This salted dark chocolate tart is a sophisticated dessert that combines the richness of dark chocolate with a hint of saltiness to create a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. The smooth and velvety dark chocolate filling sits on top of a crisp, buttery crust, with just a sprinkle of sea salt to elevate the taste. This tart is not only an indulgent treat but also a showstopper for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or simply treating yourself to something luxurious, this tart is sure to impress with its elegance and depth of flavor.
The combination of dark chocolate and a touch of salt has gained popularity in recent years, and this recipe takes it to the next level. The dark chocolate provides a rich, bittersweet flavor that contrasts beautifully with the salty topping, creating a taste experience that lingers long after the last bite. The crisp, golden crust adds the perfect crunch and texture to every bite, making this tart a delightful treat for any chocolate lover. If you’re looking for a dessert that’s both decadent and easy to prepare, this salted dark chocolate tart is the answer. Let’s dive into the details of how to make this irresistible dessert and why you’ll fall in love with it.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. Decadent Dark Chocolate Flavor
This tart is a dream for dark chocolate lovers. The dark chocolate filling is rich, smooth, and velvety, offering a deep and intense flavor that’s complemented perfectly by a pinch of sea salt.
2. Balanced Sweet and Salty Taste
The combination of sweet dark chocolate with a touch of salt creates a sophisticated flavor profile that is neither too sweet nor too salty—just the right balance.
3. Simple, Yet Elegant
With only a few ingredients and easy preparation steps, this tart delivers a showstopping dessert that looks as impressive as it tastes. It’s perfect for entertaining or any special occasion.
4. Easy to Customize
You can tweak the recipe to suit your personal taste, such as adjusting the amount of salt, chocolate, or adding toppings like whipped cream or berries for extra flair.
5. Make Ahead and Convenient
The tart can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge, making it an ideal dessert for busy hosts or anyone looking to prep in advance.
Ingredients
- Dark chocolate
- Heavy cream
- Unsalted butter
- Sugar
- Sea salt
- All-purpose flour
- Salted butter
- Egg yolks
- Water
Variations
- Milk Chocolate Tart: Swap out dark chocolate for milk chocolate for a creamier, sweeter version of this tart.
- Nut Crust: Add finely chopped nuts like almonds or hazelnuts to the crust for extra texture and flavor.
- Fruit Topping: Top the tart with fresh fruit like raspberries, strawberries, or oranges for a burst of freshness that balances the richness of the chocolate.
- Spiced Tart: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even chili powder to the chocolate filling for a warm, spiced twist on the classic recipe.
- Vegan Option: Use coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative, and substitute the butter with vegan butter for a dairy-free version.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
In a food processor, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add the cold butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the egg yolks and a tablespoon of water, then pulse again until the dough comes together. Press the dough into the base of a tart pan and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.
Step 2: Bake the Crust
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the dough has chilled, bake the crust for about 15-18 minutes or until golden brown. Let it cool completely.
Step 3: Make the Chocolate Filling
In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat and add the chopped dark chocolate, stirring until smooth and fully melted. Stir in the butter and sugar until well combined. Let the mixture cool slightly before pouring it into the cooled tart shell.
Step 4: Chill and Set the Tart
Refrigerate the tart for at least 3 hours, or until the filling is firm and set. Once ready, sprinkle the top with a pinch of sea salt.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the tart has set, slice it into wedges and serve. You can garnish with fresh berries or whipped cream if desired.
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Make sure your tart crust is fully cooled before adding the filling to prevent it from becoming soggy.
- Use high-quality dark chocolate for the best flavor.
- Chill the tart long enough to ensure the filling sets properly—don’t rush the process!
- You can freeze the tart if you want to make it ahead of time; just be sure to let it thaw in the fridge before serving.
- If your chocolate filling doesn’t seem smooth, you can gently reheat it over a double boiler and stir until it becomes silky again.
How to Serve
This salted dark chocolate tart is best served chilled. You can enjoy it on its own or add a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a handful of fresh berries on the side for added texture and freshness. A light drizzle of caramel sauce can also enhance the flavor for those who like a touch of sweetness to complement the tartness of the dark chocolate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the tart in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. Make sure it’s well-covered to prevent it from absorbing any odors from the fridge.
Freezing
You can freeze the tart for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or place it in a freezer-safe container. To thaw, leave it in the fridge overnight before serving.
Reheating
While this tart is best enjoyed chilled, you can briefly warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds if you prefer it slightly softer.
FAQs
1. Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
Yes, you can use milk chocolate for a sweeter and creamier flavor.
2. How do I prevent the crust from becoming soggy?
Ensure the crust is completely cooled before adding the filling, and bake it until golden brown to create a crisp texture.
3. Can I make this tart without a tart pan?
Yes, you can use a pie dish or any similar round baking dish if you don’t have a tart pan.
4. Can I use dairy-free cream for the filling?
Yes, coconut cream or almond cream works as a substitute for heavy cream in this recipe.
5. How much sea salt should I use on top?
Just a small pinch is enough to enhance the flavors without overwhelming the chocolate.
6. Can I freeze the tart?
Yes, you can freeze the tart, but it’s best to freeze it without any toppings and add them once it’s thawed.
7. Can I make the crust ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the crust up to two days ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
8. Can I add other flavors to the chocolate filling?
Yes, you can add spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or chili powder for a unique twist.
9. Can I substitute the butter in the crust with margarine?
Yes, margarine can be used as a substitute for butter if needed.
10. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make the tart gluten-free.
Conclusion
The salted dark chocolate tart is the ultimate dessert for any chocolate lover, offering a rich and satisfying combination of sweet, salty, and creamy flavors. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just treating yourself, this tart is sure to impress with its elegant appearance and decadent taste. With simple ingredients and easy steps, it’s a dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Don’t forget to customize it to your liking with different toppings and variations, and enjoy a slice of chocolate heaven!
PrintSalted Dark Chocolate Tart
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes (includes chill time)
- Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This decadent Salted Dark Chocolate Tart features a smooth and rich dark chocolate filling, complemented by a pinch of sea salt for the perfect balance of sweet and savory. A buttery, crumbly crust holds it all together, making it a show-stopping dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1 1/4 cups (160g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup (30g) powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 tbsp ice water
For the filling:
- 8 oz (225g) dark chocolate (70% cocoa)
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- 1/4 cup (60g) granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp sea salt (plus extra for sprinkling)
Instructions
- Prepare the crust:
In a food processor, combine the flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Add the cold butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the egg yolk and ice water, then pulse until the dough begins to come together. Press the dough into a tart pan, then chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. - Bake the crust:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once chilled, bake the crust for about 15 minutes, or until golden brown. Allow it to cool completely. - Make the filling:
Place the dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream and sugar over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let it sit for 1-2 minutes. Stir until smooth and combined, then stir in vanilla extract and sea salt. - Assemble the tart:
Pour the chocolate filling into the cooled tart crust. Smooth the top with a spatula, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until set. - Finish and serve:
Before serving, sprinkle a little extra sea salt on top of the tart for that perfect salty-sweet contrast.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, you can use a gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour.
- The tart can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- If you want a stronger chocolate flavor, you can use a higher percentage of cocoa in the dark chocolate.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, French