If you are on the lookout for a dessert that perfectly balances sweet, salty, and chocolatey flavors, this Chocolate Chip Salted Caramel Tart Recipe is an absolute winner. Imagine a buttery, golden crust studded with mini chocolate chips, generously layered with rich salted caramel, and topped with a glossy chocolate ganache that melts in your mouth. This tart is truly a crowd-pleaser, combining textures and flavors that make every bite an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving an indulgent treat, this tart delivers pure joy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Chocolate Chip Salted Caramel Tart Recipe are wonderfully straightforward, yet each one plays an essential role in creating the perfect harmony of flavor and texture. From the tender crust to the luscious caramel and silky ganache, every component brings its own magic.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the crust, providing structure and tenderness.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the crust rise just enough for a delicate crumb.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors beautifully.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and ensures a flaky texture in the crust.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the crust and balances the salted caramel perfectly.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed: Brings a lovely deep molasses flavor and moisture to the dough.
- 1 large egg: Binds the dough ingredients together.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the crust flavor.
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips: Sprinkled in the dough for little bursts of chocolate delight.
- 1 cup granulated sugar (for caramel): The key ingredient to create that luscious salted caramel layer.
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed (for caramel): Enriches the caramel with creaminess.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (for caramel): Adds velvety smoothness to the caramel.
- 1 teaspoon sea salt (for caramel): Perfectly balances sweetness with a subtle salty kick.
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (for ganache): Melts into a silky rich topping.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (for ganache): Creates a glossy and smooth chocolate layer.
- Sea salt, for sprinkling: A final touch that enhances the flavor and adds a lovely crunch.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Salted Caramel Tart Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom to ensure your tart comes out beautifully and cleanly after baking. This simple preparation is the first step towards creating that picture-perfect dessert.
Step 2: Create the Crust
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. In a separate, larger bowl, cream the softened butter with both granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process aerates the butter and sugar, which results in a tender, crumbly crust.
Step 3: Mix the Dough
Add the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed butter mixture and mix until fully incorporated. Gradually blend in the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough. Stir in the mini chocolate chips, which add delightful spots of chocolate throughout the crust.
Step 4: Bake the Crust
Press the dough evenly into the prepared tart pan, making sure it reaches all edges smoothly. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until the crust turns a lovely golden brown. Then allow it to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack, setting the stage for the luscious fillings to come.
Step 5: Prepare the Salted Caramel Filling
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, carefully melt the granulated sugar while stirring continuously until it reaches a deep amber hue. This step requires patience and attention to avoid burning the sugar. Once melted, add the cubed butter and stir until it’s fully incorporated. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly until you achieve a velvety smooth caramel. Remove from heat and mix in the sea salt for that signature salted caramel flavor. Let it cool slightly before pouring over the cooled crust, then allow it to set completely.
Step 6: Make the Chocolate Ganache
Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Place the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl, then pour the hot cream over them. Let this mixture sit for about a minute before stirring until smooth and glossy. This silky ganache will be the crowning glory of the tart.
Step 7: Assemble and Finish
Pour the chocolate ganache evenly over the set caramel layer, spreading it gently to cover. Sprinkle sea salt over the top for a beautiful presentation and an extra flavor boost. Allow the tart to set either at room temperature or in the refrigerator until the ganache is firm. When ready, carefully remove the tart from the pan, slice, and prepare to delight your taste buds!
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Salted Caramel Tart Recipe
Garnishes
This tart is stunning on its own, but a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt right before serving adds a subtle crunch and emphasizes the salted caramel’s complexity. A few chocolate shavings or a dusting of cocoa powder can also elevate its presentation and flavor.
Side Dishes
Pair your Chocolate Chip Salted Caramel Tart Recipe with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a classic match. For a fresh contrast, crisp berries or slices of tart green apple can brighten the experience and add a touch of fruitiness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a show-stopping dessert, serve slices of the tart on elegant plates drizzled with extra caramel sauce and scattered crushed pecans. You can also place individual miniature tart versions in small pans for a charming twist perfect for parties or gift-giving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover tart covered in the refrigerator. Stored properly, it will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld together beautifully overnight, often tasting even better the next day.
