If you’re craving a dessert that perfectly balances sweet, salty, and chocolatey flavors, then this Chocolate Chip Salted Caramel Tart Recipe will quickly become your new favorite. Imagine a crisp, buttery crust loaded with mini chocolate chips, layered with a luscious salted caramel filling, and topped with a silky smooth chocolate ganache sprinkled with a touch of sea salt. Each bite offers a fantastic crunch followed by gooey caramel and rich chocolate that will have you coming back for more. This tart is the ultimate showstopper for any gathering or a special treat to enjoy at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Chocolate Chip Salted Caramel Tart Recipe are straightforward but essential, each playing a key role to create that perfect balance of textures and flavors. From the buttery crust to the creamy caramel and rich chocolate finish, every component shines through.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation for the tart’s crisp, sturdy crust that holds everything together beautifully.
- Baking soda: Helps to give just a tiny lift in the crust’s texture for that perfect bite.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness wonderfully.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and flakiness to the crust, as well as creaminess to the caramel.
- Granulated sugar: Used in both the crust and caramel for sweetness and caramelization.
- Brown sugar: Gives a subtle molasses flavor and moisture to the crust’s texture.
- Egg: Binds the crust ingredients together for a tender yet firm base.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the crust’s flavor.
- Mini chocolate chips: Mixed into the crust for bursts of melty chocolate in every bite.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: The star of the ganache topping, delivering smooth, rich chocolate flavor.
- Heavy cream: Critical for both the caramel and ganache, lending a gorgeously creamy texture.
- Sea salt: Sprinkled on top to enhance the salted caramel and chocolate contrast.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Salted Caramel Tart Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your crust bakes evenly. While the oven warms, grease a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom—this will make unmolding your tart effortless and beautiful.
Step 2: Make the Crust
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt to combine the dry ingredients evenly. In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter with both granulated and brown sugar until light and fluffy—that’s the secret to a tender, flavorful crust. Next, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet just until combined, then fold in the mini chocolate chips to distribute sweet bites throughout the dough.
Step 3: Bake the Crust
Press the dough evenly into your prepared tart pan, making sure it reaches all edges. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until it turns a lovely golden brown, signaling a perfectly baked crust that’s still soft enough to contrast with the filling. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack before adding the filling.
Step 4: Prepare the Salted Caramel Filling
For the caramel, melt the granulated sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly. Watch closely as it transforms into a rich amber color, the smell is intoxicating and signals that deep caramel flavor. Carefully stir in the cubed butter until melted, then slowly add the heavy cream while stirring to keep the mixture smooth and luscious. Remove from heat and mix in the sea salt. Let the caramel cool slightly before pouring it over your cooled crust so it sets beautifully without running.
Step 5: Create the Chocolate Ganache
Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until it just starts to simmer, then pour it over the semi-sweet chocolate chips placed in a heatproof bowl. Let this sit for a minute to soften the chocolate, then stir until achieving a glossy, silky ganache that’s perfect for pouring.
Step 6: Assemble the Tart
Pour the chocolate ganache evenly over the set caramel layer, smoothing it out with a spatula. To add a touch of sophistication and contrast, sprinkle sea salt over the top. Let the tart rest at room temperature or refrigerate it until the ganache firms up to your preferred consistency.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once set, carefully remove the tart from the pan, slice, and get ready for a taste sensation. The crunch of the crust, the gooey salted caramel, and the luxurious chocolate ganache all come together perfectly in this crowd-pleasing dessert.
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Salted Caramel Tart Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a few flaky sea salt crystals on top just before serving to enhance the salted caramel flavor even more. You can also add a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of crushed nuts like toasted pecans for an added textural surprise.
Side Dishes
This tart pairs wonderfully with lightly sweetened fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. The coolness and freshness balance the richness and add a refreshing finish to each bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving individual slices on small, elegant plates with a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce for extra flair. You might also garnish each slice with a fresh mint leaf or edible flowers to elevate the presentation for special occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover tart covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for about 3 to 4 days, allowing you to enjoy this indulgence well beyond the initial serving.
