If you’re looking for the ultimate dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth and wow your guests, then look no further! Chocolate Salted Caramel Tarts are everything you’ve been craving—and more. Imagine the smoothest, creamiest caramel tucked into a rich, buttery tart shell, topped with a decadent layer of silky chocolate and finished with a sprinkle of sea salt. Oh yes, this one’s a game-changer! Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll be hooked.

Why You’ll Love Chocolate Salted Caramel Tarts

This recipe is all about indulgence, with a dash of elegance to make it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating something special or just treating yourself (because who doesn’t deserve a little sweet joy?), these tarts are bound to steal the show. Here’s why they’ll become your new favorite:

Versatile: Perfect for any event—whether it’s a fancy dinner party or a cozy night in. The combination of chocolate, caramel, and salt is a flavor trio that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
Budget-Friendly: Despite their fancy flavor profile, these tarts come together with simple, everyday ingredients that won’t break the bank. You might already have most of them in your pantry!
Quick and Easy: Making tarts might sound intimidating, but I promise, this recipe is straightforward and totally beginner-friendly. You can impress your friends without feeling stressed in the kitchen.
Customizable: Want to switch things up? You can use dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate for the topping. Add a touch of orange zest, or try a different nut for topping. The possibilities are endless!
Crowd-Pleasing: Who doesn’t love a little sweet and salty magic? These tarts are rich but not overwhelming, so they’re perfect for everyone at the table—from kids to adults.

Ingredients

Here’s a peek at the ingredients that come together to make these tarts so dreamy:

All-Purpose Flour: The base of the tart shell. It gives the crust that perfect crisp texture that balances out the smooth filling.
Butter: Cold, unsalted butter is the key to a flaky, tender tart crust. It brings richness and flavor to the base.
Powdered Sugar: Light and sweet, it sweetens the tart crust without weighing it down, allowing the caramel and chocolate to really shine.
Egg Yolk: This helps bind the crust together, giving it a smooth texture that holds its shape beautifully.
Heavy Cream: The star of the caramel sauce. It creates a luscious, silky texture that brings the sweetness you love.
Granulated Sugar: For caramelizing! It turns into that gorgeous, amber-colored caramel that forms the luscious filling.
Sea Salt: A sprinkle of sea salt adds the perfect touch of balance to cut through the sweetness and elevate the flavor profile.
Dark Chocolate: This is the luxurious chocolate layer that sits on top of the caramel. Dark chocolate pairs perfectly with the sweet caramel and salty finish.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into making these irresistible tarts!

1. Prepare the Tart Shells

In a food processor, pulse the flour, powdered sugar, and cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the egg yolk and pulse again until the dough begins to come together. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it a couple of times to bring it together. Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

2. Roll Out and Blind Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the dough to about 1/8 inch thick and carefully fit it into tart pans. Press the dough into the edges and trim any excess. To prevent the crust from puffing up during baking, line the tarts with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 15-18 minutes until the crust is golden brown. Let the tarts cool completely.

3. Make the Caramel Filling

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the granulated sugar, stirring occasionally until it turns into a rich amber-colored caramel. Slowly add the heavy cream (be careful, it will bubble!) and stir until the mixture is smooth. Remove from heat and add a pinch of sea salt. Let the caramel cool slightly before pouring it into the cooled tart shells. Refrigerate for about 30 minutes to set the caramel.

4. Prepare the Chocolate Ganache

In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream until it just begins to simmer. Pour the hot cream over the chopped dark chocolate in a bowl and let it sit for 2-3 minutes. Stir until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Pour the ganache over the set caramel in the tart shells and spread it evenly.

5. Chill and Serve

Let the tarts chill in the fridge for about an hour until the ganache has set. Before serving, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of each tart for that perfect sweet-and-salty finish. Serve chilled and enjoy every rich, indulgent bite!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 380

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours (including chilling time)

How to Serve Chocolate Salted Caramel Tarts

These tarts are indulgent enough to stand alone, but they’re also amazing when paired with a few extras. Here are some ideas for serving them:

With Fresh Berries: A handful of raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries adds a fresh, fruity contrast to the rich, creamy tarts.
Whipped Cream: Serve with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for extra decadence and a light, airy contrast.
Espresso or Coffee: A strong cup of espresso or a creamy latte pairs perfectly with the rich, sweet flavors of the tart. It’s the ultimate dessert-and-drink pairing.
As Part of a Dessert Spread: If you’re serving a variety of desserts, these tarts will be a hit on any dessert platter alongside cookies, cakes, or macarons.
Chilled for a Refreshing Treat: These tarts are best served chilled. Keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to serve for that perfectly cool, creamy bite.

Additional Tips

Here are a few extra tips to ensure these tarts turn out perfectly every time:

Chill the Dough: Don’t skip the chilling step for the dough. It makes the tart shell easier to work with and results in a crisp, buttery crust.
Use High-Quality Chocolate: Since the chocolate is a main feature of this dessert, make sure to use good-quality dark chocolate. It really elevates the flavor!
Watch the Caramel: Caramel can burn quickly, so be sure to keep an eye on it as it melts. Stir occasionally and adjust the heat if necessary to avoid burning.
Prep Ahead: You can make the tart shells and caramel a day ahead. Just keep everything stored in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble and finish them off.
Customize with Flavors: You can experiment by adding a splash of vanilla extract to the caramel or using milk chocolate if that’s more your style.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make these tarts ahead of time?
A1: Absolutely! These tarts are great for making ahead. Just assemble them and keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

Q2: Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
A2: Yes! If you prefer milk chocolate, it will work just as well. You’ll get a sweeter, creamier ganache.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store any leftover tarts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They’re even better after a little time to chill!

Q4: Can I freeze these tarts?
A4: Yes! You can freeze the assembled tarts before adding the ganache. Just wrap them well in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container. Thaw in the fridge before adding the ganache and serving.

Q5: How do I make sure the caramel doesn’t burn?
A5: Keep a close eye on it! Stir occasionally and make sure to lower the heat if it starts to brown too quickly. If you’re worried, you can use a candy thermometer to get it to 350°F for perfect caramel.

Q6: Can I use a different crust for the tarts?
A6: Yes, you can substitute the tart crust with a graham cracker crust or a cookie crust. Just make sure it’s sturdy enough to hold the caramel and chocolate.

Q7: How do I make these tarts more festive?
A7: For a holiday twist, top the tarts with crushed peppermint or sprinkles of edible gold leaf. You can also drizzle with extra caramel for a showstopper look!

Q8: Can I make these tarts in mini sizes?
A8: Yes, you can make mini versions of these tarts! Just use a mini tart pan or muffin tin and adjust the baking time as needed.

Q9: Can I add something extra to the caramel?
A9: Definitely! You could infuse the caramel with vanilla, bourbon, or even a pinch of cinnamon for a cozy twist.

Q10: Is there a way to make these tarts dairy-free?
A10: Yes, you can use dairy-free butter, coconut milk or almond milk for the caramel, and dairy-free chocolate to make these tarts fully dairy-free.

Conclusion

There you have it—Chocolate Salted Caramel Tarts that are sure to steal the show! With their perfectly balanced layers of chocolate, caramel, and a touch of sea salt, these tarts are a sweet and salty treat that everyone will rave about. Whether you’re hosting a party or treating yourself to something special, these tarts are a delicious way to add a little luxury to your life. Happy baking, and enjoy every decadent bite!