Ingredients
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
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt; set aside.
- Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or a hand mixer), cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg yolks and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
- Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients, mixing just until a dough forms.
- 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.
- Refrigerate the tartlet shells for 30 minutes to prevent shrinkage during baking.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prick the tart shells all over with a fork to prevent air pockets.
- Bake for 13-15 minutes, until set. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool completely.
Step 2: Making the Caramel Filling
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, whisk together sugar, corn syrup, salt, and water.
- 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.
- Remove from heat and carefully whisk in butter, heavy cream, sour cream, and vanilla extract. Be cautious, as the mixture will bubble up rapidly.
- Stir until smooth, then pour the caramel into the cooled tart shells.
- Let the tarts cool slightly, then refrigerate for 3-4 hours, or until the caramel is firm.
Step 3: Preparing the Chocolate Ganache
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, bring heavy cream to a gentle boil.
- 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.
- Slowly stir with a rubber spatula until the ganache is smooth and glossy.
- Spoon the ganache evenly over the chilled caramel tarts.
- Refrigerate again for 3-4 hours until the chocolate is set.
- 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.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes