This Salted Caramel Chocolate Tart is the ultimate dessert for chocolate lovers. A delicate chocolate shortcrust base provides a crisp and buttery foundation, layered with velvety homemade salted caramel and topped with a rich, melt-in-your-mouth dark chocolate ganache. Every bite is a perfect balance of sweet and salty, with a dusting of cocoa powder and flaky sea salt to enhance the flavors.
Perfect for special occasions or indulgent treats, this tart pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla or espresso ice cream. Whether served with a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream or enjoyed alongside a shot of espresso, this dessert is sure to impress. Simple yet elegant, it’s a must-try for any baking enthusiast!
Full Recipe:
For the chocolate shortcrust pastry:
- 185g plain flour (all-purpose flour)
- 30g cocoa powder
- 40g caster sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 120g cold unsalted butter (cubed and frozen for 30 minutes)
- 60g cold milk of choice
For the salted caramel:
- 200g caster sugar
- 60g unsalted butter
- 350ml double cream (heavy cream), warmed
- 1 tsp vanilla bean paste/extract
- 1 tsp salt
For the chocolate ganache:
- 250g dark chocolate, roughly chopped
- 300ml double cream (heavy cream)
To finish:
- Cocoa powder for dusting
- Flaky sea salt
Directions:
Prepare the chocolate shortcrust pastry:
- In a food processor, combine flour, cocoa powder, sugar, and salt. Blitz to mix.
- Add cold butter cubes and pulse until the mixture resembles sand.
- Pour in cold milk and pulse until the dough forms.
- Flatten into a disc, wrap in cling film, and chill for at least 3 hours.
Roll out and blind bake the pastry:
- Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about 3mm thickness.
- Carefully transfer to a tart tin, press into the edges, and trim excess dough.
- Dock the pastry with a fork, cover with baking paper, and fill with baking beans.
- Bake at 170°C (fan) / 190°C (conventional) (340°F / 375°F) for 20 minutes.
- Remove baking beans and paper, bake for another 15 minutes. Let cool.
Prepare the salted caramel:
- Heat sugar in a saucepan over medium-low heat until fully melted and turns amber.
- Add butter, followed by warmed cream, vanilla, and salt.
- Whisk until smooth. Let cool slightly before pouring over the baked tart shell.
- Refrigerate until fully set (about 2-3 hours).
Prepare the chocolate ganache:
- Heat cream over low heat until it steams but does not boil.
- Pour over chopped chocolate and let sit for 1 minute.
- Stir until smooth, then pour over the set caramel layer.
- Tilt the tart tin to spread evenly, then refrigerate until set.
Finishing touches:
- Before serving, dust with cocoa powder and sprinkle flaky sea salt on top.
Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes (including chilling time)
Kcal: 630 kcal per serving | Servings: 12
Salted Caramel Chocolate Tart: A Delicious Journey into Indulgence
The Salted Caramel Chocolate Tart is the epitome of indulgence, combining three decadent layers: a buttery chocolate shortcrust base, a smooth salted caramel filling, and a rich chocolate ganache top. Each bite offers a perfect balance of sweetness, saltiness, and deep chocolate flavor, making it an irresistible treat for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing it for a special celebration or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, this tart is guaranteed to delight.
The Allure of Salted Caramel and Chocolate
The marriage of salted caramel and chocolate is a perfect example of how sweet and savory flavors can complement each other. Salted caramel, with its smooth, golden richness, adds a delightful depth to the chocolate ganache, which brings its own luxurious, bittersweet essence to the table. Together, they create an unforgettable taste experience that appeals to both chocolate lovers and those who crave the complex contrast of salty and sweet. It’s no wonder this combination has become a favorite in many dessert recipes, and the Salted Caramel Chocolate Tart takes it to a new level with its multi-layered approach.
