Best 10 Chocolate Caramel Tartlets Recipes

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Chocolate caramel tartlets are a delectable treat that combines the rich flavors of chocolate and caramel in a crispy tart shell. With their indulgent filling and alluring appearance, these tartlets are perfect for any special occasion or as a delightful dessert to satisfy your sweet cravings. Whether you prefer a classic chocolate caramel combination or want to explore creative variations, this article will guide you through the process of creating the perfect chocolate caramel tartlets. We'll provide you with step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and variations to ensure your tartlets turn out perfectly every time. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let's embark on a culinary journey to create these irresistible chocolate caramel delights.

Let's cook with our recipes!

CHOCOLATE CARAMEL TARTS



Chocolate Caramel Tarts image

Claudia Fleming, pastry chef at New York City's Gramercy Tavern, served these luscious tartlets at her own wedding.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Dessert & Treats Recipes     Pie & Tarts Recipes

Yield Makes 2 dozen tartlets

Number Of Ingredients 15

8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon confectioners' sugar
1 large egg yolk
3/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for rolling
1/4 cup unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder
1/2 cup water
2 cups granulated sugar
1/4 cup light corn syrup
8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons creme fraiche
1 pinch of coarse salt
1/2 cup heavy cream
3 1/2 ounces extra-bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped

Steps:

  • Make the tart dough: In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream butter and confectioners' sugar until combined, about 1 minute. Add egg yolk and vanilla, and beat until smooth. Sift in flour and cocoa powder, and beat on low speed until just combined. Scrape the dough onto a sheet of plastic wrap, and form it into a disk; wrap well. Chill until firm, at least 1 hour and up to 3 days.
  • Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Between two sheets of lightly floured parchment paper, roll the tart dough into an 18-by-12-inch rectangle, 3/16 inch thick. Using a 2 3/4-inch round cutter, cut out 24 rounds of dough, and press them into 2 1/4-inch tart pans, trimming away any excess dough. Chill the tart shells in the refrigerator for 20 minutes.
  • Line each tart shell with a piece of parchment paper, and fill with raw rice or dried lentils. Bake for 15 minutes. Remove the parchment paper and its contents, and bake until the pastry looks dry and set, 5 to 10 minutes. Transfer pans to a wire rack to cool. (The tart shells can be made up to 8 hours ahead.)
  • Make the filling: Place 1/2 cup water in a large saucepan. Add sugar and corn syrup, and cook mixture over medium-high heat, swirling the pan occasionally, until it becomes a dark-amber caramel, about 10 minutes. Carefully whisk in butter, cream, creme fraiche, and a pinch of salt (the mixture will bubble up), whisking until smooth. (The caramel can be made up to 5 days ahead and refrigerated in a covered container.) Carefully transfer caramel to a glass measuring cup. Divide caramel among tart shells while still warm (or reheat caramel over low heat until it is pourable), and let stand until the caramel is set, at least 45 minutes.
  • Make the ganache glaze: Place the chocolate in a heatproof bowl. In a small saucepan, bring cream to a boil. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate, and let stand for 2 minutes, then stir with a rubber spatula until smooth. Pour some of the glaze over each of the tarts while still warm. Let the glaze set at room temperature for at least 2 hours before serving.

CHOCOLATE-CARAMEL TARTLETS



Chocolate-Caramel Tartlets image

These charming miniatures have a surprisingly easy filling, made with whipped cream and chocolate chips

Provided by Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Dessert

Yield 24

Number Of Ingredients 10

1/2 cup butter, softened
1 (3-oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 cup sugar
4 teaspoons water
1 tablespoon butter
1/3 cup whipping cream
1/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1 oz. vanilla-flavored candy coating, if desired

