Salted Caramel Chocolate Tart

Salted Caramel Chocolate Tart is the ultimate indulgence for dessert lovers who crave a perfect balance of rich chocolate and buttery caramel with a touch of sea salt. This decadent tart features a crisp, buttery crust filled with smooth chocolate ganache and topped with luscious salted caramel, making it a show-stopping treat for any occasion. Easy to make yet elegant to serve, this Salted Caramel Chocolate Tart will quickly become your go-to dessert for celebrations or cozy nights in.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect Flavor Harmony: The combination of rich chocolate and salted caramel creates a luscious and balanced taste experience.
• Elegant yet Simple: This tart looks fancy but is straightforward to prepare.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for parties, holidays, or any time you want to impress.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare it in advance, so dessert time is stress-free.

Ingredients

• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• 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 (for caramel), warmed
• ½ teaspoon sea salt (for caramel)
• 8 oz bittersweet or semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
• ¾ cup heavy cream (for ganache)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Sea salt flakes (for garnish, optional)

Directions

1. Make the crust: In a food processor, combine flour and powdered sugar. Add cold butter cubes and pulse until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add egg yolk and cold water; pulse until dough starts to come together.
2. Chill the dough: Form dough into a disk, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Preheat oven: Set oven to 350°F (175°C).
4. Bake the crust: Roll out dough on a floured surface and press into a 9-inch tart pan. Prick the bottom with a fork, line with parchment paper, and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 15 minutes, remove weights and paper, then bake another 10 minutes until golden. Let cool.
5. Make salted caramel: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt granulated sugar, stirring constantly until it turns amber. Remove from heat, whisk in butter until smooth. Slowly add warmed heavy cream, stirring constantly. Stir in sea salt. Let cool slightly.
6. Make chocolate ganache: Heat heavy cream in a small saucepan until just simmering. Pour over chopped chocolate and let sit 2 minutes, then stir until smooth. Stir in vanilla extract.
7. Assemble tart: Pour chocolate ganache into cooled crust, smooth the top. Carefully pour salted caramel over the ganache layer.
8. Chill: Refrigerate tart for at least 2 hours or until set.
9. Serve: Garnish with sea salt flakes if desired. Slice and enjoy!

Serving Tips

Serve the Salted Caramel Chocolate Tart chilled or at room temperature for the best texture and flavor. Pair it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance the richness. For an elegant touch, garnish with fresh berries or a sprinkle of toasted nuts. This tart is perfect as a show-stopping dessert for dinner parties or special occasions.

Storage Tips

Store any leftover Salted Caramel Chocolate Tart covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To keep the crust from becoming soggy, cover it loosely with plastic wrap or use an airtight container. Before serving, let the tart sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes to soften slightly. You can also freeze the tart for up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Timing Information

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Chill Time: 2 hours
• Total Time: Approximately 3 hours
• Yield: 8 servings

Optional Variations

• Chocolate types: Swap bittersweet chocolate for milk or dark chocolate to adjust sweetness and richness.
• Salted caramel twist: Add a splash of bourbon or rum to the caramel for a boozy depth of flavor.
• Nutty crust: Add ¼ cup finely chopped toasted pecans or almonds to the crust dough for extra texture and flavor.
• Vegan option: Use dairy-free butter and cream substitutes, and choose dairy-free chocolate to make a vegan Salted Caramel Chocolate Tart.
• Gluten-free option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend for a gluten-free crust.

Related Recipes

• Chocolate Ganache Tart
• Salted Caramel Brownies
• Classic French Chocolate Tart

Conclusion

The Salted Caramel Chocolate Tart is a show-stopping dessert that’s as impressive as it is indulgent. With its buttery crust, silky chocolate filling, and luxurious salted caramel topping, it delivers a perfect balance of sweet and salty in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a special gathering or just treating yourself, this tart is guaranteed to satisfy your dessert cravings.

FAQs

Q: Can I make the tart in advance?
A: Yes! You can make the entire tart 1–2 days ahead. Store it covered in the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before serving.

Q: What type of chocolate works best?
A: Bittersweet or semi-sweet chocolate (around 60–70% cocoa) works best for a rich flavor that balances the sweetness of the caramel.

Q: How do I keep my caramel from seizing?
A: Make sure to warm your cream before adding it to the melted sugar and stir constantly while adding it slowly to prevent seizing.

Q: Can I use a store-bought crust?
A: Yes, a pre-baked tart crust can save time. Just make sure it’s sturdy enough to hold the ganache and caramel layers.

Q: What can I use instead of sea salt flakes?
A: You can use a pinch of coarse kosher salt or skip it entirely if you prefer a sweeter tart.

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