Introduction
Salted Caramel Chocolate Tart is the ultimate dessert for those who love the combination of sweet and salty flavors. The rich, velvety chocolate ganache pairs perfectly with the smooth, buttery caramel layer, all nestled in a crisp tart crust. Every bite delivers a balance of deep chocolate notes, luscious caramel, and a hint of sea salt that enhances the overall flavor.
This easy chocolate tart recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether you are hosting a dinner party, celebrating a special event, or simply craving a decadent homemade treat. With simple ingredients and a straightforward process, you can create a stunning dessert that looks and tastes like it came from a professional bakery.
Follow this step-by-step guide to make the best homemade caramel tart and impress your family and friends with this irresistible indulgence.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Salted Caramel Chocolate Tart
This Salted Caramel Chocolate Tart is a must-try dessert that combines luxurious flavors with a simple preparation process. Here’s why you will love making and enjoying this treat:
The Perfect Balance of Sweet and Salty Flavors
The combination of rich chocolate, smooth caramel, and a touch of sea salt creates a well-balanced flavor profile. The sweetness of the caramel is enhanced by the salt, making each bite irresistibly satisfying.
Rich and Silky Chocolate Ganache Over a Crispy Tart Crust
A smooth, velvety chocolate ganache sits atop a golden, buttery tart crust, offering the perfect contrast in texture. The crispiness of the crust pairs beautifully with the creamy filling, making it a truly indulgent dessert.
Easy to Make with Simple Ingredients
Despite its gourmet appearance, this recipe requires only a handful of basic ingredients. With just chocolate, caramel, heavy cream, butter, sugar, and flour, you can create a bakery-quality tart in your own kitchen with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- For the Tart Crust:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- For the Salted Caramel Layer:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 tsp sea salt flakes (or to taste)
- For the Chocolate Ganache:
- 6 oz dark chocolate (at least 70% cocoa)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Prep Time:
- 20 minutes
Cook Time:
- 30 minutes (including caramel preparation and tart crust baking)
Total Time:
- 1 hour (including chilling time)
Servings:
- 8-10 servings
Yield:
- 1 9-inch tart
Key Features:
- Decadent salted caramel and rich chocolate ganache
- Crispy chocolate tart crust
- Perfect blend of sweet and salty flavors
- Easy to make with minimal ingredients
Nutrition Facts (per serving):
- Calories: 300
- Total Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 100mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 20g
- Protein: 3g
(Note: The nutrition facts are approximate and can vary based on ingredient substitutions and portion size.)
Essential Ingredients for the Best Salted Caramel Chocolate Tart
To achieve the perfect Salted Caramel Chocolate Tart, you need a combination of simple yet high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in delivering the ideal balance of texture and flavor.
Tart Crust
A well-made tart crust provides a sturdy base that complements the creamy layers of caramel and chocolate.
- Shortcrust pastry or buttery tart crust – A crisp and flaky foundation that holds the fillings together.
- Cocoa powder – Enhances the chocolate flavor in the crust, making it even more indulgent.
- Butter and sugar – Adds richness and structure while ensuring a tender, slightly crumbly texture.
Salted Caramel Layer
The caramel layer adds a luscious sweetness with a hint of salt that balances the richness of the chocolate.
- Sugar, heavy cream, and butter – The essential trio for a smooth, creamy caramel sauce.
- A pinch of sea salt flakes – Enhances the caramel’s depth and prevents it from becoming overly sweet.
Chocolate Ganache
A silky, glossy ganache brings everything together, creating a decadent finish.
- Dark chocolate and heavy cream – The perfect duo for a rich, velvety ganache with a deep chocolate flavor.
- Vanilla extract – Adds warmth and enhances the complexity of the chocolate.
By using these carefully selected ingredients, you can create a Salted Caramel Chocolate Tart that is both visually stunning and irresistibly delicious.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Salted Caramel Chocolate Tart
1. Preparing the Tart Crust
- Mix flour, cocoa powder, butter, and sugar: In a food processor or by hand, combine the flour, cocoa powder, butter, and sugar until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the egg and mix until the dough comes together.
