Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the first time I made a salted caramel tart! I remember standing in my kitchen, the sweet aroma of caramel dancing through the air, and I couldn’t help but smile. This tart is everything you love about desserts—rich, buttery, and just the right amount of salty to balance the sweetness. The moment I took my first bite, I was in heaven! It’s like a little piece of bliss that melts in your mouth. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to make, which is a huge win in my book. Whenever I whip this up, it feels like a celebration, and trust me, your friends and family will think you’re a pastry chef! You’ve got to try it; it’s a total game-changer for any dessert lover!

Ingredients List
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour – This will be the base of your buttery crust.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened – Make sure it’s nice and soft for easy mixing.
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar – This adds a touch of sweetness to the crust.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – Just a pinch to enhance the flavors.
- 1/4 cup heavy cream – This will create that luscious caramel texture.
- 1 cup granulated sugar – The star of the show for our caramel.
- 1/4 cup water – Helps to dissolve the sugar for a smooth caramel.
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup – This keeps the caramel from crystallizing.
- 1 teaspoon sea salt – Essential for that delightful salted flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds a warm, aromatic note to the filling.
How to Prepare the Salted Caramel Tart
Preparing the Tart Crust
Let’s kick things off by making that buttery crust! First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, softened unsalted butter, powdered sugar, and salt. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, blend the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. It’s a little messy, but that’s half the fun! Next, press this mixture evenly into the bottom and up the sides of a tart pan. Don’t rush this step; you want it nice and even. Bake the crust for about 15 minutes or until it turns a lovely golden brown. The smell will be divine! Once baked, let it cool while we move on to the filling.
Making the Salted Caramel Filling
Now for the real star of the show—the salted caramel! In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, water, and light corn syrup. Turn the heat to medium and let it cook without stirring. Keep an eye on it! You want it to turn a beautiful amber color, which should take about 8–10 minutes. Once it reaches that perfect shade, carefully remove it from the heat (watch out, it’s hot!). Slowly add the heavy cream while stirring constantly—it’ll bubble up, so be cautious! Stir in the sea salt and vanilla extract until everything is smooth and glossy. This filling is pure magic!
Assembling the Tart
Now that we have our crust and filling ready, it’s time to assemble! Pour the warm caramel filling into the cooled tart shell, making sure it fills all the nooks and crannies. Give it a gentle shake to level it out. Let the tart cool completely at room temperature, and then pop it in the fridge for at least 2 hours to set. Trust me, letting it chill is crucial—it makes slicing easier and enhances those flavors. When you’re ready to serve, slice it up and enjoy every rich, sweet, and salty bite! You’re gonna love it!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your salted caramel tart turns out absolutely perfect! First off, be patient while cooking the caramel; rushing it can lead to burnt sugar, and that’s a no-go! Make sure to use a heavy-bottomed saucepan for even heat distribution. When you add the cream, do it slowly and stir constantly—this helps avoid splatters and ensures a smooth mixture. And don’t skip the chilling step! It’s vital for the tart to set properly, making it easier to slice. Lastly, feel free to experiment with toppings like flaky sea salt or a drizzle of chocolate for that extra touch of decadence!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to indulging in a slice of my delicious salted caramel tart, it’s always good to know what you’re treating yourself to! Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one slice:
- Calories: 300
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 25g
- Protein: 2g
Of course, these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use and how big your slices are, but this gives you a general idea. Just remember, every bite is worth it!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different type of sugar?
Absolutely! You can experiment with brown sugar for a deeper flavor, but keep in mind that it may change the texture slightly.
What if my caramel hardens?
If your caramel hardens, just place it back on low heat with a splash of cream to soften it up again. No need to start over!
Can I add nuts to this tart?
Yes! Chopped pecans or walnuts sprinkled on top before the caramel sets add a lovely crunch and flavor contrast.
How long can I store the tart?
You can store it in the fridge for up to a week, but trust me, it won’t last that long!
Is it possible to make this tart gluten-free?
Definitely! Just swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend, and you’re good to go!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Decadent flavor: The perfect balance of sweet and salty that dances on your taste buds.
- Impressive presentation: Your friends will think you slaved away in a fancy bakery!
- Simple ingredients: You probably already have most of these items in your pantry.
- Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a holiday dinner or just a Tuesday, it fits right in.
- Make-ahead friendly: Prepare it in advance and chill, making entertaining so much easier.
- Customizable: Add nuts, chocolate drizzle, or even a sprinkle of sea salt for extra flair.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your leftover salted caramel tart is super easy! Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. It’ll stay good in the fridge for up to a week, but trust me, it’s so delicious, it might not last that long! If you want to enjoy it warm, you can gently reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Just be careful not to overdo it, as you don’t want to melt the caramel too much. Enjoy each bite of this delightful tart, whether cold or warm!
Print
Salted caramel tart: 5 reasons it’s pure dessert bliss
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious salted caramel tart with a buttery crust and rich filling.
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, butter, powdered sugar, and salt.
- Press the mixture into a tart pan.
- Bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown.
- In a saucepan, combine granulated sugar, water, and corn syrup.
- Cook over medium heat until the mixture turns amber.
- Remove from heat and carefully add heavy cream and sea salt.
- Stir in vanilla extract.
- Pour the caramel into the baked tart shell.
- Let it cool completely before serving.
Notes
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Serve with whipped cream for added flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Salted caramel tart