Print
clockclock iconcutlerycutlery iconflagflag iconfolderfolder iconinstagraminstagram iconpinterestpinterest iconfacebookfacebook iconprintprint iconsquaressquares iconheartheart iconheart solidheart solid icon

Decadent Chocolate Caramel Tarts: A Beginner’s Guide to Mastering a Classic Dessert

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Golden, buttery tart shells filled with luscious caramel and topped with silky, rich chocolate—these Decadent Chocolate Caramel Tarts are a dessert dream come true! Whether you’re a baking newbie or a seasoned pro, this easy-to-follow guide will help you master this classic treat. Perfect for special occasions or an everyday sweet escape! 🍫✨

  • Total Time: 1 hour (plus chilling time)
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Scale

For the Crust:

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup + 1 tablespoon Dutch-process unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 10 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed and softened
  • ½ cup + 2 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar
  • 2 egg yolks, room temperature
  • ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For the Caramel Filling:

  • 1 ½ cups sugar
  • 3 tablespoons light corn syrup
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 6 tablespoons water
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 6 tablespoons heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For the Ganache:

  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 4 ounces bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped (such as Scharffen Berger)
  • Vanilla Fleur de Sel or regular sea salt for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Crust

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt; set aside.
  2. Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or a hand mixer), cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
  3. Add the egg yolks and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
  4. Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients, mixing just until a dough forms.
  5. Divide the dough into six equal portions and press each portion into the bottoms and sides of six 3.5-inch tartlet pans with removable bottoms.
  6. Refrigerate the tartlet shells for 30 minutes to prevent shrinkage during baking.
  7. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prick the tart shells all over with a fork to prevent air pockets.
  8. Bake for 13-15 minutes, until set. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool completely.

Step 2: Making the Caramel Filling

  1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, whisk together sugar, corn syrup, salt, and water.
  2. Bring to a boil and cook without stirring until a candy thermometer reads 340°F (170°C). The mixture should turn a deep amber color.
  3. Remove from heat and carefully whisk in butter, heavy cream, sour cream, and vanilla extract. Be cautious, as the mixture will bubble up rapidly.
  4. Stir until smooth, then pour the caramel into the cooled tart shells.
  5. Let the tarts cool slightly, then refrigerate for 3-4 hours, or until the caramel is firm.

Step 3: Preparing the Chocolate Ganache

  1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, bring heavy cream to a gentle boil.
  2. Place chopped chocolate in a medium bowl and pour the hot cream over it. Let sit for 1 minute to allow the chocolate to soften.
  3. Slowly stir with a rubber spatula until the ganache is smooth and glossy.
  4. Spoon the ganache evenly over the chilled caramel tarts.
  5. Refrigerate again for 3-4 hours until the chocolate is set.
  6. If desired, sprinkle with Vanilla Fleur de Sel or sea salt before serving.

Notes

How to Know When Caramel is Ready

  • The key to perfect caramel is monitoring the color and temperature. It should turn deep amber and reach 340°F (170°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, look for a rich golden brown hue.
  • If the caramel crystallizes (turns grainy), add a few tablespoons of water and reheat gently to dissolve the sugar.

What to Do If Your Caramel Burns

  • If the caramel turns too dark or smells bitter, it has burned. Unfortunately, there’s no way to fix it, so it’s best to start over.

Efficient Kitchen Tips

  • Chill your tart dough before baking to keep the crust from shrinking.
  • Use a double boiler for the ganache if you’re worried about overheating the chocolate.

Alternative Tart Sizes

  • If you don’t have mini tart pans, you can make this into a full-sized 9-inch tart by pressing the dough into a 9-inch fluted tart pan.
  • Bake for 20 minutes instead of 13-15 minutes.
  • Chill the caramel layer for 4-5 hours and the ganache layer for 4-5 hours before slicing.
  • Author: Paula Susan
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes