Salted Dark Chocolate Tart Recipe

The Dreamy Salted Dark Chocolate Tart Recipe You Need Now

Crafting a luxurious salted dark chocolate tart can transport you into a realm of decadent indulgence.

Sweet and salty notes dance across your palate with remarkable complexity.

Chocolatiers worldwide understand this delicate balance between intense cocoa and delicate sea salt crystals.

Rich dark chocolate becomes the star ingredient, melting into a silky smooth texture that captivates every sense.

Buttery graham cracker crust provides a perfect crisp foundation for this elegant dessert.

Professional pastry techniques merge with home kitchen simplicity in this remarkable recipe.

Let your culinary adventure begin with this irresistible chocolate masterpiece that promises pure gastronomic bliss.

What Makes Salted Dark Chocolate Tart So Good

  • Craft an Indulgent Dessert: Dive into a luxurious chocolate experience that combines rich dark chocolate with a hint of sea salt, creating a sophisticated and irresistible treat perfect for chocolate lovers.
  • Impress with Minimal Effort: This recipe requires simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it an ideal dessert for both novice and experienced bakers who want to create a stunning dessert without complex techniques.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for dinner parties, special occasions, or as a decadent weekend indulgence, this tart appeals to adults and sophisticated dessert enthusiasts who appreciate complex flavor profiles.
  • No-Bake Filling Magic: The simple no-bake chocolate filling method ensures a smooth, silky texture that sets beautifully, eliminating the stress of complicated cooking techniques and guaranteeing a professional-looking result every time.

Ingredients Needed for Salted Dark Chocolate Tart

For the Crust:
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: A classic base that provides a sweet and crunchy foundation for the tart.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to complement the dark chocolate.
  • Unsalted Butter: Helps bind the crust ingredients and creates a rich, golden texture.
For the Chocolate Filling:
  • Dark Chocolate: The star ingredient that delivers a deep, intense chocolate flavor.
  • Heavy Cream: Creates a smooth, luxurious texture for the chocolate filling.
  • Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps create a silky chocolate mixture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the chocolate's natural flavor with a warm, aromatic note.
  • Sea Salt: Provides a subtle contrast that balances the chocolate's sweetness.
For the Garnish:
  • Coarse Sea Salt, Whipped Cream, Fresh Berries: Optional toppings that add visual appeal and extra flavor complexity to the tart.

How to Bake Salted Dark Chocolate Tart

Step 1: Create Crumbly Chocolate Cookie Base

Preheat the oven to 350F. Grab graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a mixing bowl.

Combine ingredients thoroughly until they form a cohesive mixture. Press the crumb blend into a 9-inch tart pan, covering the bottom and sides completely.

Bake for 8-10 minutes until the crust turns golden brown and feels firm. Remove from oven and let cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare Luxurious Chocolate Filling

Ingredients for chocolate mixture:
  • Dark chocolate chunks
  • Heavy cream
  • Butter
  • Vanilla extract
  • Sea salt

Chop dark chocolate and place in a heatproof bowl. Heat cream and butter in a saucepan over medium temperature, stirring occasionally until butter melts and cream starts simmering.

Pour hot cream directly over chocolate and wait 2-3 minutes. Whisk until chocolate transforms into a silky smooth mixture.

Add vanilla and sea salt, mixing until fully incorporated.

Step 3: Assemble Delectable Tart

Pour chocolate filling into cooled crust, spreading evenly with a spatula.

Let the tart rest at room temperature for 30 minutes. Transfer to refrigerator and chill for minimum 2 hours until filling sets completely.

Step 4: Add Final Flavor Touches

Sprinkle coarse sea salt across tart surface before serving. Optional garnishes include fresh whipped cream or seasonal berries for extra elegance.

Tips for Salted Dark Chocolate Tart Success

  • Press graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly to create a uniform, compact base that won't crumble when slicing.
  • Remove cream mixture from heat just as it starts simmering to prevent burning and ensure smooth chocolate incorporation.
  • Refrigerate tart for minimum 2 hours to achieve perfect texture and clean, neat slices when cutting.
  • Sprinkle high-quality sea salt flakes right before serving to boost dark chocolate's rich flavor profile.
  • Store tart in refrigerator covered with plastic wrap for up to 3-4 days, keeping its creamy consistency intact.

Variations to Try with Salted Dark Chocolate Tart

  • Nutty Chocolate Crunch: Replace graham cracker crumbs with crushed roasted almonds or hazelnuts in the crust for added texture and nutty flavor.
  • Espresso Dark Chocolate Tart: Mix a shot of espresso or strong coffee into the chocolate filling to create a rich, deep mocha undertone.
  • Raspberry Chocolate Swirl: Layer raspberry preserves between the crust and chocolate filling, then swirl lightly with a knife for a fruity accent.
  • Spiced Chocolate Sensation: Add ground cinnamon, cayenne pepper, or orange zest to the chocolate filling for a warm, aromatic complexity.

