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Indulge in the decadent layers of this Salted Caramel Chocolate Tart. A crisp and buttery chocolate shortcrust sets the stage for a velvety caramel that melts in your mouth, topped with a rich and silky chocolate ganache. Finished with a touch of sea salt, this dessert is a masterpiece of balance and flavor.
Perfect for gatherings or intimate dinners, this tart pairs beautifully with freshly whipped cream or a scoop of espresso ice cream for added sophistication. Each slice is a symphony of textures and tastes, making it an irresistible treat for chocolate and caramel aficionados alike.
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Full Recipe:
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:
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- 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:
- 250g dark chocolate (roughly chopped)
- 300ml double cream/heavy cream
To finish:
- Cocoa powder for dusting
- Flaky sea salt
Directions:
- Prepare the Chocolate Shortcrust Pastry:
- Add flour, cocoa powder, salt, and sugar to a food processor or mix in a bowl.
- Add cold butter cubes and blitz/mix until the texture is sandy or small lumps remain.
- Add cold milk and pulse until cohesive. Shape into a disc, wrap in cling film, and refrigerate for at least 3 hours.
- Roll and Bake Pastry:
- Roll chilled dough to about 3mm thickness and line a 10” tart tin. Trim excess dough, dock with a fork, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Blind bake at 170°C (fan) or 190°C (conventional) for 20 minutes with weights, then for 15 minutes without weights. Cool completely.
- Make the Salted Caramel:
- Melt sugar in a saucepan over medium-low heat until amber. Add butter, cream, vanilla, and salt, whisking until smooth.
- Let caramel cool slightly, then pour into the tart shell. Refrigerate until set.
- Prepare the Chocolate Ganache:
- Heat cream gently until steaming, pour over chopped chocolate, and let sit for 1 minute. Whisk until smooth.
- Pour ganache over the caramel layer and spread evenly. Chill until set.
- Finish and Serve:
- Dust with cocoa powder and sprinkle flaky sea salt before serving.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 4 hours (includes chilling)
Kcal: 630 per serving | Servings: 12
The Ultimate Salted Caramel Chocolate Tart: A Decadent Treat for Every Occasion
Desserts often hold the power to turn an ordinary day into something extraordinary, and the Salted Caramel Chocolate Tart does just that. This sumptuous creation is a harmonious blend of buttery pastry, smooth caramel, and luscious chocolate ganache, each layer contributing to a symphony of flavors and textures. A treat for the senses, this tart is perfect for celebrations, intimate dinners, or simply indulging yourself on a quiet evening.
The Charm of Salted Caramel and Chocolate
The pairing of chocolate and salted caramel has become a classic in the world of desserts, and for good reason. The rich, slightly bitter notes of dark chocolate perfectly balance the sweet and salty flavors of caramel, creating a contrast that delights the palate. This tart takes that combination to the next level by incorporating these flavors into a beautifully layered dessert.
The chocolate shortcrust pastry forms the perfect base. It’s crisp yet tender, with the cocoa powder adding depth and richness that complements the layers above. The salted caramel is a revelation—silky and smooth, with just the right amount of salt to enhance its sweetness. Topping it all is the chocolate ganache, a luxurious layer that melts in your mouth, leaving behind the lingering satisfaction of high-quality chocolate.
Why Make It from Scratch?
In an age of convenience, it might be tempting to use store-bought ingredients, but crafting this tart entirely from scratch is a rewarding experience. Making your own chocolate shortcrust pastry, caramel, and ganache ensures that every element is fresh and tailored to your taste.
The process, while slightly time-consuming, is straightforward and approachable, even for those less experienced in baking. Techniques like blind baking the pastry and tempering the ganache might seem daunting, but they’re worth mastering—not just for this recipe but for many others you might explore in the future. Plus, there’s something deeply satisfying about serving a dessert that’s been handmade from start to finish.
Tips for the Perfect Tart
Achieving perfection with this tart requires attention to detail, and a few tips can make all the difference:
- Keep Ingredients Cold: When working with pastry, keeping your butter and milk cold ensures a flaky and tender crust. This prevents the butter from melting prematurely and keeps the pastry from becoming tough.
- Patience with Caramel: The caramel layer is simple but requires vigilance. Watch for the perfect amber hue when melting the sugar, as this is key to its flavor. Be cautious when adding cream and butter to avoid crystallization, and always use a silicone spatula to prevent sticking.
