Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transform your dessert game forever! These Salted Caramel Chocolate Ganache Tarts are not just a dessert – they're a luxurious experience that marries the rich, velvety smoothness of dark chocolate with the irresistible sweetness of caramel, all topped with a tantalizing sprinkle of sea salt. Imagine cutting into a perfectly crisp chocolate cookie crust, revealing layers of golden caramel and silky ganache that will make your taste buds dance with pure joy. Whether you're hosting a fancy dinner party or simply treating yourself to an indulgent moment, these tarts are guaranteed to impress and satisfy even the most discerning dessert lovers.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups crushed chocolate cookies
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 ounces dark chocolate, chopped
- 1 cup caramel sauce
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare 8 individual tart pans by lightly greasing them with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the crushed chocolate cookies and melted butter. Mix thoroughly until the cookie crumbs are evenly coated and resemble wet sand.
- Press the cookie mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of each tart pan, creating an even crust. Use the back of a spoon or your fingers to compact the crumbs.
- Bake the cookie crusts for 8-10 minutes until set. Remove from the oven and let cool completely at room temperature.
- For the chocolate ganache, heat the heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Do not allow it to boil.
- Place the chopped dark chocolate in a heat-proof bowl. Slowly pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let sit for 2-3 minutes.
- Whisk the chocolate and cream together until smooth and glossy, creating a rich ganache.
- Drizzle a layer of caramel sauce into each cooled cookie crust, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
- Carefully pour the chocolate ganache over the caramel layer, filling each tart to the brim.
- Sprinkle sea salt evenly over the top of each tart for a delightful sweet-and-salty contrast.
- Refrigerate the tarts for at least 2 hours or until the ganache is set and firm.
- Before serving, let the tarts sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to soften slightly. Garnish with additional sea salt if desired.
Tips
- Use high-quality dark chocolate for the most intense and rich ganache flavor.
- Ensure your cookie crust is firmly packed to prevent crumbling.
- When heating cream for ganache, watch carefully and remove from heat just as it starts to simmer.
- Allow tarts to set completely in the refrigerator for the best texture.
- For a smoother ganache, use a hand whisk or spatula and stir gently to avoid incorporating air bubbles.
- Room temperature ingredients help create a more consistent ganache.
- Don't skip the sea salt – it's the secret weapon that elevates the entire dessert!
- For a make-ahead option, these tarts can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Cholesterol: 60mg
