If you love the kind of dessert that stops the conversation as soon as everyone takes a bite, the Chocolate Chip Salted Caramel Tart is destined to be your new go-to showstopper. Imagine a tender, buttery crust, topped with a thick, golden layer of homemade salted caramel, finished with a glossy blanket of rich melted chocolate and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. Every bite is full of deep chocolate, sweet-salty caramel, and a beautifully delicate crunch. This tart not only looks beautiful on a dessert table, but its flavor always wins compliments (and second helpings!). Let’s capture perfection, one incredible slice at a time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Chocolate Chip Salted Caramel Tart leans on simple pantry staples, but each ingredient is selected for its power to transform flavor and texture. The combination of rich dairy, fine flour, and just the right salt means every element stands out and balances perfectly with the others.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the structure for the tart crust, creating that essential firm but tender bite.
- Powdered sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the crust stay wonderfully crumbly and delicate.
- Salt: Just the right touch elevates and balances all the sweet flavors.
- Unsalted butter (cold and cubed): Cold butter ensures a flakey, melt-in-your-mouth pastry base.
- Large egg yolk: Gives extra richness and helps bind the dough for a perfectly unified crust.
- Cold water: A splash brings the dough together without overworking it.
- Granulated sugar: The foundation for silky, homemade caramel.
- Unsalted butter (room temperature): Creates a lush, glossy caramel layer.
- Heavy cream: Adds creaminess and helps the caramel become irresistibly smooth.
- Sea salt: Deepens the caramel notes and adds that signature sophisticated flavor.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: For a deep, distinct top layer that balances both caramel and crust.
- Flaky sea salt (for topping): Adds a gorgeous finish and a pop of texture with every bite.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Salted Caramel Tart
Step 1: Prepare the Tart Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a food processor, blend together the flour, powdered sugar, and salt, pulsing as needed. Cold butter is next—add it in and pulse until you get fine, sandy crumbs. Mix in the egg yolk and cold water just until the dough comes together; don’t overmix. Press the dough evenly into your tart pan, making sure to push it up the sides for that signature shape. Prick the base all over with a fork to prevent puffing and bake for about 18 to 20 minutes, until the crust turns lightly golden. Allow to cool completely before you move on.
Step 2: Make the Salted Caramel Filling
This is where the magic happens! In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the granulated sugar, stirring constantly so it doesn’t burn. Watch it transform into a deep amber liquid. Carefully whisk in the room-temp butter—it will bubble dramatically, so stand back! Pour in the heavy cream slowly, continuing to stir, and let it bubble for a minute or two until smooth and shiny. Remove from the heat, stir in the sea salt, and set aside to cool slightly. Pour the caramel into your cooled tart crust, spreading it evenly, and pop the tart in the fridge for an hour to set.
Step 3: Create the Chocolate Topping
Now, melt the chocolate chips either in a heatproof bowl set over simmering water or in the microwave. If using a microwave, heat in 30-second bursts, stirring frequently, until perfectly smooth. Pour the melted chocolate over the chilled caramel layer and use a spatula or the back of a spoon to smooth it out so the tart looks bakery-worthy. Chill the assembled tart again, this time for at least 30 minutes, to let everything set up beautifully.
Step 4: Add the Finishing Touches
Once your Chocolate Chip Salted Caramel Tart is firm, remove it gently from the tart pan and place it on a serving plate. Just before serving, sprinkle a generous pinch of flaky sea salt on top. This extra flourish takes each slice from delicious to unforgettable!
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Salted Caramel Tart
Garnishes
For an eye-catching finish, crown your Chocolate Chip Salted Caramel Tart with a bold scattering of flaky sea salt. If you’re feeling extra, consider a handful of mini chocolate chips for a playful touch, or even a drizzle of warm caramel for an extra dose of decadence. A few fresh berries add a pop of color and a hint of tartness to balance the rich flavors.
