Salted Caramel Chocolate Tart

Indulge in the exquisite layers of Salted Caramel Chocolate Tart. This dessert is more than just a treat; it’s an experience that elevates any occasion. The combination of a buttery chocolate shortcrust, creamy salted caramel, and silky chocolate ganache creates a perfect balance of flavors. Whether you are hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet evening at home, this tart is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet cravings.

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Chocolate Shortcrust Pastry
• For the Salted Caramel Filling
• For the Chocolate Ganache Topping
• To Finish
• How to Make Salted Caramel Chocolate Tart
• Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Shortcrust Pastry
• Step 2: Roll and Bake Pastry
• Step 3: Make the Salted Caramel
• Step 4: Prepare the Chocolate Ganache
• Step 5: Assemble Tart
• Step 6: Finish and Serve
• How to Serve Salted Caramel Chocolate Tart
• Pair with Freshly Whipped Cream
• Serve with Espresso Ice Cream
• Add a Fruit Compote
• Garnish with Berries
• Drizzle with Extra Caramel Sauce
• Serve on Special Occasions
• How to Perfect Salted Caramel Chocolate Tart
• Best Side Dishes for Salted Caramel Chocolate Tart
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Salted Caramel Chocolate Tart
• Reheating Salted Caramel Chocolate Tart
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What makes this Salted Caramel Chocolate Tart unique?
• Can I use different types of chocolate?
• How do I know when my caramel is done?
• Can I prepare this tart ahead of time?
• What toppings go well with this tart?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Decadent Layers: Each layer of this tart brings its unique flavor and texture, making every bite an indulgent experience.
• Perfect for All Occasions: From birthday parties to casual get-togethers, this tart fits seamlessly into any event.
• Easy to Follow: With simple steps and accessible ingredients, even novice bakers can create this masterpiece.
• Stunning Presentation: The elegant look of the tart makes it a showstopper on any dessert table.
• Customizable Toppings: Add fresh fruit or whipped cream to suit your personal taste and elevate the dessert further.

Tools and Preparation

Before you get started with creating your Salted Caramel Chocolate Tart, gather your tools for an efficient baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Food processor
• Rolling pin
• 10” tart tin
• Saucepan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Food processor: Helps mix the pastry quickly and ensures a uniform texture without overworking the dough.
• Tart tin: Provides the ideal shape for your tart, allowing for easy removal after baking.
• Saucepan: Essential for melting sugar and preparing the caramel smoothly, ensuring it reaches the perfect consistency.

Ingredients

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 Filling

• 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 Topping

• 250g dark chocolate (roughly chopped)
• 300ml double cream/heavy cream

To Finish

• Cocoa powder for dusting
• Flaky sea salt

How to Make Salted Caramel Chocolate Tart

Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Shortcrust Pastry

1. Add flour, cocoa powder, salt, and sugar to a food processor or mix in a bowl.
2. Incorporate cold butter cubes and blitz/mix until the texture resembles sandy crumbs with small lumps.
3. Pour in cold milk and pulse until the mixture comes together. Shape into a disc, wrap in cling film, and refrigerate for at least 3 hours.

Step 2: Roll and Bake Pastry

1. Roll out chilled dough to about 3mm thickness and line a 10” tart tin.
2. Trim excess dough from edges, dock with a fork, then refrigerate for another 30 minutes.
3. Blind bake at 170°C (fan) or 190°C (conventional) for 20 minutes using weights; then bake for an additional 15 minutes without weights until fully cooked. Cool completely.

Step 3: Make the Salted Caramel

1. In a saucepan over medium-low heat, melt sugar until it turns amber in color.
2. Stir in butter, warmed cream, vanilla extract, and salt; whisk until smooth.
3. Let caramel cool slightly before pouring it into the cooled tart shell. Refrigerate until set.

Step 4: Prepare the Chocolate Ganache

1. Heat cream gently until steaming; pour over roughly chopped chocolate.
2. Allow to sit for one minute before whisking until smooth.

Step 5: Assemble Tart

1. Pour chocolate ganache over the cooled salted caramel layer; spread evenly.
2. Chill again until set.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Dust with cocoa powder and sprinkle flaky sea salt right before serving to enhance flavor.

By following these steps, you will create an irresistible Salted Caramel Chocolate Tart that is as delightful to serve as it is to savor!

How to Serve Salted Caramel Chocolate Tart

This Salted Caramel Chocolate Tart is a showstopper that deserves to be served with flair. Here are some delightful suggestions to elevate your dessert experience.

Pair with Freshly Whipped Cream

• Light and airy whipped cream complements the rich flavors of the tart, adding a creamy contrast that enhances each bite.

