Spanish desserts are incredibly varied: you can find fruit-based ones, others with sweet and savory combinations, or the ever-popular chocolate ones.
The tarta de chocolate is one of the most well-known of these, thanks to its simplicity compared to layered cakes, but its flavors make it perfect for sharing at celebrations and gatherings with loved ones.
If you want to learn how to make this recipe step by step, then continue reading this article, along with additional tips for serving, customizing, and storing it.
You, dear reader, support this blog. If you purchase through a link, we earn a small commission. As an Amazon Affiliate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Pssst…!!?? You can’t get enough of Spanish dessert recipes? Have a look at my other posts:
Background of the Dish
The tarta de chocolate recipe is rooted in a tradition of straightforward, comforting sweets made with pantry staples and uncomplicated techniques.
Over the years, this Spanish chocolate cake has earned its place among everyday homemade desserts, and it’s often considered a strong contender for the best chocolate cake recipe in many households.
In the present, variations of this cake can be found in family kitchens and neighborhood bakeries throughout Spain, and shine alongside classics like Spanish apple cake and Spanish chocolate biscuit cake.
Pin for later!
Things You’ll Need for Tarta de Chocolate
Similar to other Andalusian classics, like the quesada pasiega and the Spanish milk cake, you don’t need any professional equipment to prepare this dessert.
The main ingredients you will need are dark chocolate, butter, flour, egg, and sugar.
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 200gr (1 2/3 cups) all-purpose flour
- 100gr (1/2 cup) cold butter, cubed
- 50gr (1/2 cup) granulated white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 pinch of salt
For the chocolate filling:
- 200gr (7 oz-1 bar) dark chocolate (around 60% cocoa)
- 200ml (3/4 cup + 2 tablespoons) heavy cream
- 2 eggs
- 50gr (1/4 cup) granulated white sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
For the topping (optional):
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder (for dusting)
- Fresh berries or chocolate shavings for decoration
How to Make Tarta de Chocolate – Step by Step Guide
- To start with this Spanish chocolate cake recipe, take the cold butter straight from the refrigerator and cut it into cubes. Let it sit in the fridge for a few minutes while you prepare the rest.
- Place the chopped dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over low heat until it is hot but not boiling. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let it sit for 1 to 2 minutes. Then stir gently until the chocolate is completely melted, smooth, and glossy. Set aside and let it cool slightly before using.
- Next, take a bowl and sift the flour and cocoa powder together. Add a pinch of salt and the sugar, and mix gently. Incorporate the cold, cubed butter and work the mixture with your fingertips until it resembles damp sand.
- Then, add the eggs one at a time and mix until you have a smooth, homogeneous batter, without overmixing. At this point, add the melted, lukewarm chocolate, gently folding it in to create a rich chocolate cake base. Pour the batter into a greased and floured cake pan.
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the cake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. This is key to achieving a moist chocolate cake with a soft and fluffy texture.
- While the cake is baking, you can prepare a simple topping by melting chocolate with a little cream over low heat, stirring until you have a smooth, glossy ganache.
- Once ready, remove the cake from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before unmolding. Cover it with the chocolate ganache while it’s still warm so it adheres better and enhances the flavor.
- To finish the recipe, let the homemade chocolate cake cool to room temperature before serving. You can enjoy it on its own, with fresh fruit, or with a scoop of ice cream, either at room temperature or slightly warm.
Substitution of Ingredients
The Spanish-style chocolate cake is simple to make and very adaptable, which makes it ideal if you need to adjust ingredients without affecting the final result.
To make this easy chocolate cake recipe suitable for celiacs, choose a good-quality gluten-free blend designed for baking and make sure all utensils and ingredients are free from cross-contamination to keep it safe for those with gluten intolerance.
You may also replace the butter with a neutral vegetable oil, such as sunflower, canola, or mild vegetable oil.
While oil helps retain moisture and can result in a very soft crumb, we still recommend using butter when possible, as it provides a richer flavor and a more traditional taste typical of a Spanish-style torta de chocolate.
Do you have leftover chocolate? We have more desserts for you to prepare and enjoy, like the Spanish hot chocolate recipe, the churros with chocolate sauce, and the chocolate croquettes.
Tips on Serving Tarta de Chocolate
This cake is one of the best Spanish chocolate dessert recipes because, if served correctly, it looks like it came straight out of a top cooking magazine.
If you want to make this Spanish chocolate cake look even more eye-catching, the best thing to do is cover it with chocolate ganache and cocoa powder, and then add some red berries and sliced strawberries on top.
For special occasions, this traditional Spanish chocolate cake can also be adapted by adding themed colored sprinkles on top (like heart-shaped sprinkles for Valentine’s Day, multicolored sprinkles for birthdays, etc.).
