Indulge in the rich flavors of this Caramel Chocolate Tart, a delectable dessert that beautifully combines a buttery sand base with a luscious caramel filling and a smooth layer of milk chocolate. This tart is perfect for special occasions or simply as a treat to satisfy your sweet tooth. The combination of the crumbly tart crust and the creamy caramel and chocolate filling creates a heavenly experience in every bite. With a straightforward preparation process, this dessert will impress your family and friends without requiring extensive baking skills. Let’s dive into the world of caramel and chocolate with this delightful recipe!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
For the Sand Base:
- Butter: 100 grams, softened
- Sugar: 50 grams
- Flour: 150 grams
For the Quick Caramel:
- Condensed Milk: 1 can (approximately 397 grams)
- Butter: 100 grams
- Sugar: 80 grams
For the Filling:
- Milk Chocolate: 200 grams, chopped
- Butter: 10 grams
Making It Step by Step
Step 1: Prepare the Sand Base
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Mix Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and sugar. Beat until the mixture is creamy and light in color, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Flour: Gradually sift in the flour, mixing until it forms a crumbly dough.
- Form the Base: Press the dough evenly into the bottom and up the sides of a tart pan (about 9 inches in diameter). Prick the base with a fork to prevent bubbling.
- Bake: Place the tart pan in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely.
Step 2: Make the Quick Caramel
- Combine Ingredients: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the condensed milk, butter, and sugar.
- Cook the Mixture: Stir constantly until the mixture starts to thicken and turns a golden caramel color, about 8-10 minutes. Be careful not to let it burn.
- Cool the Caramel: Once thickened, remove from heat and let it cool slightly before pouring it into the cooled tart shell.
Step 3: Prepare the Chocolate Filling
- Melt Chocolate: In a heatproof bowl, combine the chopped milk chocolate and 10 grams of butter. Melt in a microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth and glossy.
- Pour Over Caramel: Once the caramel has set slightly (but not completely cooled), pour the melted chocolate mixture over the caramel layer, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
- Chill the Tart: Place the tart in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until the chocolate is set.
- Serve: Once set, remove the tart from the pan and slice into wedges. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Cooking Tips
- Use Quality Ingredients: For the best flavor, use high-quality chocolate and fresh butter.
- Cool Properly: Allow the tart to cool completely before adding the caramel and chocolate layers to prevent melting.
- Add a Touch of Sea Salt: For a gourmet touch, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of the chocolate layer before chilling.
- Make Ahead: This tart can be made a day in advance. Just keep it stored in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve.
Storage
- Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: The tart can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. To serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Nutritional Facts (Per Slice, assuming 10 servings)
- Calories: Approximately 320 kcal
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 50mg
FAQs
- Can I use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate?
- Yes, you can substitute dark chocolate for milk chocolate for a richer flavor. Adjust the sweetness as needed.
- Is there a gluten-free option for the sand base?
- Absolutely! You can use a gluten-free flour blend to make the sand base gluten-free.
- What if I don’t have a tart pan?
- If you don’t have a tart pan, you can use a pie dish or a square baking dish. Just adjust the baking time as needed.
- Can I add nuts to the filling?
- Yes! Chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans can be added to the caramel layer for added texture.
- How can I make the tart more festive?
- Decorate the top with chocolate shavings, caramel drizzle, or fresh berries for a beautiful presentation.
Conclusion
This Caramel Chocolate Tart is a stunning dessert that combines a buttery sand base with a quick caramel and smooth chocolate filling, making it a perfect choice for any occasion. Easy to prepare and sure to impress, this tart offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures that will leave everyone wanting more. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or treating yourself to something sweet, this tart will be a hit at any gathering. Enjoy every luscious bite!