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 450°F. In large bowl, combine all crust ingredients; mix with electric mixer at low speed until well combined. Divide dough into 24 equal pieces; roll into balls. Press each in bottom and up sides of ungreased miniature muffin cup.
  • Bake at 450°F. for 7 to 9 minutes or until edges are light golden brown. Remove crusts from pans; place on wire racks. Cool 15 minutes or until completely cooled.
  • In heavy 1 1/2-quart saucepan, combine 1/2 cup sugar and water; mix well. With pastry brush dipped in water, brush any sugar down sides of saucepan. Without stirring, cook over medium-high heat for 10 to 12 minutes or until mixture turns dark golden brown. (If sugar mixture is not cooking, gently swirl mixture in saucepan.) Remove from heat. While stirring constantly, add 1 tablespoon butter and whipping cream; stir until bubbling stops. Return saucepan to low heat; cook and stir until mixture is smooth.
  • Spoon 1/2 teaspoon caramel mixture into each cooled baked crust. Stir chocolate chips into remaining caramel mixture until melted and smooth. If mixture thickens, cook and stir over low heat until smooth. Spoon about 1 teaspoon chocolate filling into each crust.
  • Chop candy coating; place in microwave-safe small bowl. Microwave on HIGH for 30 seconds; stir until melted and smooth. If necessary, microwave an additional 10 seconds. Place in heavy-duty food storage plastic bag; cut tiny hole in one corner. On waxed paper, pipe 24 (1-inch) tree shapes. Let stand until set. Garnish each tartlet with a tree.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 110, Carbohydrate 11 g, Cholesterol 19 mg, Fat 1 1/2, Fiber 0 g, Protein 1 g, SaturatedFat 4 g, ServingSize 1 Tart1et, Sodium 40 mg, Sugar 6 g

CHOCOLATE SALTED CARAMEL TARTLETS



Chocolate Salted Caramel Tartlets image

Adapted from

Provided by David

Number Of Ingredients 14

4 ounces (115g) unsalted butter (at room temperature)
1/2 cup (100g) sugar
1 large egg (at room temperature)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup (110g) all-purpose flour
1/4 cup (35g) rice flour
(or use 1 cup, 140g (all-purpose flour, total))
6 tablespoons (50g) cocoa powder
4 ounces (115g) soft (salted butter caramels)
3 tablespoons (45ml) heavy cream
4 1/2 ounces (130g) bittersweet chocolate (chopped)
6 tablespoons (90ml) heavy cream
flaky sea salt

Steps:

  • To make the tartlet dough, beat the butter and the sugar just until smooth in the stand mixer with the paddle attachment, or by hand. Add the egg, salt, and vanilla, and beat until smooth. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, rice flour, and cocoa powder, then mix it into the creamed butter.
  • Butter the indentations of two mini-muffin tins with 12 places in each, or one mini-muffin tin with 24 places. Pinch off pieces of dough and roll each into a 3/4-inch (2cm) ball. As you work, put the dough balls in the indentations of the muffin tins. Take your thumb and press the dough down in the center of each indentation, then use your thumb to press the dough up the sides. (If the dough is sticky, dampen your thumb very lightly with water or oil.) Freeze the pans of dough for 20 minutes.
  • Preheat the oven to 350ºF (180ºC).
  • Bake the tartlet shells for 8 to 10 minutes, until the dough appear dry and cooked. Remove from oven and use the handle of a wooden spoon to widen and smooth the inside of the little tartlet shells, pressing the dough that's puffed up somewhat firmly against the sides. Let cool completely, then remove the tartlet shells from the muffin tins - the tip of a paring knife might be needed to help aid them out - and set them on a wire cooling rack.
  • Make the caramel filling by warm the cream with the caramels in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring, until the caramels are melted and the mixture is smooth. Divide the caramel into each of the tartlet shells.
  • Make the chocolate ganache* by heating the cream in a small saucepan. Remove from heat and add the chopped chocolate. Let it sit for a minute, then whisk the chocolate into the cream until the mixture is smooth.
  • Top each tartlet with some of the ganache and take a butter knife or small metal spatula and swipe off the excess. Sprinkle each tartlet with a few grains of sea salt.