Serve with Espresso Ice Cream

• The bold coffee flavor of espresso ice cream creates a beautiful balance with the sweetness of the chocolate and caramel, making for an indulgent dessert pairing.

Add a Fruit Compote

• A tart fruit compote, like raspberry or cherry, provides a refreshing acidity that cuts through the richness of the chocolate tart.

Garnish with Berries

• Fresh berries, such as strawberries or blueberries, add a pop of color and freshness, making your dessert visually appealing as well as delicious.

Drizzle with Extra Caramel Sauce

• For those who can’t get enough sweetness, a drizzle of warm caramel sauce over each slice will enhance the flavors and make it even more decadent.

Serve on Special Occasions

• This tart is perfect for celebrations. Present it at holidays or birthdays to impress your guests with its stunning appearance and taste.

How to Perfect Salted Caramel Chocolate Tart

Creating the perfect Salted Caramel Chocolate Tart requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your tart turns out flawlessly.

• Use cold ingredients: Ensure that your butter and milk are cold when making the pastry. This helps achieve a flaky texture in the crust.
• Chill the dough: After mixing the pastry, refrigerate it thoroughly. Chilling helps prevent shrinkage during baking.
• Watch the caramel closely: When melting sugar for caramel, keep an eye on it; sugar can go from golden to burnt quickly.
• Let layers set: Allow both the salted caramel and chocolate ganache layers to set completely before serving. This gives you clean slices.
• Dust just before serving: Dusting with cocoa powder or sea salt should be done right before serving to maintain its presentation.
• Experiment with toppings: Feel free to try different toppings like crushed nuts or edible flowers for added elegance!

Best Side Dishes for Salted Caramel Chocolate Tart

Pairing side dishes with this delectable tart can enhance its overall enjoyment. Here’s a list of some ideal accompaniments.

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic choice that adds smoothness and balances out the sweetness.
2. Coffee: A strong cup of coffee brings out the flavors in chocolate while providing a lovely contrast.
3. Chocolate Mousse: For true chocolate lovers, pairing this rich tart with light mousse can create an exquisite combination.
4. Caramel Popcorn: Crunchy caramel popcorn offers an enjoyable texture contrast alongside this velvety dessert.
5. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses can provide savory balance; consider pairing it with blue cheese or aged cheddar.
6. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad adds freshness and pairs beautifully without overwhelming the palate.
7. Pecan Pie Bars: For those who enjoy nutty flavors, these bars serve as an excellent side dish that echoes similar taste notes.
8. Mint Tea: A refreshing herbal tea can cleanse the palate after indulging in rich desserts like this one.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making the perfect Salted Caramel Chocolate Tart can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Using warm butter: This can lead to a greasy pastry. Always ensure your butter is cold and cubed before mixing.
• Not chilling the dough: Skipping the chilling step can result in a tough crust. Refrigerate the dough for at least 3 hours for best results.
• Overcooking the caramel: This can make it bitter. Watch carefully as the sugar melts and remove it from heat once it reaches an amber color.
• Skipping the blind bake: Blind baking helps prevent a soggy bottom. Make sure to bake with weights first, then without, for a crisp crust.
• Not letting layers set: Pouring ganache before the caramel is fully set can cause mixing. Allow each layer to cool and set completely.

Refrigerator Storage

• item Store your Salted Caramel Chocolate Tart in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• item It will last up to 5 days while retaining its flavor and texture.

Freezing Salted Caramel Chocolate Tart

• item Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• item You can freeze them for up to 3 months for later enjoyment.

Reheating Salted Caramel Chocolate Tart

• Oven: Preheat to 160°C (320°F) and warm for about 10-15 minutes until just heated through.
• Microwave: Use medium power for 20-30 seconds per slice; check frequently to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Place in a non-stick pan over low heat, cover, and warm gently for a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this Salted Caramel Chocolate Tart unique?

This tart combines a rich chocolate shortcrust with smooth salted caramel and silky chocolate ganache, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Can I use different types of chocolate?

Yes! You can experiment with milk chocolate or even white chocolate for a different flavor profile in your ganache.

How do I know when my caramel is done?

The caramel should turn a deep amber color; it should smell sweet, not burnt. Keep stirring as it melts to ensure even cooking.

Can I prepare this tart ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make it one day in advance. Just store it properly in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.

What toppings go well with this tart?

Consider serving with whipped cream, fresh berries, or even espresso ice cream for added sophistication alongside your Salted Caramel Chocolate Tart.

Final Thoughts

The Salted Caramel Chocolate Tart is not only visually stunning but also delivers an unforgettable flavor experience. Its balance of sweet and salty makes it perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize it by adding nuts or different chocolates based on your preference!