If you adore the luxurious blend of sweet and salty in your desserts, this Salted Caramel Tart Recipe will quickly become one of your favorites. Imagine a buttery, crisp crust cradling a rich, velvety salted caramel filling that balances decadent sweetness with a subtle hint of sea salt — each bite is a little slice of heaven. It’s elegant enough for special occasions but comforting enough to enjoy anytime you crave something truly indulgent.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Salted Caramel Tart Recipe relies on simple, quality ingredients that come together to create an extraordinary treat. Each component plays a vital role: the crust provides a tender, buttery base; the caramel filling brings that deep, luscious sweetness and saltiness; and the optional garnishes add beautiful finishing touches.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of the tart crust, offering structure and a tender crumb.
- Powdered sugar: Adds subtle sweetness and helps create a delicate texture in the crust.
- Salt: Enhances flavors, balancing sweetness in both crust and caramel.
- Unsalted butter: Cold and cubed for the crust to ensure flakiness; room temperature for the caramel to create a rich, creamy filling.
- Egg yolk: Binds the crust ingredients while enriching the flavor and texture.
- Cold water: Just enough to bring the dough together without making it tough.
- Granulated sugar: The star of the caramel, melting down to create that beautiful amber-colored syrup.
- Heavy cream: Adds creaminess and smoothness to the caramel filling.
- Vanilla extract: Deepens the flavor profile with a warm, aromatic touch.
- Sea salt: The key ingredient that transforms the caramel into perfectly salted caramel, highlighting both sweet and salty notes.
- Optional garnishes: Flaky sea salt, whipped cream, or a drizzle of chocolate elevate the tart’s presentation and taste.
How to Make Salted Caramel Tart Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Tart Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a food processor or a mixing bowl, combine the flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold, cubed butter until the mixture feels like coarse crumbs — this step is critical for a flaky crust that melts in your mouth. Add the egg yolk and slowly incorporate cold water, just until the dough comes together. Press it evenly into your tart pan, making sure to prick the base with a fork for even baking. Chill for 15 minutes to firm the dough, then bake 18 to 20 minutes until its golden hue tells you it’s ready.
Step 2: Craft the Salted Caramel Filling
While your crust cools, focus on the caramel magic. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the sugar as you stir continuously — patience is key as the sugar will gradually turn to a gorgeous amber liquid. Carefully add butter and stir until fully melted, then pour in heavy cream slowly; the bubbling can be dramatic but it’s all part of creating that silky caramel texture. Stir in the vanilla extract and sea salt, then allow the caramel to cool slightly before filling your baked crust.
Step 3: Assemble and Chill
Pour that warm, luscious caramel into your cooled tart shell, spreading it evenly with a spatula for a smooth finish. Refrigerate your tart for at least 2 to 3 hours until the caramel sets perfectly. This chilling time is essential — it lets the flavors deepen and textures solidify, making every forkful a delight.
How to Serve Salted Caramel Tart Recipe
Garnishes
Presentation is part of the experience, and garnishes can truly take your tart to the next level. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top enhances the salted caramel flavor with a satisfying crunch. Whipped cream adds a light, airy contrast to the intense richness, while a drizzle of warm chocolate introduces a luscious, complementary layer of decadence.
Side Dishes
This tart is rich and flavorful, so consider pairing it with lighter, refreshing sides like a simple bowl of fresh berries or a crisp green salad with a citrus vinaigrette. A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream alongside will also amplify the creaminess and create an irresistible dessert duo.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to wow guests, consider serving individual tartlets using the same recipe, topped with fresh fruit or edible flowers for a visual pop. You could also layer the salted caramel tart with crushed nuts or a chocolate ganache border for extra texture and flavor contrast. No matter how you choose to present it, this Salted Caramel Tart Recipe lends itself to beautiful creativity.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your tart fresh by storing any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay delightful for up to three days, allowing the flavors to mature even more as you enjoy every slice.
Freezing
Want to enjoy this indulgence later? The tart freezes well if wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving to maintain its texture and flavor.
Reheating
While the tart is best served chilled, if you prefer a slightly softer caramel, gently warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. Avoid prolonged heating to keep the crust crisp and prevent the caramel from melting too much.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter for the crust in this Salted Caramel Tart Recipe?
It’s best to use unsalted butter so you can control the saltiness of the entire tart, especially since the caramel filling already contains sea salt.
How do I prevent the caramel from hardening too much?
Adding cream and butter at the right time and cooling the caramel gently helps maintain a smooth, pourable consistency. Following the recipe’s timing closely is key.
Can I make the crust ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the crust a day in advance, bake it, and keep it refrigerated until ready to add the caramel filling.
What type of sea salt is best for sprinkling on top?
Flaky sea salt, such as Maldon, is ideal because it adds a delicate crunch and bursts of saltiness without overwhelming the caramel.
Is this Salted Caramel Tart Recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat products and uses butter and cream derived from dairy.
Final Thoughts
Sharing this Salted Caramel Tart Recipe feels like passing on a little joy wrapped in buttery crust and rich caramel. It’s an invitation to savor each bite, celebrate the harmony of flavors, and impress loved ones with a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Trust me, once you make it, it will be your go-to for celebrations and cozy nights alike.
Print
Salted Caramel Tart Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Salted Caramel Tart features a buttery, crisp crust filled with rich, homemade salted caramel. Perfectly balanced with sweet and salty flavors, this elegant dessert is ideal for holidays or special occasions.
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1–2 tablespoons cold water (as needed)
For the salted caramel filling:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature and cubed
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
For garnish (optional):
- Flaky sea salt
- Whipped cream
- Chocolate drizzle
Instructions
- Make the crust: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a food processor or mixing bowl, combine flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Add cold butter and pulse or cut in until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add egg yolk and 1 tablespoon cold water, mixing until the dough just comes together. Add more water if needed.
- Form and bake the crust: Press the dough evenly into the bottom and sides of a 9-inch tart pan. Prick the bottom with a fork to prevent bubbling. Chill in the fridge for 15 minutes to firm up the dough. Bake for 18–20 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool completely.
- Prepare the caramel filling: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the sugar, stirring constantly until it liquefies and develops a rich amber color. Carefully add the butter cubes and stir until melted and fully incorporated. Slowly whisk in the heavy cream—take caution as the mixture will bubble vigorously. Stir in vanilla extract and sea salt. Allow the caramel to cool slightly but remain pourable.
- Assemble the tart: Pour the warm caramel filling into the cooled tart shell and smooth the top evenly. Refrigerate the tart for at least 2 to 3 hours or until the caramel is fully set.
- Garnish and serve: Before serving, sprinkle the top with flaky sea salt and optional garnishes such as whipped cream or a chocolate drizzle for extra flair.
Notes
- This tart can be made a day ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator to enhance flavors.
- For a chocolate twist, spread a thin layer of melted chocolate on the baked crust before pouring in the caramel or drizzle chocolate over the set caramel topping.
- Be cautious when adding cream to the hot caramel as it bubbles vigorously; use protective measures to avoid burns.