CHOCOLATE CARAMEL TART



Chocolate Caramel Tart image

It is hard to believe in this day and age - when salted caramel ice cream is almost as ubiquitous as vanilla - that desserts in which salt plays a starring role was once a newfangled concept. This recipe, an adaptation of one attributed to the pastry chef Claudia Fleming, came to The Times in a 2000 article by Amanda Hesser about the development of that very trend, and it is a perfect example of how it's done right. Layers of silky caramel and dark chocolate ganache topped with a sprinkling of crunchy, snow-white fleur de sel make this an unforgettable combination of flavors and textures.

Provided by Amanda Hesser

Categories     dessert

Time 1h15m

Yield 10-inch tart (12 to 16 servings)

Number Of Ingredients 16

1/2 cup (1 stick) salted butter, at room temperature
1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon confectioners' sugar
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa
1 large egg yolk
3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups sugar
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup corn syrup
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons creme fraiche (available at specialty food markets)
PInch of salt
3 1/2 ounces extra-bittersweet chocolate (70 to 85%), chopped
1/2 cup heavy cream
Fleur de sel

Steps:

  • Prepare chocolate dough: In bowl of an electric mixer, combine the butter, confectioners' sugar and cocoa. Beat until smooth. Add egg yolk and vanilla, and beat until blended.
  • Sift flour into dough mixture. Beat on low speed until combined. Press the dough into the bottom and up the sides of a 10-inch tart pan. (You can use a 9-inch pan, but the crust will be thicker and the caramel may take longer to set in step 4.)
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line tart with foil, and fill with dried beans, rice or pie weights. Bake for 15 minutes. Remove foil and weights, and bake until pastry is dry and set, another 10 to 15 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.
  • Prepare caramel filling: In a large saucepan, bring sugar, water and corn syrup to a boil. Stir or swirl the pan occasionally, until mixture is a medium amber color, about 12 minutes. Remove from the heat. Caramel will continue to cook and darken off of the heat. Carefully but quickly whisk in the butter, cream, creme fraiche and salt until smooth (mixture will bubble up). Pour hot caramel into tart, and allow to cool and set, at least 1 hour.
  • Prepare chocolate glaze: Place chocolate in a bowl. In a small saucepan, bring cream to a boil. Pour hot cream over chocolate and whisk until chocolate has melted and mixture is smooth. Pour glaze over tart, tilting tart for even coverage. Refrigerate until tart is set, at least one hour, then sprinkle with a few granules of fleur de sel. Keep refrigerated until serving.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 408, UnsaturatedFat 7 grams, Carbohydrate 53 grams, Fat 23 grams, Fiber 1 gram, Protein 2 grams, SaturatedFat 14 grams, Sodium 243 milligrams, Sugar 42 grams, TransFat 1 gram

GUINNESS®, CHOCOLATE, AND CARAMEL TART



Guinness®, Chocolate, and Caramel Tart image

A bittersweet, dark, Guinness®-chocolate layer sits atop chewy caramel and salty pretzels for a rich dessert that's sure to wow. Plan ahead as this takes quite a bit of prep and cooling time. Make sure to read through the entire recipe before starting. Serve this tart at room temp, topped with some whiskey whipped cream, extra pretzels, and a sprinkle of sea salt to taste.

Provided by Kim

Time 3h50m

Yield 16

Number Of Ingredients 17

1 ½ cups finely crushed pretzels
⅓ cup firmly packed dark brown sugar
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
⅛ teaspoon salt, or to taste
1 cup heavy cream
5 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste
1 ½ cups white sugar
¼ cup light corn syrup
¼ cup water
11 ¼ fluid ounces Irish stout beer (such as Guinness® Extra Stout)
1 ¼ ounces dark chocolate candy bar
6 ounces dark chocolate chips (such as Ghirardelli® 60% Cacao)
½ tablespoon unsalted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¾ cup heavy cream

