Salted Caramel Chocolate Tart

Featured in: Simple Sweet Treats

This elegant dark chocolate tart features a buttery cocoa crust filled with a velvety salted caramel layer, topped by a smooth chocolate ganache. The balance of deep chocolate notes and sweet-salty caramel creates a luscious finish. Chilling and careful layering ensure a clean slice and perfect texture for an indulgent dessert moment.

Updated on Sun, 15 Feb 2026 14:26:59 GMT
Decadent salted caramel chocolate tart with glossy ganache and flaky sea salt topping.  Save
Decadent salted caramel chocolate tart with glossy ganache and flaky sea salt topping. | hazelfork.com

Experience the ultimate indulgence with this Salted Caramel Chocolate Tart. This elegant French-inspired dessert features a crisp, cocoa-infused shortcrust pastry filled with a silky layer of homemade salted caramel and topped with a luxurious dark chocolate ganache. A final sprinkle of flaky sea salt creates a perfect balance of flavors, making it a sophisticated choice for any dessert lover.

Decadent salted caramel chocolate tart with glossy ganache and flaky sea salt topping.  Save
Decadent salted caramel chocolate tart with glossy ganache and flaky sea salt topping. | hazelfork.com

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While this recipe requires several steps, the result is a professional-grade tart that is sure to impress. Success lies in the chilling times, which ensure each layer sets perfectly for clean, beautiful slices.

Ingredients

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  • Chocolate Tart Crust: 1 1/4 cups (160 g) all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup (30 g) unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/2 cup (115 g) cold cubed unsalted butter, 1/3 cup (40 g) powdered sugar, 1 large egg yolk, 2–3 tbsp cold water, and a pinch of salt.
  • Salted Caramel Layer: 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar, 1/4 cup (60 mL) water, 1/3 cup (80 mL) heavy cream, 1/4 cup (55 g) cubed unsalted butter, and 1/2 tsp flaky sea salt (plus extra for topping).
  • Chocolate Ganache: 6 oz (170 g) finely chopped dark chocolate (60–70% cocoa), 2/3 cup (160 mL) heavy cream, and 1 tbsp softened unsalted butter.

Instructions

Prepare the Tart Crust
Whisk the dry ingredients together, then rub in the cold butter until coarse crumbs form. Mix in the egg yolk and water until the dough comes together. Shape into a disk and chill for 30 minutes. Roll out the dough, press into a 9-inch tart pan, and chill again for 15 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line the shell with parchment and pie weights, bake for 15 minutes, then remove weights and bake 8–10 minutes more. Cool completely.
Make the Salted Caramel Layer
Dissolve sugar in water over medium heat, then boil without stirring until it reaches a deep amber color. Remove from heat and carefully whisk in the cream and butter until smooth. Stir in the salt, then pour over the tart crust. Chill for 30 minutes until set.
Prepare the Chocolate Ganache
Place chopped chocolate in a bowl. Heat cream until simmering, pour over the chocolate, and let sit for 2 minutes. Add butter and stir until glossy. Pour over the caramel layer and refrigerate for at least 1 hour until fully set.
Finish and Serve
Top with flaky sea salt and use a warm knife to cut into 8 servings.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To ensure the best results, always use cold butter for the crust to maintain its flaky texture. When making the caramel, avoid stirring the sugar once it begins to boil to prevent crystallization. Always allow the crust to cool completely before adding the caramel, and ensure the caramel is set before pouring the ganache to keep the layers distinct.

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Varianten und Anpassungen

For a sophisticated flavor twist, add a pinch of espresso powder to the chocolate ganache to enhance the dark chocolate notes. If you need a gluten-free version, you can successfully substitute the all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend.

Serviervorschläge

Before serving, sprinkle a fresh layer of flaky sea salt on top for visual contrast and flavor. For the cleanest slices, dip your knife in warm water and wipe it dry between each cut. This tart pairs beautifully with a glass of tawny port or a cup of dark roast coffee to complement the richness of the chocolate.