The tarta de chocolate is already quite sweet, so it’s best served with black coffee, cappuccino, or English tea, so the drinks don’t add extra sweetness and pair better.
Not a chocolate fan? Don’t worry, we have more delicious desserts for you, like dulce de leche cupcakes, pumpkin spice flan cake, and the tarta de limon.
How to Store Tarta de Chocolate
This tarta de chocolate is an excellent dessert to prepare in advance, as it holds its texture and rich flavor very well for up to 24 hours at room temperature.
To store it this way, place the cake in an airtight container or wrap it securely with plastic wrap, keeping it in a cool, dry spot away from direct heat or sunlight.
If you’d like to keep this easy Spanish chocolate dessert for a longer period, it can be refrigerated for up to 4 days.
Before serving, allow it to sit at room temperature or warm it slightly so the chocolate flavor and soft crumb fully develop.
You can also freeze it for up to 2 months, just cover it tightly in plastic wrap.
When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently in the oven if desired.
If you enjoy desserts that store well, you may also want to try other classic options such as Spanish sponge cake, Spanish orange cake, and Spanish caramel cake.
Recipe Card: Tarta de Chocolate
Simple Tarta de Chocolate Recipe
Spanish dessert recipes are incredibly varied: you can find fruit-based ones, others with sweet and savory combinations, or the ever-popular chocolate ones.
The tarta de chocolate is one of the most well-known of these, thanks to its simplicity compared to layered cakes, but its flavors make it perfect for sharing at celebrations and gatherings with loved ones.
If you want to learn how to make this recipe step by step, then continue reading this article, along with additional tips for serving, customizing, and storing it.
Ingredients
- 200gr (1 2/3 cups) all-purpose flour
- 100gr (1/2 cup) cold butter, cubed
- 50gr (1/2 cup) granulated white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 pinch of salt
For the chocolate filling:
- 200gr (7 oz-1 bar) dark chocolate (around 60% cocoa)
- 200ml (3/4 cup + 2 tablespoons) heavy cream
- 2 eggs
- 50gr (1/4 cup) granulated white sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
For the topping (optional):
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder (for dusting)
- Fresh berries or chocolate shavings for decoration
Instructions
- First, take the cold butter straight from the refrigerator and cut it into cubes. Let it sit in the fridge for a few minutes while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
- Place the chopped dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over low heat until it is hot but not boiling. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let it sit for 1 to 2 minutes. Then stir gently until the chocolate is completely melted, smooth, and glossy. Set aside and let it cool slightly before using.
- Grab a bowl and sift the flour and cocoa powder together. Add a pinch of salt and the sugar, and mix gently. Incorporate the cold, cubed butter and work the mixture with your fingertips until it resembles damp sand.
- Add the eggs one at a time and mix until you have a smooth, homogeneous batter, without overmixing. At this point, add the melted, lukewarm chocolate, gently folding it. Pour the batter into a greased and floured cake pan.
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the tarta de chocolate for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
- While it is baking, you can prepare a simple topping by melting chocolate with a little cream over low heat, stirring until you have a smooth, glossy ganache.
- Remove the cake from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before unmolding. Cover it with the chocolate ganache while it's still warm so it adheres better and enhances the flavor.
- Finally, let the tarta de chocolate cool to room temperature before serving. You can enjoy it on its own, with fresh fruit, or with a scoop of ice cream, either at room temperature or slightly warm.
Notes
To ensure the cake has a soft and tender texture, it should only be baked until the center is slightly moist. Baking it too long will dry out the chocolate, resulting in a heavy and soggy cake.
To check if the tarta de chocolate is ready, insert a toothpick. If it comes out clean, but a few moist crumbs remain, the cake is done.
If you prefer a simpler cake, you don't need to add a layer of melted chocolate on top. Instead, you can serve it with a dusting of cocoa powder, a dollop of whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to complement the deliciousness of your homemade chocolate cake.
Nutrition Information
Yield
8Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 63Total Fat 4gSaturated Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 2gCholesterol 74mgSodium 99mgCarbohydrates 4gFiber 1gSugar 0gProtein 3g
All information presented and written are intended for informational purposes only. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about your health, you should always consult with a physician or other health-care professional. The writers and publishers of visitsouthernspain.com are not nutritionists or registered dietitians. Statements within this site have not been evaluated or approved by the Food and Drug Administration.
Hola, I’m Paulina! Together with my team, we are passionate about Southern Spain. Here we share all you need to know for great times in Southern Spain with the best places to visit, stay and, of course, the best food to eat.
Let’s dive in and explore Southern Spain’s outdoors, food and culture con pasión!