- Ganache Consistency: The ganache should be silky and smooth, which means avoiding overheating the cream. The right temperature allows the chocolate to melt gently, preventing a grainy texture.
- Balance is Key: The layers of this tart are designed to complement one another. The buttery crust supports the richness of the ganache, while the salted caramel adds a touch of contrast. Ensuring even thickness for each layer is vital to achieving this balance.
Versatility and Pairings
While the Salted Caramel Chocolate Tart is undeniably indulgent on its own, pairing it with the right accompaniments can elevate the experience further. A dollop of softly whipped cream can lighten the richness, while a scoop of vanilla or espresso ice cream introduces a refreshing coolness that contrasts beautifully with the dense tart.
For beverages, a strong espresso or a robust red wine like a Malbec can complement the tart’s bold flavors. If you’re looking for something non-alcoholic, a well-brewed cup of Earl Grey tea with its citrusy bergamot notes offers an elegant pairing.
A Dessert That Stands Out
What sets this tart apart is its ability to cater to a wide range of occasions. Its elegant presentation and luxurious taste make it a stunning centerpiece for dinner parties or holiday gatherings. At the same time, it’s a comforting treat that can be enjoyed in the simplicity of your home, perhaps shared with a loved one or savored alone.
Moreover, this recipe can be adapted to suit dietary needs. Substituting plant-based butter and coconut cream makes this tart entirely vegan, without compromising on its rich and decadent nature. Similarly, adjusting the sweetness level or experimenting with different types of chocolate (such as milk or white chocolate) allows for personalization based on individual preferences.
A Story to Share
Every dessert has a story, and the Salted Caramel Chocolate Tart is no exception. It’s a dessert that brings people together, inviting them to share a moment of joy and indulgence. The interplay of flavors mirrors the beauty of diversity—sweet, salty, bitter, and creamy—all working together to create something greater than the sum of its parts.
Whether it’s the nostalgic aroma of cocoa as the pastry bakes, the golden sheen of caramel as it comes together on the stovetop, or the glossy finish of ganache as it sets, every step in the process carries a sense of anticipation and accomplishment.
Conclusion: A Decadent Delight Worth Every Effort
The Salted Caramel Chocolate Tart is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience. From the first bite to the last, it offers a journey through layers of flavor and texture that leave a lasting impression. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice looking to try something new, this recipe is a rewarding challenge that’s sure to impress.
So, take the time to craft this tart with care and share it with those you cherish. After all, the best desserts are those made with love, and this tart is a testament to the joy of baking and the magic it brings to our lives.
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Salted Caramel Chocolate Tart
- Total Time: 1 hour
Description
Indulge in the decadent layers of this Salted Caramel Chocolate Tart. A crisp and buttery chocolate shortcrust sets the stage for a velvety caramel that melts in your mouth, topped with a rich and silky chocolate ganache. Finished with a touch of sea salt, this dessert is a masterpiece of balance and flavor.
Perfect for gatherings or intimate dinners, this tart pairs beautifully with freshly whipped cream or a scoop of espresso ice cream for added sophistication. Each slice is a symphony of textures and tastes, making it an irresistible treat for chocolate and caramel aficionados alike.
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:
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- 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:
- 250g dark chocolate (roughly chopped)
- 300ml double cream/heavy cream
To finish:
- Cocoa powder for dusting
- Flaky sea salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Chocolate Shortcrust Pastry:
- Add flour, cocoa powder, salt, and sugar to a food processor or mix in a bowl.
- Add cold butter cubes and blitz/mix until the texture is sandy or small lumps remain.
- Add cold milk and pulse until cohesive. Shape into a disc, wrap in cling film, and refrigerate for at least 3 hours.
- Roll and Bake Pastry:
- Roll chilled dough to about 3mm thickness and line a 10” tart tin. Trim excess dough, dock with a fork, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Blind bake at 170°C (fan) or 190°C (conventional) for 20 minutes with weights, then for 15 minutes without weights. Cool completely.
- Make the Salted Caramel:
- Melt sugar in a saucepan over medium-low heat until amber. Add butter, cream, vanilla, and salt, whisking until smooth.
- Let caramel cool slightly, then pour into the tart shell. Refrigerate until set.
- Prepare the Chocolate Ganache:
- Heat cream gently until steaming, pour over chopped chocolate, and let sit for 1 minute. Whisk until smooth.
- Pour ganache over the caramel layer and spread evenly. Chill until set.
- Finish and Serve:
- Dust with cocoa powder and sprinkle flaky sea salt before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes