Chocolate Salted Caramel Tarts Recipe

The Ultimate Chocolate Salted Caramel Tarts Recipe for Sweet Bliss

Sweet, buttery crusts cradle a decadent chocolate salted caramel tarts recipe that melts hearts with every luxurious bite.

Rich chocolate and golden caramel create a dance of flavors that promise pure indulgence.

The delicate balance of sweet and salty speaks to dessert lovers seeking something extraordinary.

Smooth chocolate ganache nestles perfectly against silky caramel, creating a symphony of textures.

Each tart delivers a sophisticated blend of classic ingredients transformed into an elegant dessert.

Layers of complex flavors unfold with each delicate forkful, promising a memorable culinary experience.

These irresistible tarts will become the star of any gathering, leaving guests craving another slice.

New Styles To Try With Salted Caramel Tarts

  • Gluten-Free Chocolate Caramel Tarts: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a gluten-free alternative that maintains a rich, nutty flavor profile.
  • Vegan Caramel Chocolate Tarts: Swap butter with coconut oil and use plant-based egg replacer to create a dairy-free version that's equally decadent.
  • No-Bake Chocolate Caramel Tarts: Skip the baking process by using graham cracker crumbs mixed with melted butter for the crust, then chill the tarts in the refrigerator.
  • Nut-Free Caramel Chocolate Tarts: Substitute almond flour with oat flour or rice flour to create a nut-free version that's safe for those with nut allergies.

What Matches With Chocolate Salted Caramel Tarts

  • Pair with Rich Red Wine: Select a full-bodied port or dessert wine like Madeira to complement the intense chocolate and caramel flavors, creating a luxurious tasting experience.
  • Enhance with Espresso Companion: Serve alongside a bold, freshly brewed espresso or cappuccino to cut through the sweetness and provide a robust coffee undertone.
  • Balance with Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: Top each tart with a scoop of high-quality vanilla bean ice cream to add cool, smooth contrast and elevate the dessert's richness.
  • Garnish with Toasted Nuts: Sprinkle chopped roasted almonds or hazelnuts around the plate to introduce a crunchy texture and nutty depth that enhances the tart's complex flavor profile.

Chocolate Salted Caramel Tarts: Storage Tips

  • Store chocolate salted caramel tarts in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain their delicate texture.
  • Wrap each tart individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen tarts can last up to 2 months without losing their rich flavor and creamy caramel filling.
  • Remove tarts from freezer and let them defrost in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours. Avoid room temperature thawing to prevent condensation and maintain the crisp crust.

FAQs

  • What type of flour works best for the tart dough?

All-purpose flour is ideal for this chocolate tart recipe. It provides the right structure and texture for a crisp, delicate crust that complements the rich caramel filling.

  • Can I make the tart dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough up to 2 days in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator. This actually helps develop better flavor and makes the dough easier to handle.

  • Do I need special equipment to make these tarts?

A food processor makes mixing the dough easier, but you can also use a pastry cutter or your hands to combine the ingredients. Tart pans with removable bottoms are helpful but not absolutely necessary.

Chocolate Salted Caramel Tarts That Wow Every Bite

  • Blend and Bake Brilliance: Toss ingredients into a blender for an ultra-quick pancake mix that transforms breakfast preparation from complicated to crazy-simple.
  • Nutrient-Packed Powerhouse: Packed with whole grains from oats, fresh blueberries, protein-rich eggs and yogurt, these pancakes deliver serious nutritional value in every delicious bite.
  • Kid-Friendly Breakfast Adventure: Colorful blueberries and naturally sweet banana make these pancakes an exciting morning meal that children will absolutely love, turning breakfast into a fun experience.
  • One-Bowl Wonder: Minimal dishes and straightforward blender technique mean less cleanup and more enjoyment, perfect for busy mornings or relaxed weekend breakfasts.

Ingredients For Chocolate Salted Caramel Tarts

Crust Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: A key component that provides structure for the chocolate tart base.
  • Cocoa Powder: Gives a rich chocolate flavor to the tart shell.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to the crust.
  • Cold Butter: Creates a flaky and tender texture in the tart shell.
  • Egg Yolk: Helps bind the ingredients and adds richness to the dough.
  • Cold Water: Assists in bringing the dough together.
Filling Ingredients:
  • Caramel Sauce: The primary sweet and creamy filling for the tarts.
  • Flaky Sea Salt: Provides a perfect contrast to the sweet caramel.
Preparation Ingredients:
  • Flour (for dusting): Helps prevent the dough from sticking during rolling.

Tarts Assembly Instructions You’ll Want To Follow

Tarts Assembly Instructions You’ll Want To Follow

Step 1: Whip Up Chocolatey Dough

Grab your food processor and toss in flour, cocoa powder, sugar, and cold butter. Blitz the ingredients until they look like sandy crumbs.

Drop in an egg yolk and a splash of cold water, then pulse until the dough starts to clump together. If it seems too dry, add a bit more water.

