Introduction

Chocolate salted caramel tarts are the embodiment of indulgence, bringing together the rich, smooth flavor of chocolate with the sweet and savory notes of salted caramel. When crafted with care, each bite delivers a delightful contrast of textures and flavors, making them a perfect dessert for any occasion.

These tarts not only satisfy your sweet cravings but also offer a sense of accomplishment as you create something truly luxurious. Whether you're hosting an elegant dinner or simply treating yourself, these tarts elevate the art of home baking with minimal fuss but maximum flavor.

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
The foundation of the tart crust, all-purpose flour provides structure and ensures a tender texture. Its gluten content allows the pastry to hold together while being flaky.
1/3 cup powdered sugar
Powdered sugar sweetens the crust without adding graininess, contributing to a smooth texture. Its fine consistency helps create a delicate crumb.
1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
Butter is crucial for flavor and moisture in the crust. Chilling the butter before use keeps the dough from becoming too soft, resulting in a crisp outer layer.
1 large egg, beaten
The egg acts as a binding agent, helping to bring together the flour and butter into a cohesive dough while adding richness and color.
8 oz dark chocolate, chopped
Dark chocolate is the star of the tart filling, providing deep, rich flavors. Choosing high-quality chocolate enhances the overall taste experience.
1 cup heavy cream
Heavy cream adds lush creaminess to the ganache and helps balance the richness of the dark chocolate, creating a smooth and velvety texture.
1 cup granulated sugar
Granulated sugar is used to make the salted caramel, providing sweetness and the necessary sugar for caramelization. It’s essential for achieving that beautiful amber color.
1/2 cup light corn syrup
Corn syrup prevents crystallization during the caramel-making process, ensuring a smooth and glossy finish.
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
Sea salt enhances the flavor of the caramel and chocolate, creating a delightful contrast that heightens each element in the tart.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Vanilla extract adds depth of flavor, complementing the chocolate and caramel with warm, aromatic notes.

Directions & Preparation

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Preheating the oven ensures it reaches an optimal temperature for even baking throughout the tart shell. If the oven isn’t properly heated, the crust may not bake uniformly, leading to undercooked or overly dry pastry.

Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine flour and powdered sugar.

Mixing the flour and powdered sugar together ensures that the sweetness is evenly distributed throughout the dough. This step prepares the base for a harmonious tart shell with a delicate sweetness.

Step 3: Add the chilled butter to the flour mixture and blend until crumbly.

Cutting the butter into the flour creates small, pea-sized pieces that will incorporate layers of fat into the dough. This technique contributes to the distinctive flakiness of the tart crust once baked.

Step 4: Stir in the beaten egg and mix until the dough comes together.

Adding the egg at this stage helps to bind the mixture while enriching the dough. Be careful not to overmix; just combine until the dough is cohesive for the best texture.

Step 5: Press the dough into a tart pan and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Chilling the dough allows the gluten to rest, preventing shrinkage while baking. This step also helps maintain the shape of the tart shell, ensuring you achieve a crisp and beautiful crust.

Step 6: Blind bake the tart shell for about 20 minutes.

Blind baking is crucial to ensure that the crust doesn’t become soggy once the filling is added. It helps develop a golden-brown exterior and sets the base, providing a foundation for your chocolate ganache.

Step 7: Prepare the salted caramel by heating granulated sugar and corn syrup until melted and amber.

Heat the sugar and corn syrup gently, watching closely as it changes color. This step is essential for developing the caramel's deep flavor. Stir constantly to prevent burning.

Step 8: Slowly whisk in heavy cream and salt once the caramel is ready.

Adding heavy cream to hot caramel will cause it to bubble up vigorously. Whisk carefully to integrate the ingredients smoothly, ensuring an even consistency and avoiding lumps.

Step 9: Pour the salted caramel into the cooled tart shell and refrigerate until set.

Letting the caramel set in the cooled crust creates a luscious layer that will hold the chocolate ganache on top. Refrigeration also allows the flavors to meld beautifully before adding the next layer.

Step 10: Melt the dark chocolate with heavy cream to prepare the ganache.

Melting the chocolate with heavy cream creates a rich ganache that will top the tart. The ratio of chocolate to cream affects the ganache’s texture, providing a luscious finish that brings the tart together.

Step 11: Pour the ganache over the cooled caramel layer and smooth the top.

Pouring the ganache will create a sleek top layer that enhances the visual appeal of your tart. Smoothing it out helps merge the flavors, ensuring a beautiful and harmonious dessert.

Step 12: Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top and refrigerate until firm.

The finishing sprinkle of flaky sea salt not only adds a touch of elegance but also heightens the flavors of both the chocolate and caramel. Allowing the tart to firm up in the refrigerator ensures clean slices when serving.

Chocolate Salted Caramel Tarts step photo

The Science of Salted Caramel

Understanding the science behind salted caramel can elevate your dessert-making skills. When sugar is heated, it undergoes a series of transformations, turning from granulated to liquid and eventually to a rich amber color. The addition of cream cools the mixture and prevents it from cooking further. The salt enhances the flavor, creating that unforgettable sweet and savory balance that complements the rich chocolate.

Choosing the Right Chocolate

The chocolate used in your tarts can significantly impact the final taste. Opt for high-quality dark chocolate, ideally around 60-70% cocoa, as it balances sweetness with rich, complex flavors. Avoid chocolate chips that may contain stabilizers, which can alter the texture of your ganache. The right chocolate not only enhances the flavor but also enriches the overall experience of the tarts.

Serving Suggestions for Your Tarts

Chocolate salted caramel tarts are a crowd-pleaser and can be served with various accompaniments. Pair them with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added richness. A side of fresh berries adds acidity that cuts through the sweetness, creating a well-rounded dessert. Presentation also matters; consider garnishing with additional sea salt or a drizzle of caramel for that stunning final touch.

FAQs

What can I do if my caramel is too thick?

If your caramel is too thick, gently reheat it while adding a splash of heavy cream. This will loosen the mixture without compromising its flavor.

How can I make the tart crust less crumbly?

To prevent a crumbly crust, ensure your butter is well-combined with the flour. If needed, you can add a teaspoon of cold water to help bind the dough.

Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?

Yes, you can use milk chocolate, but be aware that it will yield a sweeter ganache. Adjust the sugar in the caramel if necessary to balance the flavors.

Why is my ganache not shiny?

If your ganache isn’t shiny, it might be due to overheating. Ensure you gently melt the chocolate and cream, maintaining a controlled temperature to preserve the glossiness.

What if I want a thicker caramel layer?

To achieve a thicker caramel layer, simply cook the caramel a bit longer until it darkens and thickens. Make sure to monitor closely to avoid burning.

Can I make individual tarts instead of one large tart?

Absolutely! You can use a muffin tin to create individual tarts. Just adjust the baking time as they will cook faster than a full-sized tart.

Conclusion

Creating chocolate salted caramel tarts at home is a rewarding endeavor that combines technique with delightful flavors. The layers of rich chocolate and creamy salted caramel create an irresistible treat for any dessert lover.

With a little patience and care, you can master this recipe and impress your guests. Don’t hesitate to experiment and find your perfect balance of sweetness and saltiness, making these tarts truly your own.

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