Chocolate Tartlets with Caramel Heart
These decadent chocolate tartlets with a smooth caramel center offer the perfect balance of rich cocoa flavor and a silky caramel filling. Ideal for a special occasion or a luxurious dessert after dinner, this recipe guides you through creating the perfect tart crust, a luscious caramel sauce, and a velvety chocolate ganache topping. Prepare to indulge in these bite-sized wonders that are sure to impress your guests or satisfy your own sweet cravings.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 150g |
| Sugar (for dough) | 75g |
| Cold butter (for dough) | 50g |
| Egg (medium size) | 1 (50g) |
| Unsweetened cocoa powder | 25g |
| Sugar (for caramel) | 100g |
| Heavy cream (liquid) | 50g |
| Water | 25g |
| Butter (for caramel) | 10g |
| Dark chocolate | 50g |
| Heavy cream (for ganache) | 60g |
| Honey | 1 teaspoon |
| Sea salt flakes | To taste |
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1 Tartlet) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Fat | 23g |
| Saturated Fat | 12g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugars | 22g |
| Sodium | 60mg |
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Tart Dough
To begin, prepare the tart dough. In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, combine the cold butter and sugar. Mix on medium speed until the butter is softened and the sugar is fully incorporated, forming a creamy mixture. Gradually add the whole egg, mixing until the egg is fully combined with the butter and sugar.
Next, in a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour and unsweetened cocoa powder. Slowly incorporate the flour mixture into the wet ingredients using a spoon, adding the flour a little at a time. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the dough, which should remain soft and crumbly.
Transfer the dough to a clean surface, gathering it together with your hands to form a quick disc. Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow it to firm up.
Step 2: Baking the Tart Shells
Once the dough has chilled, preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) in static mode. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to about 5 mm thick. Use a round cutter (about 11 cm in diameter) to cut out 4 circles of dough. Carefully press each circle into the tartlet pans (10 cm diameter), ensuring that the dough is well fitted into the base and the edges of the pan. Prick the base of each tartlet shell with a fork to prevent the dough from puffing up during baking.
Bake the tartlet shells in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven’s heat. Once done, remove the tart shells from the oven and allow them to cool completely before removing them from the pans.
Step 3: Making the Caramel Sauce
While the tart shells are cooling, prepare the caramel sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the water and sugar. Heat over medium heat, allowing the sugar to dissolve completely without stirring. Let the mixture come to a boil and cook until it turns a light amber color. Be sure to watch closely, as caramel can burn quickly.
Once the caramel has reached the right color, carefully add the heavy cream in small increments, stirring continuously. Be cautious, as the mixture will bubble up. Once the cream is fully incorporated and the sauce is smooth, remove the pan from the heat and add the butter, stirring until melted and combined. Let the caramel cool slightly before using it to fill the tartlets.
Step 4: Making the Chocolate Ganache
For the ganache, finely chop the dark chocolate and place it in a heatproof bowl. In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream and honey over low heat until the cream is just warm and begins to steam, but not boil. Pour the warm cream over the chopped chocolate and allow it to sit for a minute to soften the chocolate. Then, stir gently with a whisk until the ganache is smooth and glossy.
If desired, use an immersion blender to smooth out any remaining lumps, ensuring a perfectly silky texture.
Step 5: Assembling the Tartlets
Once the tartlet shells have cooled and the caramel sauce is ready, begin assembling the tartlets. Start by spooning about a tablespoon of the caramel sauce into the bottom of each tartlet shell. Use the back of the spoon to spread it evenly.
Then, carefully spoon the chocolate ganache over the caramel layer, filling each tartlet to the top. Smooth the ganache with a spatula for a perfect finish. If desired, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt flakes on top of each tartlet to enhance the flavors and add a touch of elegance.
Step 6: Chilling and Serving
Allow the tartlets to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate them for at least 2 hours or until the ganache has set. Once ready, carefully remove the tartlets from their pans and place them on a serving platter. Serve chilled or at room temperature for the best experience.
Enjoy these indulgent chocolate tartlets with caramel hearts, a treat that will leave everyone craving more.
Pro Tips for Perfect Tartlets:
- Make sure to chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to prevent the tart shells from shrinking during baking.
- Don’t overwork the dough. Mix it just enough to bring everything together to avoid tough tart crusts.
- When making caramel, be patient. The sugar must reach the right amber color before adding cream; otherwise, the caramel will be too bitter.
- If you want an extra smooth ganache, use an immersion blender to ensure there are no lumps. This step makes a huge difference in texture.
- Don’t forget the sea salt! It adds a delightful contrast to the sweet and creamy elements of the tartlets.
Serving Suggestions:
These chocolate tartlets are the perfect dessert for a variety of occasions. Serve them at a holiday dinner, a special event like a birthday or anniversary, or as an indulgent treat after a meal. Their rich, velvety texture and balance of flavors make them a universally loved dessert, sure to please anyone with a sweet tooth.
Enjoy your delightful creation of chocolate tartlets with caramel hearts, the perfect way to end any meal on a high note.
