight, the crust on the bottom will turn a bit soggy. Sorry, there’s no way around that. However, the outer crust remains quite crunchy, and the tart slices much more cleanly.
If you try this recipe, be sure to share your creations with me! Tag me on Instagram or Twitter so that I can give you a fist bump!
Five-Ingredient Chocolate Coconut Tart with Pretzel Crust
Ingredients
- 4 oz (115g) gluten-free pretzel twists (about 1 1/2 cups)
- 1/3 cup + 1 1/2 TBS coconut oil, melted (about 100 ml)
- 2 1/2 TBS agave syrup, divided (sugar works also)
- 1 1/4 cup (300ml) whole milk
- 12 oz (340g) bittersweet chocolate (60% cacao), chopped or use chocolate chips
Optional Toppings
- shredded unsweetened coconut
- salt
- crushed pretzels
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Place pretzel twists in a large plastic freezer bag with a zipper or sealable top. Using a rolling pin, crush pretzels to small pieces. You can also take a large flat object, place it over the bag, and press down to crust the pretzels.
- Melt coconut oil in a saucepan or in the microwave. Stir in 1/2 tablespoon of agave and pretzel pieces. You want to make sure that all the pretzel pieces are covered in coconut oil. Add another 1/2 tablespoon of coconut oil, if necessary.
- Press coated pretzel pieces into a 10-inch tart pan. Use a metal spoon to help guide pretzels into the curves of your tart pan. Place tart pan on a baking sheet and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the pretzels have browned a little. I baked it for 10 minutes. Remove crust from oven and set aside.
- Heat milk in a saucepan over medium heat until it starts to bubble slowly. Add chocolate and reduce heat to medium low. Stir until chocolate is well incorporated. Mix in 2 tablespoons of agave. Pour chocolate mix into tart pan. Let tart sit in room temperature for an hour. Refrigerate tart, uncovered, for at least 3 hours before serving. The longer you let it chill, the easier it will be to slice. Don’t wrap the tart in plastic wrap or foil before popping it in the refrigerator because you’ll run the risk of having the wrap stick to the top of the tart.
- Top with coconut, salt, or additional pretzel pieces if you like. Serve chilled. Store in a sealed container for up to 2 days. The filling will be fine for longer, but the pretzels will surely be soggy if you keep this for more than 2 days.
Notes
Michelle | A Dish of Daily Life says
What a gorgeous dessert! And it sounds like you rocked the class! I could got for a slice of that right now (even though it is breakfast time…I can’t believe I am admitting that out loud…)
Lisa says
Thanks, Michelle!! The class was definitely a lot of fun. Hehe, I definitely “taste tested” this recipe in the morning, so there’s no shame in wanting to eat this for breakfast!
Rachel @ Baked by Rachel says
SUCH a gorgeous tart! I definitely need this in my life asap!
Lisa says
Wish I could send you some, Rachel! Thanks!
Erin @ The Almond Eater says
How cool you got to teach a class! I would have been a nervous wreck too–glad to hear it went well and this pie looks DELICIOUS. Chocolate+pretzels is always a winning combo.
Lisa says
Thanks, Erin!! It was definitely a bit intimidating in the beginning, but I had so much fun!
Catherine says
Dear Lisa, this tart is stunning. Between the chocolate, coconut and pretzels – I am in heaven just thinking about a slice of this. Pinning to make later. xo, Catherine
Lisa says
Thanks, Catherine!!
Marye says
This looks amazing! Chocolate and pretzel go so well together!
Lisa says
Thank you, Marye!!
Kristen @ A Mind Full Mom says
I needed to come by and sample all your pies–I know they would be incredible. This one especially is singing to me. I love the salty crust paired with rich chocolate.
Lisa says
Wish I could have shared some with you, Kristen! Thank you so much!!
Maggie says
What a great idea of making pie crust! And gosh, the recipe looks so easy and delicious! Pinning and sharing of course 🙂
Lisa says
Thank you, Maggie!!
traci | vanilla and bean says
Hooray Lisa! Good for you, taking the lead and wrangling that tart… I would have loved to have been there to learn your tips and techniques! What fun! Do I see another class in your future? This tart sounds amazing and since it has so few ingredients, easy to whip up too! The chocolate with the salty crust I know tastes divine. What a creative combination! Thank you for this my dear!
Lisa says
Thanks, Traci! I’m going to try and teach a Chinese dumplings class if they want me back!! We’ll see. It sure was a lot of fun cooking with all those people who love food!
Tessa | Salted Plains says
I would have been so nervous!! Sounds like it went wonderfully.
I love how simple this tart is and how decadent it is at the same time. That crust is brilliant!
Lisa says
Thanks, Tessa! The class was definitely intimidating in the beginning, but I just went for it and had a great time!
Sarah Walker Caron (Sarah's Cucina Bella) says
Oh, how fun! Congrats on a successful class. Sounds like it went really well. And this tart looks amazing.
Lisa says
Thank you, Sarah! I think everyone had a good time!
Rakhee@boxofspice says
I know all about the nervous jitters before a group of people but I can imagine they loved this tart because it is STUNNING Lisa! WOW! I would’ve never thought to use pretzels. I cannot take my eyes off of this tart. Pinning girl!!!
Lisa says
Thank you, Rakhe!!!!
rachel@ Athletic Avocado says
the combo of chocolate and pretzels will always have my heart! such a beautiful and delicious dessert!
Lisa says
Thanks, Rachel!
Liz @ The Clean Eating Couple says
Wow.. on top of looking absolutely gorgeous ( and delicious!) I love that this only has a few ingredients!! I think I need to try it out before Christmas time 🙂
Lisa says
Thank you, Liz! Let me know if you try it!
felicia | Dish by Dish says
I love the “master my mistakes” section! 🙂 And omg the pictures are just gorgeous Lisa! can I take photography classes with you?? <3
Lisa says
Awww, you’re too sweet, Felicia! I’m still experimenting with my photography, so I would even know where to begin to teach a class!
Braiden says
Ooh, this looks yummy! I’m excited to try this recipe out. I’m gluten free and have bad experiences with gluten free pretzels, do you have a brand you prefer? Can’t wait to try this out during an indulge meal!
Lisa says
Thanks for stopping by, Braiden! Hope you enjoy the tart and let me know how it goes!!
4APK.RU says
Sure the chocolate dipped pretzels are are treat on their own, but I m a dessert glutton and need MORE! I added the coconut pretzels and graham crackers into a food processor and set out to make a tasty tart crust.
Lisa Lin says
That sounds fantastic, too!
Kamila says
What a Beautiful tart! Love the idea of using coconut oil instead of butter. Didn’t have pretzels but used crackers, also added honey instead of agave, which worked perfectly. Yum yum. One quick question: how much calories are in it, roughly? Thank you xx
Lisa Lin says
Hi Kamila, thanks for trying the recipe! 1/12th of the tart will be about 265 calories.
Nicole says
Hi there- do you use refined or unrefined coconut oil for this recipe?
Lisa Lin says
Hi Nicole, I typically use unrefined coconut oil for all my cooking. Here, because the chocolate filling is the real star, you can get away with using refined coconut oil.