Few desserts strike the perfect balance between rich, sweet, and salty like Chocolate Salted Caramel Tarts. This luxurious treat combines a buttery, crisp tart shell with a velvety smooth caramel filling, topped with a glossy dark chocolate ganache and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. The contrast of flavors and textures makes every bite unforgettable—creamy caramel oozes beneath the bittersweet chocolate, while the salt enhances the sweetness without overpowering it. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or indulging in a solo treat, these tarts are sure to impress.
The beauty of this Chocolate Salted Caramel Tarts recipe lies in its versatility. You can make mini tarts for elegant individual servings or a large tart for a show-stopping centerpiece. The process may seem intricate, but with careful attention to each layer—the crust, caramel, and chocolate—you’ll achieve bakery-quality results at home. Plus, the combination of high-quality cocoa, homemade caramel, and premium salt elevates this dessert from ordinary to extraordinary.
What Makes Chocolate Salted Caramel Tarts Special?
This dessert stands out for its harmonious flavor profile—deep chocolate, buttery caramel, and a hint of salt create a symphony of taste. The contrast in textures (crunchy crust, gooey caramel, silky ganache) adds to its appeal. It’s also highly customizable: swap dark chocolate for milk or white, or add nuts for crunch. Perfect for holidays, date nights, or gifting, these tarts are as visually stunning as they are delicious.
Chocolate Salted Caramel Tarts Recipe: A Decadent Dessert
7
servings30
minutes25
minutes320
kcalIngredients for Chocolate Salted Caramel Tarts Recipe
For the Tart Shells:
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup cocoa powder
½ cup powdered sugar
½ tsp salt
½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
1 egg yolk
2 tbsp ice water
- For the Salted Caramel:
1 cup granulated sugar
6 tbsp unsalted butter
½ cup heavy cream
1 tsp sea salt
- For the Chocolate Ganache:
1 cup dark chocolate, chopped
½ cup heavy cream
Flaky sea salt (for garnish)
Directions for Chocolate Salted Caramel Tarts Recipe
- Prepare the Tart Shells
In a food processor, blend flour, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and salt.
Add cold butter and pulse until crumbs form.
Mix in egg yolk and ice water until dough comes together.
Roll out the dough, press into tart molds, and freeze for 15 minutes.
Blind bake at 350°F (180°C) for 12–15 minutes. Cool completely.
- Make the Salted Caramel
Melt sugar in a saucepan over medium heat until amber-colored.
Whisk in butter until melted, then slowly add cream (it will bubble).
Boil for 1 minute, then stir in salt. Cool slightly before pouring into shells.
- Add Chocolate Ganache
Heat cream until simmering, then pour over chopped chocolate. Let sit for 2 minutes.
Stir until smooth, then pour over caramel layer.
Sprinkle with flaky salt before the ganache sets.
What to Serve With Chocolate Salted Caramel Tarts
- Coffee or espresso to balance sweetness.
- Vanilla ice cream for a warm-cold contrast.
- Fresh berries (raspberries/strawberries) for acidity.
Nutrition Info (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 18g
- Carbs: 38g
- Protein: 3g
- Sugar: 25g
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Salted Caramel Tarts recipe is a foolproof way to delight any crowd. With its restaurant-quality appeal and simple techniques, it’s a dessert worth mastering. The interplay of sweet, salty, and bitter ensures it’s never cloying—just pure indulgence.
