Meringue Ghost Chocolate Orange Tarts for Halloween

Happy Halloween! This year, I’ll make Meringue Ghostly Chocolate Orange Tart. The tart’s design captures the spirit of the season. The recipe is slightly time-consuming but easy to follow. It is a fun activity for children. You can enjoy making it together on Halloween afternoons.

Meringue ghost chocolate orange tart recipe

Meringue ghost chocolate orange tart consists of two components. The base is a luscious chocolate tart with orange essence. The top is a whimsical meringue ghost. This recipe started because of leftover puff pastry from my tarte tatin.

The ghostly meringues provide an eerie Halloween element. The chocolate orange tart base adds richness to the dessert. These tarts combine dark chocolate and orange flavors. They are perfect for Halloween celebrations.

You can enjoy these Halloween tarts with drinks like Pumpkin Martini, sparkling wines like Prosecco or Champagne, or Irish cream liqueur. Non-alcoholic options include espresso or dark roast coffee, chai tea, and orange-spiced hot chocolate.

These tarts also pair well with desserts like pumpkin spice cookies, candied orange peel, and vanilla bean ice cream.

Here is how to make chocolate orange tarts!

Meringue Ghost Chocolate Orange Tarts

A delightful Halloween-themed dessert that combines the rich flavors of a chocolate orange tart with whimsical meringue ghosts.

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Total Time 2 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American, Mediterranean

Servings 12

Nutrition

Calories: 208kcalCarbohydrates: 23.5gProtein: 3.4gFat: 11.7gSaturated Fat: 6.4gCholesterol: 35mgSodium: 42mgFiber: 1.2gSugar: 19.6g

Ingredients

  

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For the tarts

• 8 oz Puff Pastry either home-made or shop-bought
• 1 egg beaten
• 100 ml double cream
• 6 oz dark chocolate at least 70% cocoa
• 1 tbsp orange zest finely grated
• 1 tbsp orange juice
• 1 tsp ginger

For the meringue

• 3 egg whites
• 6 oz caster sugar

Instructions

 

• Preheat the oven to 170^oC and line a baking sheet with greaseproof paper.
• Make the meringue by whisking the egg whites until they form stiff peaks. Then continue to whisk while slowly adding the sugar, about a tablespoon at a time, and combining completely before adding the next bit. The meringue should be stiff and glossy- and should stay put when you turn the bowl upside-down. Put it over your head if you are feeling brave!
• Put the mixture into a piping bag with a large nozzle and pipe onto the baking sheet, making them fairly high. Leave a fair bit of space between each one, as they spread a little when baking.
• Put into the oven and reduce temperature to 140^oC. Bake for at least an hour until the meringues are crisp. Then, turn off the oven and leave the meringues in there for at least another hour, until cool.
• To make the tarts, roll out the puff pastry until fairly thin and cut small circles with a cookie cutter, or a glass. Press into a greased cupcake mold tin and prick the bases with a fork to stop them from rising too much.
• Bake in the oven at 180^oC for 10 mins, then remove from oven.
• In the meantime, make the ganache by warming the cream in a pan until just simmering. Grate half the chocolate and stir into the cream until melted. Remove from heat.
• Put the beaten egg into a large bowl and slowly add the cream and chocolate, a little at a time, and whisking constantly. Then stir in the zest and juice.
• Pour the mixture into the pastry cases and return to the oven for about 20 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and the ganache has set.
• When the tarts have cooled, melt the rest of the chocolate and spread onto the tarts. Stick on the ghost meringues before the chocolate sets.
  

Keyword baking recipes, chocolate orange tart, gluten-free recipe, Halloween recipe, meringue ghost

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Meringue ghosts can be infused with subtle flavors to complement the tart. Consider these options:

• Vanilla extract enhances sweetness and adds depth
• Orange blossom water echoes the citrus notes in the tart
• Peppermint extract offers a cool contrast to the rich chocolate

Variations

Here are a few fun variations of the Meringue Ghost Chocolate Orange Tarts:

1. Spiced Chai Version 
   • Replace the ginger with 1 tsp chai spice mix for a warm, aromatic twist.
   • Pair with chai-infused whipped cream on top.
2. Mint Chocolate Twist 
   • Swap the orange zest and juice for 1 tbsp peppermint extract, creating a refreshing mint-chocolate combo.
   • Top with crushed candy canes for a festive touch.
3. Salted Caramel Edition drizzles salted caramel over the ganache before adding the meringue ghosts for a sweet-and-salty contrast.
4. Berry Burst 
   • Fold 2 tbsp raspberry or blackberry purée into the ganache for a fruity twist.
   • Garnish with fresh berries instead of meringue ghosts.
5. Coconut Dream 
   • Mix 2 tbsp toasted coconut flakes into the ganache.
   • Top the tarts with toasted coconut-covered meringues.