Step 2: Rest and Chill Dough

Shape the dough into a smooth disk, wrap it snugly in plastic, and let it hang out in the refrigerator for half an hour.

Step 3: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C).

Step 4: Roll and Shape Tart Shells

Dust your work surface with flour and roll out the dough super thin. Cut circles that will perfectly nestle into your tart pans.

Gently press the dough into each pan, trimming any extra edges.

Step 5: Give Tarts a Quick Chill

Pop the tart shells into the refrigerator for 15 minutes to help them keep their gorgeous shape during baking.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the tart shells into the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. They’re done when they look set and the edges are firm.

Let them cool completely.

Step 7: Drench in Caramel

Once cooled, flood each tart shell with a luxurious pool of caramel sauce.

Step 8: Sprinkle Salty Magic

Scatter flaky sea salt over the caramel to create an irresistible sweet-salty symphony.

Step 9: Chill and Indulge

Tuck the tarts into the refrigerator for at least an hour to let the filling set.

Then dive in and enjoy your masterpiece!

Tips To Nail Chocolate Salted Caramel Tarts

  • Keep butter extremely cold and handle minimally to maintain a tender, flaky crust that won't fall apart during baking.
  • Use gentle, consistent pressure when pressing dough into tart pans to create uniform thickness and prevent holes or weak spots.
  • Stir caramel slowly and watch carefully to avoid burning, which can create bitter flavors and ruin the smooth texture.
  • Add sea salt sparingly and taste as you go – a light sprinkle enhances flavor without overwhelming the delicate chocolate and caramel notes.
  • Let tarts rest in refrigerator to help caramel set firmly and develop rich, concentrated flavors that meld beautifully with chocolate crust.
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Chocolate Salted Caramel Tarts Recipe

Chocolate Salted Caramel Tarts Recipe


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4.6 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Indulgent chocolate salted caramel tarts bring Paris-inspired elegance to dessert tables with minimal effort. Rich chocolate ganache and silky caramel create a luxurious experience that delights senses and satisfies chocolate cravings.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 1/4 cups (156 grams) flour
  • 1/2 cup (113 grams) butter (cold and cubed)
  • 1/4 cup (50 grams) sugar

Chocolate Components:

  • 1/4 cup (25 grams) cocoa powder

Binding and Finishing Ingredients:

  • 1 egg yolk
  • 23 tablespoons (3045 milliliters) cold water
  • Caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • Flaky sea salt (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Create a rich, chocolatey pastry base by blending flour, cocoa powder, sugar, and chilled butter in a food processor until it forms grainy texture.
  2. Incorporate egg yolk and cold water, pulsing until the dough coheres, adding extra liquid if needed to achieve proper consistency.
  3. Form the dough into a compact disk, encase in plastic wrap, and chill in refrigerator for 30 minutes to firm up.
  4. Heat oven to 375F (190C) while preparing work surface with light dusting of flour.
  5. Roll out chilled dough to approximately 1/8 inch thickness, cutting circular shapes to fit tart molds precisely.
  6. Gently press dough into tart pans, carefully trimming excess edges for clean presentation.
  7. Return tart shells to refrigerator for 15 minutes to stabilize their structure before baking.
  8. Bake tart shells for 12-15 minutes until edges become firm and set, ensuring crisp chocolate crust.
  9. Allow tart shells to cool completely at room temperature.
  10. Fill cooled shells generously with smooth caramel sauce, creating an indulgent interior.
  11. Enhance flavor profile by sprinkling flaky sea salt across caramel surface for delightful sweet-savory contrast.
  12. Refrigerate assembled tarts for minimum 1 hour, allowing caramel to set and flavors to meld.

Notes

  • Swap cold butter with chilled coconut oil for a dairy-free version that maintains the same rich, crumbly texture.
  • Try alternative flours like almond or gluten-free blend to accommodate different dietary needs without compromising taste.
  • Use parchment paper strips when pressing dough into tart pans for easier removal and cleaner edges.
  • Prevent soggy bottoms by lightly blind baking the tart shells with pie weights or dried beans before adding caramel filling.
  • Prep Time: 1 hour
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 260 kcal
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 70 mg
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg
Jess Martinez

Jess Martinez

Contributing Recipe Writer & Nutrition Consultant

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cooking, Nutritional analysis and healthy recipe planning, Cultural food traditions, Modifying traditional dishes for better health

Education

Santa Fe Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focused on mastering the flavors and cooking methods of traditional Southwestern cuisine.


Jess’s love for bold, homegrown flavors led her straight into the world of Southwestern cooking and cultural nutrition.
After completing her Certificate in Culinary Arts at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to show that good-for-you food can still taste incredible.
At saltytart.com, Jess shares vibrant, health-conscious recipes with roots in tradition but a fresh, modern twist. When she’s not testing new recipes, you’ll find her at local growers’ markets, tending her herb garden, or digging into food history books.

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