Freezing
If you want to save the tart for longer, it freezes well. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil to protect it from freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy leftovers, bring the tart to room temperature, or gently warm individual slices in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. This quick reheat softens the ganache slightly while keeping that fantastic flavor intact.
FAQs
Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of mini chocolate chips in the crust?
Absolutely! Regular-sized chocolate chips will work well, though mini chips distribute more evenly and melt nicely in the crust, giving a more uniform texture.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream in the ganache?
You can use half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk as alternatives, but the texture and richness may differ slightly. Heavy cream gives the smoothest and creamiest ganache.
How do I prevent the caramel from burning?
Cooking the sugar slowly over medium heat and stirring constantly is key. Once it reaches a deep amber color, promptly add the butter and cream to stop the cooking process and develop that perfect caramel flavor.
Can this tart be made gluten-free?
Yes, by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, you can make this tart gluten-free. Just be mindful that texture might vary slightly depending on the blend used.
How far in advance can I make this tart for a party?
This tart is a great make-ahead dessert and can be prepared one or two days in advance. Just keep it refrigerated and bring it to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
If you want to wow your friends or family with a dessert that tastes as incredible as it looks, you simply must try this Chocolate Chip Salted Caramel Tart Recipe. It’s a beautiful blend of buttery crust, smooth salted caramel, and rich chocolate ganache that’s bound to become a favorite in your baking collection. Once you give it a go, I’m sure it’ll be requested over and over again!
Print
Chocolate Chip Salted Caramel Tart Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Chocolate Chip Salted Caramel Tart is a decadent dessert featuring a buttery chocolate chip cookie crust, a luscious salted caramel filling, and a smooth chocolate ganache topping, sprinkled with sea salt for the perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors. Ideal for special occasions or any time you crave an indulgent treat.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips
Salted Caramel Filling
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
Chocolate Ganache
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Sea salt, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom to ensure the tart releases easily after baking.
- Make the Crust Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning components.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender crust.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated for structure and flavor.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix the dry flour mixture into the wet butter mix until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Fold in Mini Chocolate Chips: Stir the mini chocolate chips into the dough to distribute the chocolate flavor throughout the crust evenly.
- Form and Bake Crust: Press the dough evenly into the prepared tart pan. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the crust is golden brown, signaling it’s perfectly baked and ready to hold the fillings.
- Cool Crust: Remove the tart from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan on a wire rack, which helps the crust set firmly for the next layers.
- Make Salted Caramel Filling: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the granulated sugar while stirring constantly until it turns a deep amber color, being careful to avoid burning.
- Add Butter to Caramel: Carefully add the cubed unsalted butter to the caramelized sugar and stir until the butter is fully melted and incorporated.
- Add Heavy Cream: Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring constantly to create a smooth, cohesive caramel sauce.
- Season Caramel: Remove the pan from heat and stir in sea salt to introduce the signature salted caramel flavor.
- Cool and Pour Caramel: Allow the caramel to cool slightly before pouring it over the cooled tart crust, then let it set completely to form a solid layer.
- Prepare Chocolate Ganache: Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Place semi-sweet chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl.
- Combine Ganache Ingredients: Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips and let it sit for one minute to soften the chips, then stir until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
- Assemble Tart: Pour the chocolate ganache evenly over the set caramel layer, spreading it with a spatula if needed for a smooth finish.
- Final Touch: Sprinkle the top with sea salt to enhance the flavors and add a subtle crunch.
- Set Tart: Let the tart set at room temperature or refrigerate it until the ganache firms up to your desired consistency.
- Serve: Remove the tart from the pan carefully, slice into 12 servings, and enjoy this rich and indulgent dessert with friends or family!
Notes
- Ensure the butter in the crust is softened but not melted for best texture.
- When making caramel, avoid stirring too vigorously to prevent crystallization.
- Let the caramel cool slightly before pouring over crust to prevent melting the crust layers.
- Use a tart pan with a removable bottom for easy removal and presentation.
- This tart tastes best when allowed to come to room temperature before serving for optimal flavor and texture.