Foods That Pair Well with Dark Chocolate Tart

  • Pair Rich Chocolate with Bold Red Wine: Select a full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot that complements the dark chocolate's intense flavor, creating a luxurious taste experience that balances the tart's richness.
  • Enhance with Espresso Companion: Serve a small shot of strong espresso alongside the tart, which cuts through the chocolate's sweetness and provides a robust, bitter contrast that elevates the dessert's complex flavor profile.
  • Elevate with Salted Caramel Ice Cream: Top or serve beside the tart with a scoop of salted caramel ice cream, matching the dessert's salty-sweet theme and adding a creamy, cold texture that refreshes the palate between rich chocolate bites.

How to Store Salted Dark Chocolate Tart

Store the salted dark chocolate tart in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover the tart with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from absorbing other food odors.

Wrap the tart tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Cut individual slices and store them separately in sealed containers to maintain freshness and prevent the crust from becoming soggy.

Bring the tart to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving. For a slightly warm experience, let the slice sit at room temperature for an additional 5 minutes to soften the chocolate filling.

FAQs

  • What type of chocolate works best for this tart?

Dark chocolate with 60-70% cocoa content provides the perfect balance of richness and depth, ensuring a complex flavor profile without being overly bitter.

  • Can I make this tart gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free cookie crumbs or ground almond meal to create a similar crust texture and taste.

  • How do I know when the chocolate filling is properly mixed?

The filling is ready when it appears smooth, glossy, and has no visible chocolate chunks, which typically takes 2-3 minutes of gentle stirring after pouring hot cream over the chocolate.

  • Is it important to use sea salt in this recipe?

Sea salt is crucial as it enhances the chocolate’s flavor, creating a sophisticated sweet-salty contrast that elevates the entire dessert experience.

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Salted Dark Chocolate Tart Recipe

Salted Dark Chocolate Tart Recipe


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4.5 from 21 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Luxurious salted dark chocolate tart beckons with rich, silky indulgence from classic French pastry traditions. Chocolate lovers will discover a perfect balance of intense cocoa depth and delicate sea salt, creating an irresistible dessert you cannot resist.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 12 ounces (340 grams) dark chocolate (70% cocoa), chopped
  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1 cup heavy cream

Crust Components:

  • 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated sugar

Finishing and Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1/4 cup (57 grams) unsalted butter, cubed
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • Coarse sea salt (for garnish)
  • Whipped cream (optional)
  • Fresh berries (optional)

Instructions

  1. Craft the foundation by blending graham cracker crumbs with sugar and melted butter into a cohesive mixture. Press firmly into a 9-inch tart pan, ensuring an even distribution across bottom and sides.
  2. Roast the crust in a preheated 350F (175C) oven for 8-10 minutes until achieving a golden hue. Allow complete cooling before proceeding.
  3. Create a luxurious chocolate ganache by placing chopped dark chocolate in a heatproof vessel. Gently warm cream and butter in a saucepan until butter melts and cream reaches a gentle simmer.
  4. Cascade hot cream over chocolate, letting it rest for 2-3 minutes. Whisk until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
  5. Incorporate vanilla extract and sea salt into the chocolate mixture, stirring until perfectly integrated.
  6. Elegantly pour the molten chocolate filling into the cooled crust, using a spatula to distribute evenly.
  7. Let the tart rest at ambient temperature for 30 minutes, then transfer to refrigerator for minimum 2 hours until completely set.
  8. Finish by delicately sprinkling coarse sea salt across the surface. Optionally accompany with whipped cream or fresh berries when serving.

Notes

  • Opt for high-quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content to achieve a rich, intense flavor profile.
  • Use unsalted butter to control the salt level, allowing precise seasoning throughout the dessert.
  • Temper chocolate gently by letting hot cream sit for 2-3 minutes to prevent seizing and ensure a silky smooth texture.
  • Chill the tart thoroughly for clean, precise slices that showcase the decadent chocolate filling.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 391 kcal
  • Sugar: 23 g
  • Sodium: 114 mg
  • Fat: 31 g
  • Saturated Fat: 19 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 29 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
Ethan Caldwell

Ethan Caldwell

Founder & Culinary Innovator

Expertise

Farm-to-table cooking, Seasonal recipe creation, Culinary storytelling, Food photography and styling​

Education

The Chef’s Academy (Indianapolis, IN)

  • Program: Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on sustainable cooking practices, regional American cuisine, and recipe development.​

Ethan didn’t just fall in love with food, he grew into it, surrounded by fields, farmers’ markets, and family meals that told a story.
After sharpening his skills at The Chef’s Academy, he took his passion straight into the farm-to-table movement, working side-by-side with local growers and seasonal flavors.
He believes every recipe should feel like a walk through a summer market: colorful, fresh, and full of possibility.
Outside the kitchen, Ethan’s idea of a perfect day is hiking mountain trails, digging into heirloom vegetables, and hosting casual dinners where seconds are always encouraged.

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