If there’s a dessert that checks every crave-worthy box, it’s the Salted Caramel Chocolate Tart. Imagine a crisp chocolate cookie crust holding a layer of luscious, homemade salted caramel, all topped with a silky blanket of rich chocolate ganache and showered in flaky sea salt. Each slice is pure decadence with a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and chocolatey notes—the kind of tart that never fails to impress at special gatherings or as a weeknight treat when you’re feeling fancy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, deeply flavorful ingredients is the secret to an unforgettable Salted Caramel Chocolate Tart. Each component brings something essential, whether it’s rich texture, deep cocoa flavor, a creamy mouthfeel, or that signature salty finish.
- Chocolate cookie crumbs: These form the base, providing crunch and a bittersweet backbone to support the tart’s richer layers.
- Granulated sugar: Adds subtle sweetness to the crust and is also the magic behind the caramel’s golden hue and flavor.
- Unsalted butter: Essential for binding the crust and creating that glossy, decadent caramel.
- Heavy cream: Makes both the caramel and ganache irresistibly smooth and indulgent.
- Sea salt: A star ingredient, giving that unmistakable pop of flavor in every bite of the salted caramel layer.
- Semi-sweet chocolate: The heart of the ganache; pick a good-quality chocolate for glossy, melt-in-your-mouth results.
- Flaky sea salt: For the perfect finishing touch, it amps up the contrast and glittery appeal of each slice.
How to Make Salted Caramel Chocolate Tart
Step 1: Make the Cookie Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, mix the chocolate cookie crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until all the crumbs are well coated, resembling damp sand. Lightly press this crumb mixture into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch tart pan, making sure it’s compact and even for that signature crisp bite. Pop the crust into the oven and bake for 8–10 minutes. Let it cool completely before moving to the next layer. Crisp crust, sorted!
Step 2: Cook the Salted Caramel
This is the wow-factor layer for your Salted Caramel Chocolate Tart. In a medium saucepan, gently melt the granulated sugar over medium heat, stirring every so often until it transforms into a gorgeous, deep-amber liquid. As soon as it reaches the right color, whisk in the butter pieces—be careful, as it will bubble vigorously. Gradually add the heavy cream while whisking constantly until smooth, then stir in the sea salt. Pour the warm caramel over the cooled crust, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes so it can set to that perfect soft-chewy texture.
Step 3: Prepare the Chocolate Ganache
For the final flourish of your Salted Caramel Chocolate Tart, make the ganache. Place the finely chopped semi-sweet chocolate in a heatproof bowl. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream just until it’s about to boil, then pour it over the chocolate. Let it stand for a couple of minutes, then stir until you have a silky, shiny ganache. Pour this over your chilled caramel layer, spreading it evenly to the edges. Return the tart to the fridge for at least an hour to firm up the ganache to that irresistibly sliceable consistency.
Step 4: Add the Finishing Touch
Right before serving, sprinkle a generous pinch of flaky sea salt over the top of your tart. That glimmering, salty finish becomes the defining sparkle on each slice, and it heightens every note of rich caramel and chocolate beneath.
How to Serve Salted Caramel Chocolate Tart
Garnishes
A Salted Caramel Chocolate Tart looks absolutely stunning on its own, but a few thoughtful garnishes can make it even more memorable. A scattering of extra flaky sea salt, a drizzle of warm caramel, or a handful of chocolate curls transforms each slice into a masterpiece. You can also add berries or delicate edible flowers for a pop of color and freshness.
Side Dishes
Because the tart is delightfully rich, it pairs beautifully with simple sides that offer contrast. Try serving it with lightly sweetened whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to add a cool, creamy complement. Fresh berries—raspberries, strawberries, or blackberries—lend a subtle tartness that balances the dessert’s depth.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider making individual mini Salted Caramel Chocolate Tarts for special occasions, using smaller tart pans or even a muffin tin for bite-sized treats. You can also slice the tart into slim, elegant wedges and plate each on a swirl of berry coulis or a dusting of cocoa powder for a true restaurant-worthy finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Salted Caramel Chocolate Tart stores beautifully for a few days! Cover the tart loosely with plastic wrap or place slices in an airtight container. Keep it chilled in the fridge, and it will stay fresh and delicious for up to four days—the flavors deepen and meld, making each bite even better the next day.
Freezing
If you want to stash away a little magic for later, this tart can be frozen successfully. Wrap the whole tart or individual slices in plastic wrap, then in a layer of foil, and freeze for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator to preserve the smooth texture of both caramel and ganache.
Reheating
No real reheating is needed with Salted Caramel Chocolate Tart, but if you love the experience of a slightly warm dessert, let your slice sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving. This takes the chill off, making the caramel pleasantly gooey and the ganache sumptuously soft.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought caramel instead of making my own?
Absolutely, if you’re short on time, a high-quality store-bought caramel sauce works in a pinch. Simply stir in a teaspoon of sea salt before adding it to the tart shell for that essential salty-sweet note, though homemade caramel is certainly worth the extra step!
What type Dessert
For this tart, semi-sweet chocolate in the 60 to 70 percent cacao range strikes the perfect balance of intense flavor without being overwhelming. Choose a chocolate you’d enjoy eating on its own for best results.
Can I make this tart gluten-free?
Definitely! Substitute the chocolate cookie crumbs with your favorite gluten-free chocolate cookies. Double-check other ingredients for any hidden gluten, but all the main filling components are naturally gluten-free.
Is this recipe suitable for making in advance?
Yes, Salted Caramel Chocolate Tart is a fantastic make-ahead dessert. You can prepare it up to a day before your event, letting the flavors develop further—and saving you time on the day you serve.
How do I achieve that perfectly smooth ganache topping?
Make sure your chopped chocolate is very fine for easy melting, and pour hot (not boiling) cream over it. Let it stand undisturbed for a couple of minutes before stirring—it will ensure a glossy, lump-free finish every time.
Final Thoughts
There’s real joy in sharing a Salted Caramel Chocolate Tart—whether it’s for a dreamy dinner party ending or just to treat yourself to something spectacular. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try, make it your own, and savor every bite of its sweet-salty magic. Happy baking, and enjoy every decadent forkful!
Print
Salted Caramel Chocolate Tart Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes plus chilling time
- Yield: 12 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the decadent combination of rich chocolate, gooey caramel, and a hint of sea salt with this Salted Caramel Chocolate Tart. A perfect dessert for any occasion!
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1 1/4 cups chocolate cookie crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the caramel:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
For the chocolate ganache:
- 8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Flaky sea salt for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare crust: Mix cookie crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press into tart pan and bake.
- Make the caramel: Melt sugar in a saucepan, whisk in butter, add cream and sea salt. Pour into crust and chill.
- Prepare the ganache: Heat cream, pour over chocolate, let sit, then pour over caramel layer. Chill until firm.
- Serve: Sprinkle with sea salt before serving.
Notes
- Enhance the ganache with a tablespoon of espresso powder for a mocha twist.
- This tart can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge until ready to serve.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking, No-Bake Filling
- Cuisine: French-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 33 g
- Sodium: 260 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