Rich dark chocolate tart layered with silky salted caramel, perfect for dessert lovers.  Save
Rich dark chocolate tart layered with silky salted caramel, perfect for dessert lovers. | hazelfork.com

This Salted Caramel Chocolate Tart is a decadent masterpiece that perfectly balances sweet and salty notes. With its beautiful layers and rich finish, it is the ideal centerpiece for your next special occasion or dessert gathering.

Recipe Questions & Answers

What type of chocolate is best for this tart?

Use dark chocolate with 60–70% cocoa content for a rich and balanced flavor that complements the salted caramel.

Can I prepare the tart crust in advance?

Yes, the crust dough can be chilled up to one day in advance to enhance flavor and ease rolling.

How do I achieve the perfect salted caramel layer?

Cook sugar and water until amber, then whisk in cream and butter quickly to create a smooth, silky caramel with a touch of sea salt for balance.

What is the best way to slice the tart cleanly?

Use a warm, sharp knife and wipe it between cuts to maintain neat edges and prevent ganache smearing.

Are there any suitable variations for dietary restrictions?

Substituting gluten-free flour blend in the crust and ensuring dairy alternatives in caramel and ganache can accommodate dietary needs.

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Salted Caramel Chocolate Tart

A dark chocolate tart layered with smooth salted caramel and topped with flaky sea salt.

Prep Time
30 minutes
Time to Cook
25 minutes
Time Required
55 minutes
Created by Lydia Carver

Recipe Group Simple Sweet Treats

Skill Level Medium

Cuisine Type French

Makes 8 Portions

Diet Preferences Meat-Free

Needed Ingredients

Chocolate Tart Crust

01 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
03 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
04 1/3 cup powdered sugar
05 1 large egg yolk
06 2-3 tablespoons cold water
07 Pinch of salt

Salted Caramel Layer

01 3/4 cup granulated sugar
02 1/4 cup water
03 1/3 cup heavy cream
04 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cubed
05 1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt, plus extra for topping

Chocolate Ganache

01 6 ounces dark chocolate (60-70% cocoa), finely chopped
02 2/3 cup heavy cream
03 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened

Preparation Steps

Step 01

Prepare the Tart Crust: In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and salt. Add cold butter and rub in with fingertips or pulse in a food processor until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add egg yolk and 2 tablespoons cold water; mix until dough comes together, adding more water if needed. Shape dough into a disk, wrap in plastic, and chill for 30 minutes.

Step 02

Line and Pre-bake the Tart Shell: Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface and press into a 9-inch tart pan with removable bottom. Trim excess dough. Chill shell for 15 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line shell with parchment paper and fill with pie weights. Bake for 15 minutes, remove weights, and bake 8-10 minutes more until set. Cool completely.

Step 03

Make the Salted Caramel Layer: In a saucepan, combine sugar and water over medium heat. Stir until sugar dissolves, then stop stirring to prevent crystallization. Increase heat and cook until mixture turns deep amber color, approximately 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat and carefully whisk in cream (mixture will bubble vigorously). Whisk in butter until smooth and well combined. Stir in sea salt. Pour caramel over cooled tart crust and spread evenly. Chill for 30 minutes until set.

Step 04

Prepare the Chocolate Ganache: Place chopped dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Heat cream in a small saucepan until just simmering, then pour over chocolate. Let sit undisturbed for 2 minutes to allow chocolate to soften. Add softened butter and stir gently until mixture is smooth and glossy. Pour ganache over caramel layer and smooth the top with a spatula. Refrigerate tart for at least 1 hour until ganache is set.

Step 05

Finish and Serve: Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the tart just before serving. Slice with a warm knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between cuts to achieve clean, precise edges. Serve at room temperature or slightly chilled.

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Essential Tools

  • 9-inch tart pan with removable bottom
  • Mixing bowls
  • Saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Rolling pin
  • Parchment paper and pie weights
  • Heatproof spatula

Allergy Details

Review ingredients for allergens and speak to your doctor with any concerns.
  • Contains wheat and gluten
  • Contains dairy including butter, cream, and milk solids
  • Contains eggs
  • May contain traces of tree nuts from processed chocolate

Nutritional Info (each portion)

Nutrition details are for reference and aren't a substitute for medical advice.
  • Energy (Calories): 420
  • Fats: 27 g
  • Carbohydrates: 44 g
  • Proteins: 4 g

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