Freezing
If you want to prepare this Chocolate Chip Salted Caramel Tart Recipe ahead of time, it freezes beautifully. Wrap the cooled tart securely in foil and then place it inside an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving for best results.
Reheating
For a warm and gooey treat, gently reheat individual slices in a microwave for 15 to 20 seconds. This softens the ganache and caramel slightly, making it even more irresistible. Avoid reheating the entire tart to prevent texture loss in the crust.
FAQs
Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of mini chocolate chips in the crust?
Absolutely! Regular-sized chocolate chips will work fine in the crust, but keep in mind they might create larger pockets of chocolate, which is delicious but slightly different in texture compared to the mini chocolate chips.
Is there a way to make this tart gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that measures similarly. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum or another binder to maintain the crust’s structure.
Can I prepare the caramel filling in advance?
Definitely! The caramel filling can be made a day ahead, stored in the fridge, and gently warmed before pouring it over the crust. This helps save time on the day you want to assemble the tart.
What’s the best way to achieve a smooth ganache?
Using good-quality chocolate and slowly pouring hot cream over it allows the chocolate to melt evenly. Let it sit for a minute before stirring to avoid lumps and achieve that perfect glossy texture.
How long should I let the tart set before serving?
Ideally, allow the tart to set for at least 1 to 2 hours at room temperature or refrigerate for 30 minutes to an hour until the ganache firms up nicely. This ensures clean slices and the best flavor experience.
Final Thoughts
Trust me when I say you’re going to adore every bite of this Chocolate Chip Salted Caramel Tart Recipe. It’s a luscious combination of textures and flavors that feels both indulgent and comforting. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just need a treat to brighten your day, this tart is the perfect answer. Go ahead, bake it with love, and watch it disappear quickly—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
Print
Chocolate Chip Salted Caramel Tart Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This decadent Chocolate Chip Salted Caramel Tart combines a buttery chocolate chip crust with a luscious homemade salted caramel filling, topped with a silky chocolate ganache and a sprinkle of sea salt. Perfect for chocolate lovers seeking a balance of sweet and salty flavors in an elegant dessert.
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). Grease a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom to prepare for the crust.
- Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the dough.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Stir in Mini Chocolate Chips: Fold in the mini chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough.
- Bake the Crust: Press the dough evenly into the prepared tart pan ensuring it covers the bottom and sides. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the crust turns a golden brown color.
- Cool the Crust: Remove from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- 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 not to burn it.
- Add Butter to Caramel: Carefully add the cubed butter to the melted sugar and stir until it is fully melted and smooth.
- Add Cream to Caramel: Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring constantly to create a smooth caramel sauce.
- Season Caramel: Remove from heat and stir in the sea salt evenly. Allow the caramel to cool slightly.
- Pour Caramel over Crust: Pour the slightly cooled caramel over the cooled crust and spread evenly. Let it set completely at room temperature.
- Make Chocolate Ganache: Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to simmer, then remove from heat.
- Melt Chocolate: Place the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl, pour the hot cream over them, and let it sit for one minute.
- Stir Ganache: Stir the mixture until smooth and glossy, creating a silky ganache topping.
- Assemble the Tart: Pour the ganache over the set caramel layer, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Sprinkle Sea Salt: Sprinkle a light dusting of sea salt on top of the ganache for a perfect balance of flavors.
- Set the Tart: Allow the tart to set at room temperature or refrigerate until the ganache firms up to your liking.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove the tart from the pan, slice into 12 servings, and enjoy this rich, indulgent dessert that perfectly marries chocolate, caramel, and salt.
Notes
- Allowing the caramel to cool slightly before pouring prevents it from melting the crust or ganache layer.
- Use a tart pan with a removable bottom for easier serving and clean edges.
- For a richer ganache, use high-quality semi-sweet chocolate chips.
- Store leftover tart covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
- If you prefer, refrigerate the set tart for firmer slices or serve at room temperature for a softer texture.
