The Salted Caramel Tart is the perfect dessert to satisfy your sweet and salty cravings all at once. This indulgent tart combines a buttery, flaky crust with a rich, gooey salted caramel filling that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re treating yourself or impressing guests, this dessert is a crowd-pleaser that feels luxurious yet is surprisingly simple to make. With just the right balance of sweetness and a hint of sea salt, the Salted Caramel Tart will quickly become a favorite for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect Balance of Flavors: The sweet caramel and a touch of sea salt create an irresistible sweet-salty combo.
Easy to Make: Uses simple ingredients and straightforward steps suitable for all skill levels.
Elegant Presentation: Impress friends and family with a beautiful homemade tart.
Versatile Dessert: Great for holidays, dinner parties, or any special treat.

Ingredients

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup granulated sugar
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
1 large egg yolk
2 tablespoons cold water
1 cup granulated sugar (for caramel)
6 tablespoons unsalted butter (for caramel)
½ cup heavy cream, warmed
1 teaspoon sea salt (plus extra for sprinkling)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

Prepare the crust: In a food processor, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add cold butter and pulse until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Add egg yolk and water: Mix in the egg yolk and cold water until the dough comes together. Form into a disk, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Preheat oven: Set oven to 350°F (175°C).
Roll out dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to fit a 9-inch tart pan. Press dough into the pan and trim excess. Prick the bottom with a fork.
Bake crust: Line crust with parchment and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove weights and bake another 10 minutes or until golden. Let cool.
Make caramel: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt sugar until it turns amber, stirring gently. Remove from heat and whisk in butter until smooth. Slowly add warm cream while stirring. Stir in sea salt and vanilla extract. Let cool slightly.
Fill tart: Pour caramel into the cooled crust and smooth the top.
Chill: Refrigerate tart for at least 2 hours until caramel is set.
Serve: Sprinkle a little extra sea salt on top before serving if desired.

Serving Tips

Serve the Salted Caramel Tart chilled or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture. Pair it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance the richness. Garnish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a few fresh berries for a beautiful presentation.

Storage Tips

Store any leftover Salted Caramel Tart covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To keep the crust crisp, allow the tart to come to room temperature before serving. Reheat briefly (about 10-15 seconds) in the microwave if you prefer a softer caramel texture, but avoid overheating to prevent melting.

Timing Information

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours
Total Time: Approximately 3 hours
Yield: 8 servings

Optional Variations

Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the caramel layer before chilling for an extra decadent touch.
Nutty Crunch: Add toasted pecans or almonds on top of the caramel before it sets for a crunchy texture.
Vegan Option: Use coconut oil in place of butter and coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free version of the salted caramel tart.
Gluten-Free Crust: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make the crust gluten-free.
Spiced Caramel: Add a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne pepper to the caramel for a warm, spicy kick.

Related Recipes

Chocolate Ganache Tart
Classic Lemon Tart
Pecan Pie Tart

Conclusion

This Salted Caramel Tart is a perfect blend of sweet and salty flavors with a luscious, smooth caramel filling and a crisp, buttery crust. It’s a delightful dessert that’s both elegant and easy to prepare, making it ideal for special occasions or a luxurious treat anytime. Try this recipe and enjoy a truly irresistible dessert experience.

FAQs

Q1: Can I make the Salted Caramel Tart ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare it a day in advance and keep it refrigerated. This helps the caramel set perfectly.

Q2: How do I know when the caramel is done?
A: The sugar will turn a deep amber color when melted and ready. Be careful not to burn it.

Q3: Can I use store-bought caramel instead of making it from scratch?
A: You can, but homemade caramel adds a richer, fresher flavor and better texture.

Q4: How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?
A: Blind bake the crust thoroughly and cool it completely before adding the caramel filling.

📖 Recipe