Side Dishes
This tart is a showstopper all on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a dollop of softly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. A few tart berries on the side or a light espresso make each bite even more indulgent, providing a delicious contrast to the Chocolate Chip Salted Caramel Tart’s richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the tart into elegant triangles or playful bars for easy grabbing at parties. Serve individual slices on chic plates dusted with cocoa powder, or layer assorted chocolate shavings around the edges for extra drama. For a bite-sized treat, use a mini tart pan and create personal-sized Chocolate Chip Salted Caramel Tarts—perfect for showers or afternoon teas!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover tart can be covered and kept in the refrigerator for up to four days. The crust stays nicely crisp, and the chocolate and caramel layers remain irresistibly rich. Simply store any remaining Chocolate Chip Salted Caramel Tart in an airtight container to maintain its texture and freshness.
Freezing
If you want to prep ahead or save the tart for a rainy day, it freezes like a dream. After chilling and slicing, wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. Thaw slices overnight in the refrigerator when you’re ready for a special treat.
Reheating
This tart is best enjoyed at room temperature, but if you like the chocolate slightly softened, let a refrigerated slice sit out for 15-20 minutes before serving. Avoid reheating in the microwave as it can melt the chocolate topping unevenly. A gentle warm-up at room temp beautifully revives the decadent experience.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought caramel instead of homemade?
Absolutely! While homemade caramel deepens the flavor and gives a lovely texture, a high-quality store-bought caramel sauce works in a pinch. Just mix in a little extra flaky salt to get that signature salty kick found in the Chocolate Chip Salted Caramel Tart.
How do I keep my crust from getting soggy?
Be sure the crust is completely cooled before adding the caramel, and avoid overfilling with caramel. The natural fats in chocolate and caramel help act as a barrier to keep things crisp, so just be patient with cooling and chilling at each stage.
What if I don’t have a tart pan?
No tart pan? No problem. You can use a regular pie dish, though you may lose that signature straight-sided look. For super clean edges, line the dish with parchment, or try using a springform pan for easy removal.
Can I use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet?
Of course! Dark chocolate brings a sophisticated, bittersweet edge that’s wonderful with the sweet caramel. Just make sure to taste for sweetness and bump up the sugar a smidge if you love things on the sweeter side.
What’s the best way to cut neat slices?
For gorgeous, bakery-worthy pieces, use a warm, sharp knife. Dip the knife in hot water, wipe dry, then slice—they’ll glide right through the chocolate layer without cracking the top or smushing the caramel beneath. Clean the blade between slices for picture-perfect results.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a truly memorable dessert, you can’t go wrong with this Chocolate Chip Salted Caramel Tart. It’s as elegant as it is comforting, and every layer is made to impress. Give it a try—your friends and family will be asking for this recipe long before the last crumb disappears!
Print
Chocolate Chip Salted Caramel Tart Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich flavors of this decadent Chocolate Chip Salted Caramel Tart, a perfect blend of sweet and salty in every bite. A buttery crust filled with luscious caramel and topped with smooth chocolate, finished with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt.
Ingredients
Tart Crust:
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon cold water
Salted Caramel Filling:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
Additional:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Flaky sea salt, for topping
Instructions
- Prepare Tart Crust: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a food processor, combine flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Add cold butter and pulse until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add egg yolk and cold water; pulse until the dough just comes together. Press the dough into a 9-inch tart pan; bake for 18 to 20 minutes. Let cool.
- Make Salted Caramel: Heat granulated sugar in a saucepan until melted. Whisk in butter, then add heavy cream slowly. Let bubble for 1–2 minutes, remove from heat, stir in sea salt. Pour into tart crust; refrigerate.
- Chocolate Layer: Melt chocolate chips; pour over set caramel. Chill tart; sprinkle with flaky sea salt before serving.
Notes
- Use high-quality chocolate for best flavor.
- The tart can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. Bring to room temperature before serving for a softer texture.
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