Salted Caramel Chocolate Tart is an indulgent dessert that combines a buttery, crumbly crust with a smooth, velvety layer of dark chocolate ganache and a rich, gooey salted caramel filling. The contrast between the sweet, salty, and bitter flavors creates the ultimate balance, making every bite a perfect harmony of textures and tastes. This decadent tart is ideal for special occasions or when you’re craving something extraordinary to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect flavor balance: The combination of rich chocolate, gooey salted caramel, and a buttery crust creates an irresistible flavor contrast that’s sweet, salty, and indulgent.
Gourmet dessert: This tart looks and tastes like something you’d find at a high-end bakery, yet it’s easy to make at home.
Elegant presentation: With its beautiful layers and smooth ganache, this tart will impress your guests or make for a stunning centerpiece at any gathering.
Make ahead: This tart can be made in advance, allowing you to prepare it for parties, celebrations, or a special treat without the last-minute rush.

Ingredients

For the crust:

1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (or digestive biscuits)
¼ cup granulated sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
Pinch of salt

For the salted caramel filling:

1 cup granulated sugar
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
½ cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon sea salt (plus extra for garnish)

For the chocolate ganache:

8 oz (about 1 cup) dark chocolate (70% cocoa), chopped
½ cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons unsalted butter

For garnish (optional):

Flaked sea salt
Fresh berries (optional)
Chocolate shavings or curls

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

For the crust:

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom.
Make the crust: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, melted butter, and salt. Stir until well combined, and the mixture resembles wet sand.
Press the crust into the pan: Press the mixture evenly into the bottom and up the sides of the tart pan to form a firm, even crust. Use the back of a spoon or a flat-bottomed glass to compact it.
Bake the crust: Place the tart pan in the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown. Remove it from the oven and let it cool completely.

For the salted caramel filling:

Make the caramel: In a medium saucepan, heat the sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it melts and turns into a golden amber color. Be careful not to burn it.
Add butter and cream: Once the sugar has melted, immediately add the butter and stir until it is fully combined. Then slowly pour in the heavy cream (it will bubble up, so be cautious). Stir the mixture until smooth.
Add vanilla and salt: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and sea salt. Let the caramel cool slightly before pouring it into the cooled tart crust. Smooth it out into an even layer and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour, until the caramel is set.

For the chocolate ganache:

Heat the cream: In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Do not let it boil.
Make the ganache: Pour the hot cream over the chopped dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes to melt the chocolate. Afterward, stir until smooth and glossy. Stir in the butter until fully melted and incorporated.
Assemble the tart: Pour the chocolate ganache over the set caramel layer in the tart crust. Smooth the top with a spatula and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until the ganache is firm.

For garnish:

Garnish the tart: Before serving, sprinkle a small pinch of flaky sea salt on top of the chocolate ganache. Optionally, add fresh berries or chocolate shavings for extra decoration.

Servings and Timing

Servings: This recipe makes 8-10 servings.
Preparation time: 25 minutes (excluding cooling and chilling time)
Baking time: 8-10 minutes for the crust
Chill time: 3 hours (including caramel and ganache setting)
Total time: 4 hours (including all chilling)

Variations

Nutty crust: Add chopped nuts (like pecans or almonds) to the graham cracker crust for extra crunch and flavor.
Milk chocolate ganache: If you prefer a sweeter, less bitter chocolate flavor, use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate for the ganache.
Salted caramel swirl: For a more intense caramel flavor, drizzle some extra salted caramel sauce over the top before adding the ganache.
Vegan version: Use vegan butter, coconut cream, and dairy-free chocolate to make this tart vegan-friendly.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store the tart in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezing: This tart can also be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Reheating: The tart is best served chilled or at room temperature. No reheating is necessary, as it’s meant to be enjoyed cold.

Salted Caramel Chocolate Tart

FAQs

Can I make this tart ahead of time?

Yes, this tart is perfect for making ahead of time. It needs several hours to set in the fridge, and you can make it a day or two in advance for convenience.

Can I use a different type of sugar for the caramel?

You can use brown sugar or coconut sugar for a slightly different flavor profile in the caramel, but white granulated sugar gives the cleanest, most classic caramel flavor.

Can I substitute the tart pan with a pie pan?

Yes, you can use a pie pan, but keep in mind the tart pan with a removable bottom makes it easier to remove the tart and slice it neatly.

Is this tart very sweet?

While this tart is rich and sweet, the salted caramel and dark chocolate balance out the sweetness, offering a more complex flavor. You can reduce the sugar in the caramel filling if you prefer a less sweet dessert.

How do I know when the caramel is ready?

The caramel is ready when it turns a golden amber color and reaches the desired consistency. You can test it by dropping a small amount into cold water; it should form a soft ball. If it’s too runny, continue to cook it for another 1-2 minutes.

Conclusion

Salted Caramel Chocolate Tart is a luxurious and indulgent dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich layers of caramel, smooth chocolate ganache, and buttery crust, this tart is the ultimate treat for anyone with a sweet tooth. Whether you serve it at a special event or enjoy it with family, this tart is sure to impress and leave everyone coming back for more!

Salted Caramel Chocolate Tart

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ingredients