Creating the Perfect Chocolate Shortcrust Base
The first step in crafting this tart is the chocolate shortcrust pastry. A perfect tart crust is essential for holding the layers together while providing a crisp, buttery texture that balances out the richness of the fillings. The chocolate in the crust intensifies the flavor, setting the stage for the chocolate ganache layer. Making this crust from scratch may seem daunting at first, but once you understand the method, it becomes surprisingly easy. The key to a perfect shortcrust is ensuring the dough is kept cool and not overworked, which helps in achieving that signature flaky, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Making Salted Caramel from Scratch
Homemade salted caramel is a game-changer in this recipe. While store-bought caramel sauces can certainly do the job, there’s something magical about making it yourself. The process involves melting sugar until it turns into a golden amber hue before adding butter and cream, resulting in a silky, velvety sauce that’s both sweet and slightly savory. Adding a pinch of sea salt elevates the flavor profile, cutting through the sweetness and creating a perfect balance. This salted caramel layer sets perfectly in the fridge, ensuring it holds its shape under the smooth ganache.
The Art of Chocolate Ganache
The final layer of this tart is the chocolate ganache, which is what ties everything together. A simple mixture of warm cream poured over finely chopped chocolate creates a silky, smooth texture that, when cooled, becomes a soft, truffle-like consistency. The ganache is not only delicious but also adds a glossy, luxurious finish to the tart. The key to a perfect ganache is to ensure that the cream is not too hot when added to the chocolate—gentle steaming is all you need to melt the chocolate without compromising its texture. The ganache should be spread quickly once poured, as it thickens rapidly, giving the tart its glossy sheen.
Tips for Success
While this recipe may seem intricate, there are a few tips to ensure it turns out perfectly every time. First, don’t rush the chilling process. Allow the pastry dough to chill for several hours before rolling it out, as this helps prevent shrinking during baking and ensures a crisp, flaky texture. When making the salted caramel, avoid using metal utensils, as they can cause the sugar to seize. Instead, use a silicone spatula for a smooth and consistent caramel. When working with the ganache, be sure to let the cream heat gently and never let it boil, as overheating can cause the ganache to separate.
Serving Suggestions
This Salted Caramel Chocolate Tart is a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways. For a simple but elegant presentation, dust the top with a little cocoa powder and sprinkle with flaky sea salt just before serving. If you want to add a touch of luxury, serve the tart with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of high-quality vanilla or espresso ice cream. The bitterness of the espresso ice cream provides a lovely contrast to the rich sweetness of the tart, balancing out the dessert beautifully. For a more festive feel, consider adding some edible gold leaf or fresh berries on top for a pop of color and a touch of sophistication.
Perfect for Any Occasion
This dessert is ideal for any occasion where you want to impress your guests with something both visually stunning and incredibly delicious. It works well for holidays like Christmas, Easter, or Thanksgiving, and it’s a fantastic choice for dinner parties, birthday celebrations, or even a cozy night in. The rich layers and stunning presentation make it a dessert that will undoubtedly be the highlight of any meal. Despite its luxurious appearance, this tart is not as difficult to make as it seems, especially with a little preparation and patience.
Vegan Adaptations
For those who prefer plant-based options, the Salted Caramel Chocolate Tart can be easily adapted to be vegan. Replace the butter in both the crust and the caramel with a plant-based alternative such as vegan butter or coconut oil. The cream in the caramel and ganache can also be substituted with coconut cream, which has a similar texture and richness without the dairy. These simple substitutions make this decadent dessert suitable for a wider range of dietary preferences without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Conclusion: Why You Need to Try This Tart
The Salted Caramel Chocolate Tart is the perfect balance of indulgence and elegance. With its buttery chocolate crust, smooth salted caramel layer, and rich chocolate ganache topping, it’s a dessert that is sure to satisfy anyone’s sweet tooth. Not only is it a treat for the taste buds, but its beautiful layers and glossy finish make it a showstopper at any event. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is worth trying, and the end result is well worth the effort. The combination of flavors is so perfectly balanced that it’s impossible to stop at just one slice. If you’re looking to impress your guests or indulge in a decadent treat, this Salted Caramel Chocolate Tart is a must-try!