Chocolate Chess Tarts: A Southern Classic

I remember the first time I tasted a chess tart. It was at a church potluck in Savannah, Georgia, the humidity thick as molasses, and tables laden with every imaginable Southern comfort food. Nestled amongst the pecan pies and sweet potato casseroles were these unassuming little tarts, their chocolate filling gleaming like dark jewels. One bite, and I was hooked. The intense chocolate flavor, the slightly chewy texture, the buttery shortbread crust—it was pure Southern charm in miniature form. These aren’t just desserts; they’re edible heirlooms, passed down through generations, each family adding their own secret touch.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Servings: 12
• Yield: 12 tarts
• Dietary Type: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 5 ounces evaporated milk

• 2 ounces unsweetened chocolate

• 1/4 cup (2 ounces) butter or margarine

• 2 large eggs

• 1 1/4 cups sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 12 unbaked 3-inch tart shells (store-bought or homemade)

  Note: For homemade tart shells, a sweet tart dough recipe, such as petitfour’s, works beautifully.

Equipment Needed

• Small saucepan
• Large bowl
• Whisk or electric mixer
• Baking sheet
• Wire rack

Instructions

1. Melt the Chocolate: In a small saucepan, combine the evaporated milk, unsweetened chocolate, and butter (or margarine). Cook over low heat, stirring frequently, until the chocolate and butter are completely melted and the mixture is smooth. Take care not to scorch the chocolate; low and slow is key. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.

2. Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the eggs and sugar. Whisk together until well blended and slightly lightened in color. An electric mixer can be used for this step, but it’s not necessary.

3. Combine and Flavor: Gradually add the cooled chocolate mixture to the egg and sugar mixture, stirring constantly until everything is thoroughly combined. Stir in the vanilla extract. The batter should be smooth and glossy.

4. Fill the Tart Shells: Pour the chocolate filling into the unbaked 3-inch tart shells, filling each shell almost to the top.

5. Bake: Place the filled tarts on a baking sheet to prevent any spills from directly hitting the oven floor. Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) for 30 minutes, or until the filling is set. The filling should be firm to the touch but still have a slight jiggle.

6. Cool and Serve: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and transfer the tarts to a wire rack to cool completely. The filling will continue to set as it cools.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Preventing a Soggy Crust: To avoid a soggy bottom crust, you can blind bake the tart shells for a few minutes before filling them. Dock the bottom of the crust with a fork and bake for 5-7 minutes before adding the filling.
• Achieving a Perfectly Set Filling: The filling should be set but still slightly soft. Overbaking will result in a dry, cracked filling. If the edges of the crust are browning too quickly, you can tent the baking sheet with foil.
• Elevating the Flavor: Add a pinch of sea salt to the chocolate mixture to enhance the chocolate flavor. A tablespoon of bourbon or coffee liqueur can also add a sophisticated touch.
• Make-Ahead Magic: The tart shells can be made a day or two in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature. The filling can also be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Just bring it to room temperature before filling the tart shells.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These Chocolate Chess Tarts are delicious served at room temperature. A dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream can be a lovely finishing touch. They pair perfectly with a cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of cold milk.

Leftover tarts should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the tarts. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	167.3 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	72 kcal	N/A
Total Fat	8 g	12%
Saturated Fat	4.8 g	23%
Cholesterol	48.8 mg	16%
Sodium	52.6 mg	2%
Total Carbohydrate	23.5 g	7%
Dietary Fiber	0.8 g	3%
Sugars	21 g	83%
Protein	2.5 g	5%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free tart shells made with a gluten-free flour blend.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the evaporated milk with full-fat coconut milk and use dairy-free margarine or coconut oil. Ensure your chocolate is also dairy-free.
• Nutty Twist: Add 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for added texture and flavor.
• Espresso Infusion: Add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the chocolate mixture to enhance the chocolate flavor and add a subtle coffee note.
• Mint Chocolate: Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the filling for a refreshing mint chocolate version.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use regular milk instead of evaporated milk?
A: Evaporated milk has a higher fat content and concentrated flavor, which contributes to the rich texture of the chess tart filling. While you can use regular milk in a pinch, the results may not be as decadent.

Q: How do I know when the tarts are done?
A: The filling should be set around the edges but still have a slight jiggle in the center. It will continue to set as it cools. Overbaking will result in a dry, cracked filling.

Q: Can I make these tarts ahead of time?
A: Yes, these tarts are perfect for making ahead of time. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or frozen for longer storage.

Q: My tart shells are browning too quickly. What should I do?
A: If the tart shells are browning too quickly, you can tent the baking sheet with foil to protect them from the heat.

Q: Can I use dark chocolate instead of unsweetened chocolate?
A: Yes, you can substitute dark chocolate for unsweetened chocolate, but you may need to reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe to balance the sweetness. Taste the filling before baking and adjust accordingly.

Final Thoughts

These Chocolate Chess Tarts are more than just a dessert; they’re a taste of Southern hospitality. Their rich, decadent flavor and simple elegance make them perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to elegant dinner parties. Don’t be intimidated by the name – this recipe is surprisingly easy to make, and the results are guaranteed to impress. Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the magic of a classic Southern treat. I encourage you to try them and share your experience. Maybe serve with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream and a drizzle of caramel? The possibilities are endless!