- Chill and blind-bake in a tart pan: Press the dough into a tart pan, making sure to evenly cover the bottom and sides. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes to firm up. Then, line the crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven, discard the parchment paper and weights, and allow it to cool completely.
2. Making the Salted Caramel Layer
- Melt sugar until golden brown: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add the sugar and stir occasionally until it melts and turns golden brown. Be careful not to let it burn.
- Stir in butter and heavy cream to create a smooth caramel: Once the sugar has melted, add the butter and stir until melted and combined. Gradually add the heavy cream and continue stirring until smooth.
- Let it set before adding chocolate: Remove from heat and let the caramel cool slightly. Pour it into the cooled tart crust, spreading it evenly. Allow it to set and firm up for 20-30 minutes at room temperature.
3. Creating the Chocolate Ganache
- Melt dark chocolate and heavy cream: In a heatproof bowl, combine the dark chocolate and heavy cream. Gently heat in the microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
- Whisk until glossy and pour over the caramel layer: Once the chocolate has melted, whisk in vanilla extract for added flavor. Pour the ganache evenly over the set caramel layer, smoothing the top with a spatula.
4. Chilling and Serving
- Refrigerate until firm: Place the tart in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours, or until the ganache has fully set and the tart is firm to the touch.
- Sprinkle with sea salt flakes and serve: Before serving, sprinkle a generous pinch of sea salt flakes over the top of the tart to enhance the flavor contrast. Slice and serve chilled for the perfect indulgence!
Pro Tips for a Perfect Salted Caramel Chocolate Tart
- Use high-quality dark chocolate for a richer taste: The quality of chocolate makes a significant difference in the flavor of the ganache. Opt for a good-quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content for a rich, intense flavor that balances beautifully with the caramel.
- Do not overheat the caramel sauce, or it may become bitter: When making caramel, it’s important to carefully control the heat. If the caramel is cooked too long, it can become bitter. Keep an eye on the sugar as it melts, and don’t let it go beyond a golden amber color.
- Allow the tart to fully set in the refrigerator for the best texture: For a perfect texture, be sure to chill the tart for at least 2 hours in the fridge. This ensures that the chocolate ganache and caramel layers set properly, creating the ideal consistency for slicing and serving.
FAQs About Salted Caramel Chocolate Tart
- Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
Yes, you can use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate, but the flavor balance will shift. Dark chocolate enhances the sweet and salty contrast, while milk chocolate is milder and sweeter. If you prefer a sweeter tart, milk chocolate will work fine. - How do I prevent my caramel from crystallizing?
To prevent crystallization, avoid stirring the sugar while it’s melting. Stirring can cause the sugar to form crystals. Also, adding a small splash of lemon juice (about 1/4 teaspoon) helps to prevent the sugar from crystallizing and ensures a smooth caramel. - Can I make this tart in advance?
Yes, this tart can be made in advance. It keeps well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, so feel free to prepare it the day before an event or celebration. Just be sure to cover it tightly to prevent it from absorbing any fridge odors.
You’ll Also Love
If you enjoy the rich flavors of this Salted Caramel Chocolate Tart, here are some other irresistible desserts you’ll love:
- Chocolate Hazelnut Tart – A creamy hazelnut spread filling in a buttery tart crust, topped with a rich chocolate ganache and chopped toasted hazelnuts.
- Salted Caramel Brownies – Fudgy brownies with a layer of smooth salted caramel swirled on top for the ultimate indulgence.
- Dark Chocolate Mousse – A silky, smooth mousse made with high-quality dark chocolate and a touch of vanilla, perfect for those who love chocolate in its purest form.
- Mini Lemon Tarts – A refreshing citrusy dessert with a creamy lemon curd filling and a crispy tart shell, offering a bright contrast to the richness of chocolate desserts.
These desserts are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and pair wonderfully with the Salted Caramel Chocolate Tart!
Conclusion
This Salted Caramel Chocolate Tart is the perfect balance of rich chocolate, smooth caramel, and a hint of sea salt, making it a must-try dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or just indulging in a delicious treat, this tart delivers a sophisticated flavor profile and a satisfying texture with every bite.
Don’t wait to experience the perfect blend of sweet and salty – follow the step-by-step guide and make this irresistible tart today!
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