Salted Caramel Chocolate Tarts

Salted Caramel Chocolate Tarts are an indulgent dessert featuring a crisp, buttery tart shell filled with luscious homemade caramel and topped with a silky chocolate ganache. A sprinkle of sea salt enhances the flavors, creating a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and rich chocolate goodness. These elegant tarts are perfect for special occasions, dinner parties, or as a decadent treat for yourself.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• A sophisticated yet simple dessert
• Perfect balance of sweet, salty, and rich chocolate flavors
• Buttery, crisp tart crust for added texture
• Impressive presentation for guests and special occasions
• Can be made ahead for convenience

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Tart Crust:

• All-purpose flour
• Unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• Granulated sugar
• Egg yolk
• Cold water
• Salt

For the Salted Caramel Filling:

• Granulated sugar
• Unsalted butter
• Heavy cream
• Sea salt
• Vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Ganache:

• Semi-sweet or dark chocolate, chopped
• Heavy cream
• Butter (optional, for extra shine)

Garnish:

• Flaky sea salt
• Chocolate shavings (optional)

Directions

Prepare the Tart Shells:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix the dough by combining flour, sugar, and salt in a bowl. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add the egg yolk and water, mixing until the dough comes together. Form a ball, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for 30 minutes.
4. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface and press it into tart pans. Prick the bottoms with a fork.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool completely.

Make the Salted Caramel:

6. Melt the sugar in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until golden brown.
7. Add butter and stir until melted and combined. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously.
8. Add sea salt and vanilla, then remove from heat and let cool slightly before pouring into the tart shells. Allow caramel to set for at least 30 minutes.

Make the Chocolate Ganache:

9. Heat the heavy cream in a saucepan until just simmering. Pour over the chopped chocolate and let sit for 2 minutes.
10. Stir until smooth, then add butter if using.
11. Pour the ganache over the caramel layer, smoothing the top. Let set at room temperature or refrigerate until firm.

Garnish and Serve:

12. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and chocolate shavings before serving.
13. Enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8 small tarts or 1 large tart
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Chill Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes

Variations

• Nutty Addition: Add chopped toasted almonds or hazelnuts to the caramel layer for extra crunch.
• Espresso Flavor: Stir in a teaspoon of espresso powder into the ganache for a mocha twist.
• Milk Chocolate Version: Swap dark chocolate for milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter taste.
• Coconut Lovers: Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream in the ganache and caramel for a dairy-free version.
• Mini Tartlets: Use a mini muffin tin to create bite-sized versions perfect for parties.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Keep tarts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
• Reheating: Let refrigerated tarts sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before eating for the best texture.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought tart shells?

Yes, store-bought tart shells can save time and work well for this recipe.

How do I prevent my caramel from becoming too hard?

Make sure not to overcook the caramel and remove it from heat as soon as it thickens.

What type of chocolate is best for the ganache?

Semi-sweet or dark chocolate provides the best balance of flavor. Milk chocolate can be used for a sweeter version.

Can I make these tarts ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare them up to 2 days in advance and store them in the fridge.

How do I keep the tart crust from getting soggy?

Ensure the crust is fully baked and cooled before adding the caramel layer.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce the added salt in the caramel to avoid over-salting.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for the crust.

How do I get a shiny chocolate ganache?

Adding a small amount of butter to the ganache creates a glossy finish.

Can I use caramel candies instead of homemade caramel?

Yes, melt soft caramel candies with a splash of heavy cream for a quick alternative.

Do I need to refrigerate these tarts?

They can be stored at room temperature for a day, but refrigeration helps them stay fresh longer.

Conclusion

Salted Caramel Chocolate Tarts are an exquisite dessert that perfectly blends sweet, salty, and rich chocolate flavors. With a crisp tart shell, creamy caramel, and smooth ganache, these tarts are both elegant and delicious. Whether for a special occasion or just a treat for yourself, they are sure to impress!