This Salted Caramel Tart is the epitome of indulgence – a buttery, crumbly crust filled with rich caramel sauce and topped with a sprinkle of sea salt. The contrast between the sweet, velvety caramel and the slight saltiness makes every bite a treat. It’s a dessert that’ll satisfy your sweet cravings while offering a complex balance of flavors.
For an impressive dessert that’s simple yet sophisticated, this tart is perfect for any occasion – whether you’re celebrating a special event or enjoying a cozy evening at home. Serve it as the finishing touch to a delightful dinner or present it as a showstopper at a gathering. Either way, it’s bound to become a crowd favorite.
Full Recipe:
-
1 1/4 cups (150g) digestive biscuits or graham crackers, crushed
-
1/4 cup (30g) unsalted butter, melted
-
1 1/4 cups (300g) brown sugar
-
1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
-
1/2 teaspoon salt
-
4 tablespoons (60g) unsalted butter
-
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
-
1 tablespoon sea salt (for topping)
Directions:
-
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
-
Mix the crushed biscuits with melted butter and press them into the base of a tart pan. Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until lightly golden.
-
In a medium saucepan, melt the brown sugar over medium heat until it turns into caramel. Add cream, salt, butter, and vanilla, stirring constantly until smooth.
-
Pour the caramel over the crust and refrigerate for at least 2 hours until set.
-
Sprinkle with sea salt before serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
Kcal: 350 kcal per slice | Servings: 8 servings
Introduction to Salted Caramel Tart
If you’re a fan of sweet and salty flavor combinations, the Salted Caramel Tart is a must-try. This dessert combines a buttery biscuit crust, smooth caramel filling, and a rich chocolate ganache topping to create an irresistible indulgence. What makes this tart unique is its creamy caramel filling, made with a mix of butter, sugar, and condensed milk, which creates a soft, custard-like texture without the need for a candy thermometer. The result is a silky, melt-in-your-mouth experience that’s simply divine.
While it may seem like a complicated dessert, it’s surprisingly easy to make with just a few ingredients. Once the tart is assembled, you can sit back and relax as it sets in the fridge. The combination of the caramel and chocolate ganache topping provides an amazing contrast in texture and flavor, making each bite a rich and satisfying treat.
The Secret to Perfect Caramel Filling
The caramel filling in this tart is what truly sets it apart. Unlike traditional caramel that requires precise temperature control, this recipe uses condensed milk to create a rich, creamy filling that sets perfectly without any guesswork. The combination of butter and brown sugar gives the caramel a deep, toasty flavor, while the condensed milk adds a smooth, velvety texture. This method, popular in Australian desserts like Caramel Slice, eliminates the need for a candy thermometer, making it accessible to home bakers of all skill levels.
Once baked, the caramel filling sets into a soft custard-like consistency, which is why it’s so important to bake it until the edges are golden but the center remains slightly jiggly. This ensures that the tart has the perfect texture – not too firm or runny. The addition of sea salt to the caramel enhances the sweet-savory contrast and adds a touch of elegance to this already luxurious dessert.
The Biscuit Crust: A Simple Yet Perfect Base
The tart crust is just as important as the filling. Made with crushed biscuits (such as digestive biscuits, graham crackers, or Marie crackers), the crust adds a nice crunch and buttery flavor that complements the creamy filling. The biscuit base is easy to prepare – just combine crushed biscuits with melted butter, press the mixture into the tart pan, and bake it briefly to set the crust. The result is a perfectly crumbly base that holds up well under the rich caramel and chocolate toppings.
One of the best things about this tart is its versatility. You can experiment with different types of biscuits for the crust to give it your personal touch. For example, if you prefer a slightly spiced flavor, you can use ginger biscuits or even chocolate biscuits for the base. The important thing is to make sure the crust is firm enough to support the filling and hold its shape once sliced.
Chocolate Ganache Topping: The Finishing Touch
No caramel tart would be complete without a decadent topping, and that’s where the chocolate ganache comes in. A traditional ganache is made with equal parts cream and chocolate, but for this tart, the ganache has a slightly higher ratio of chocolate to cream. This makes the ganache firmer and perfect for topping a tart – it doesn’t drip or smear, allowing for clean, neat slices when serving.
The ganache is easy to make. Simply melt the cream and chocolate together, let it cool slightly to thicken, and then pour it over the set caramel. The result is a smooth, glossy topping that adds richness to the tart. A light sprinkling of sea salt on top enhances the flavor and provides a nice visual contrast.
Perfect for Special Occasions
This Salted Caramel Tart is perfect for a special occasion or a dinner party. Its rich, indulgent flavor will impress your guests, and its gorgeous presentation makes it a showstopper. The tart can be prepared ahead of time, making it an ideal dessert for busy hosts. Simply store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve, and allow it to come to room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
Whether it’s a birthday, holiday celebration, or a casual get-together, this dessert will make any event feel extra special. The combination of the caramel, chocolate, and biscuit crust makes it a dessert that will have everyone coming back for seconds (and maybe thirds!).
Storage and Shelf Life
One of the great things about this Salted Caramel Tart is that it keeps exceptionally well. Once prepared, the tart can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. The crust may soften slightly over time, but the caramel filling and chocolate ganache remain as delicious as the day it was made.
If you’re planning to make this tart in advance, it also freezes beautifully. Just ensure it’s tightly wrapped and stored in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to serve, allow it to come to room temperature, and it will be just as good as when it was freshly made. This makes it a great option for meal prepping or making ahead for a special occasion.
Conclusion: A Dessert Worth the Effort
In conclusion, the Salted Caramel Tart is the ultimate dessert for anyone who loves the rich combination of sweet and salty flavors. It’s a showstopper that’s surprisingly easy to make and perfect for any occasion. From the buttery biscuit crust to the creamy caramel filling and glossy chocolate ganache, every bite is a decadent treat that will leave you craving more.
While it may seem like a complicated dessert, the secret to its success lies in its simplicity. With just six ingredients and a few easy steps, you can create a luxurious tart that looks and tastes like something you’d find at a high-end patisserie. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this tart is a recipe you’ll want to add to your collection. So go ahead, indulge your sweet tooth, and treat yourself to a slice (or two) of this irresistible salted caramel tart.
Tips for Making the Perfect Salted Caramel Tart:
-
Don’t Overcook the Caramel: Be sure to remove the caramel from the heat when it’s just starting to steam. Overcooking can make it too thick or caramelized, which will affect the texture of the tart.
-
Use Quality Chocolate: For the best ganache topping, opt for high-quality dark chocolate with a cocoa content of around 70%. This ensures a rich, smooth ganache that complements the sweetness of the caramel.
-
Room Temperature is Best: For the perfect texture, let the tart come to room temperature before serving. This ensures the caramel remains soft and creamy, while the ganache stays firm enough for neat slicing.
This Salted Caramel Tart is sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.