Chef Mitchell preparing Salted Caramel Chocolate Tart
👨‍🍳 Expert Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 10+ Years Experience ⏰ 1000+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary School Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I discovered the beauty of Salted Caramel Chocolate Tart during my culinary school days. After countless experiments, I perfected this recipe, balancing the richness of chocolate with the sweetness of caramel and a sprinkle of salt. It's been a favorite among my friends and family ever since, making any gathering feel special."

With over a decade of experience in American cuisine, I specialize in creating delightful dessert recipes that bring joy to the table. My passion for baking is matched only by my commitment to sharing delicious, approachable recipes with home cooks.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Delicious Salted Caramel Chocolate Tart served on a plate

Why This Salted Caramel Chocolate Tart Recipe Works

This recipe stands out because it brings together the rich flavors of chocolate and caramel while balancing sweetness with a touch of salt. The buttery tart crust serves as the perfect vessel for these flavors, ensuring each bite is delightful. The use of high-quality chocolate and fresh ingredients elevates the overall taste experience.

By incorporating techniques like making homemade caramel and a baked chocolate filling, the result is a tart that is both sophisticated and approachable. The smooth texture of the filling, combined with the crunch of the crust and the drizzle of caramel, provides an exquisite mouthfeel that will leave everyone craving more.

💡 Professional Tip

To achieve the best flavor, use high-quality dark chocolate for the filling. Additionally, ensure your caramel is cooked to the right amber color for depth of flavor. Don't rush the cooling process; letting the tart chill will enhance its texture and make slicing easier.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can make the tart a day in advance. After assembling and baking, let it cool completely before refrigerating. Just be sure to add the caramel sauce just before serving to keep it fresh and prevent it from becoming too soggy.

If you need a substitute for heavy cream, you can use full-fat coconut milk or a mixture of milk and butter to achieve a similar richness. Keep in mind that the flavor may vary slightly, but it will still create a delicious tart.

The tart is done when the chocolate filling is set but slightly jiggles in the center. It should not be overly firm. The edges will have a slight golden color, and the surface should look shiny.

Yes, you can freeze the tart! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving, and consider adding fresh caramel sauce right before serving.

This tart pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You can also add fresh berries for a burst of flavor and color on the plate.

The tart can last for up to 4 days in the refrigerator if stored properly in an airtight container. Just make sure to add the caramel sauce just before serving for the best taste and texture.

Absolutely! You can prepare the tart and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days before serving. Just ensure it's well-covered to maintain freshness.

To reheat the tart, place it in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving to maintain the tart's texture, and re-add the caramel sauce afterward for extra flavor.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Too Dry

Problem: If the tart crust or filling is too dry, it may not have enough moisture or was overbaked.

Solution: To fix this, ensure you follow the baking times closely and consider adding a little extra cream in the filling to enhance moisture.

✅

Not Crispy Enough

Problem: A crust that is not crispy might be due to underbaking or too much moisture in the crust mixture.

Solution: Make sure to bake the crust until it's golden brown and dry to the touch. Let it cool completely before filling to maintain its crispiness.

✅

Overcooked

Problem: If the tart is overcooked, the filling might be too firm and lose its creamy texture.

Prevention: To avoid this, keep a close eye on the baking process, and remove it from the oven as soon as the filling is set but still has a slight jiggle in the center.

✅

Undercooked Center

Problem: An undercooked center will appear too soft and not set properly.

Recovery: If this happens, return the tart to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes, checking frequently until set.

✅

Burnt Exterior

Problem: A burnt exterior can occur if the tart is baked at too high a temperature or for too long.

Prevention: Always follow the recommended baking temperatures and watch closely to prevent burning. Use parchment paper to help protect the crust edges if necessary.

✅

Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: If the tart is too sweet, consider adding a bit more sea salt to balance the flavors. This can enhance the overall taste.

Too Salty: If too salty, serve with a dollop of whipped cream or ice cream to mellow out the saltiness.

Bland: If the tart is bland, enhance it with an additional splash of vanilla extract or a drizzle of espresso to deepen the chocolate flavor.

Fresh ingredients for Salted Caramel Chocolate Tart

Essential Ingredients for Salted Caramel Chocolate Tart

Key ingredients for this tart include high-quality dark chocolate for the filling, fresh cream for a rich texture, and the perfect balance of butter and sugar for the crust. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving the desired flavor and consistency.

Using premium ingredients enhances the tart's overall quality, allowing for a dessert that is not only visually pleasing but also delectable. Freshly sourced ingredients make a difference in taste and presentation.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Dark Chocolate: Opt for dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa for a richer flavor. The higher the cocoa content, the more intense the chocolate experience will be.
  • Heavy Cream: Using heavy cream adds richness and creaminess to the filling. Don't substitute with low-fat versions, as they won't provide the same texture.
  • Sea Salt: Finishing with high-quality sea salt elevates the flavor profile of the tart. A sprinkle on top can enhance the sweetness of the caramel and chocolate.
Cooking process for Salted Caramel Chocolate Tart

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

Creating this tart involves a straightforward process that includes making the crust, preparing the filling, and assembling the layers. Each step is designed to ensure that the flavors meld perfectly.

By following the instructions carefully, you’ll achieve a perfectly baked tart with a smooth filling and crispy crust, resulting in a dessert that looks as good as it tastes.

Key Technique for Perfect Salted Caramel Chocolate Tart

The most important technique is to carefully manage the temperature while making the caramel and chocolate filling. Control over the heat ensures that the chocolate melts smoothly and the caramel develops its rich flavor without burning.

Salted Caramel Chocolate Tart

Prep 15 min
Cook 45 min
Serves 6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter
    Room temperature
  • 1 cup sugar
    Granulated
  • 1 cup heavy cream
    Heated
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
    For flavor

For the Sauce

  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
    For crust
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
    For crust
  • ⅓ cup granulated sugar
    For crust
  • 1 cup heavy cream
    For filling
  • 8 oz dark chocolate, chopped
    For filling
  • 2 eggs
    For filling
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    For filling
  • 1 cup chopped pecans (optional)
    For topping

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Crust

    In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press the mixture into the bottom and sides of a tart pan. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.

  2. Make the Caramel Sauce

    In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 cup of sugar until it turns amber. Slowly add ½ cup butter and stir until melted, then whisk in 1 cup heavy cream. Remove from heat and stir in sea salt.

  3. Prepare the Chocolate Filling

    Heat 1 cup of heavy cream in a saucepan until just boiling. Pour over 8 oz of chopped dark chocolate and let sit for 5 minutes. Stir until smooth.

  4. Combine Fillings

    In a mixing bowl, combine the chocolate mixture with eggs and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.

  5. Assemble the Tart

    Pour the chocolate filling into the prepared crust and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes until set.

  6. Add Caramel

    Once the tart is out of the oven, pour the salted caramel sauce over the top. Allow to cool at room temperature before refrigerating.

  7. Serve

    After chilling for at least 2 hours, slice the tart and serve with whipped cream and additional sea salt, if desired.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips

To store the tart, cover it with plastic wrap and keep it in the refrigerator. It can last for up to 4 days. For best results, add the caramel sauce just before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the tart chilled, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of sea salt. Adding fresh berries can also enhance both presentation and flavor.

Recipe Variations

Consider adding flavored extracts like espresso or orange zest to the chocolate filling for a unique twist. You can also experiment with different nuts or a cookie crust instead of graham crackers.