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
Scale
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.