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom.
  • Mix pretzel crumbs, brown sugar, melted butter, and salt together in a bowl until mixture resembles wet sand. Pour into the tart pan, and press very firmly and evenly up the sides and into the bottom of the pan.
  • Place tart pan onto a baking sheet and bake until crust is golden brown, 10 to 15 minutes. Allow crust to cool completely in pan, about 30 minutes.
  • Combine heavy cream, butter, vanilla extract, and salt in a small saucepan over medium-low heat and cook until butter is melted and mixture begins to bubble, 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat, set aside, and keep warm.
  • Combine sugar, corn syrup, and water in a large light-colored saucepan with high sides. Cook over medium heat, swirling occasionally, until mixture is amber in color, 10 to 12 minutes. Reduce heat to low, and very carefully whisk in reserved cream-butter mixture, as caramel mixture will bubble up and steam; stir constantly.
  • Insert a candy thermometer into the mixture and cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until caramel reaches 245 degrees F (118 degrees C), 25 to 30 minutes. Carefully pour caramel into an even layer in the baked and cooled crust. Allow caramel layer to cool until set, 1 to 2 hours.
  • Prepare the chocolate layer. Pour stout beer into a saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook until stout has been reduced to 1/4 cup, 20 to 25 minutes. Pour reduced stout into a large bowl. Stir in chopped chocolate, chocolate chips, butter, and vanilla and set aside.
  • Heat cream in a small saucepan over medium-low heat until just simmering, 3 to 5 minutes. Pour over chocolate and allow to sit for 5 minutes. Stir until chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Carefully pour melted chocolate over the cooled caramel layer, making sure not overflow the pan.
  • Use a toothpick to pop any air bubbles that may arise. Allow chocolate layer to cool and set up completely, 1 to 2 hours.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 369.3 calories, Carbohydrate 43.3 g, Cholesterol 57.7 mg, Fat 21.7 g, Fiber 1.1 g, Protein 1.6 g, SaturatedFat 13.5 g, Sodium 206.7 mg, Sugar 29.2 g

PORT CARAMEL CHOCOLATE TARTLETS



Port Caramel Chocolate Tartlets image

In these petite sweets, the gooey chocolate-caramel filling is spiked with port and mixed with roasted Marcona almonds. Fleur de sel -- a delicate sea salt -- is a surprise addition that highlights and intensifies the flavors of the chocolate and the caramel.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Pie & Tarts Recipes

Yield Makes 40

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup sugar
3/4 teaspoon fleur de sel
1 stick (8 tablespoons) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
3 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup heavy cream
3 tablespoons ruby or tawny port
2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
1 ounce bittersweet chocolate (preferably 70 percent cacao), chopped
1 cup salted Marcona almonds (or roasted salted blanched almonds), finely chopped
Fleur de sel, for sprinkling

Steps:

  • Make tart shells: Process flour, cocoa, sugar, and fleur de sel in a food processor until combined. Add butter; pulse until mixture resembles coarse meal. With processor running, add eggs; process just until dough comes together.
  • Turn out dough onto a clean work surface; pat together. Wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate until firm, about 30 minutes.
  • On a lightly floured work surface, roll out dough to 1/8 inch thick. Using a 3-inch round cookie cutter, cut 10 rounds from dough. Transfer remaining dough to a flour-dusted baking sheet; refrigerate.
  • Fit dough rounds into ten round tartlet molds (each 2 1/4 inches in diameter). Trim edges of dough flush with top edges of molds. (Refrigerate scraps.) Refrigerate shells until cold, 30 minutes.
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prick bottoms of shells all over with a fork. Bake until firm, about 12 minutes. Let cool completely in molds on a wire rack; unmold.
  • Working in batches of ten and using remaining dough (reroll scraps), repeat steps 3, 4, and 5 to make 40 shells total.
  • Make caramel filling: Heat sugar and 1/2 cup water in a small saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, gently, until sugar has dissolved. Continue to cook, without stirring, until syrup comes to a boil, occasionally washing down sides of pan with a wet pastry brush to prevent crystals from forming. Let boil, swirling pan occasionally, until syrup is dark amber. Remove from heat.
  • Carefully stir in cream and port (caramel will steam and spatter). Add butter and chocolate; stir until melted and mixture is smooth. Let cool until slightly thickened but still pourable, about 20 minutes.
  • Cover bottoms of tart shells with almonds (about 1 teaspoon per shell). Spoon caramel filling into shells, filling each almost to the top. Sprinkle with almonds and fleur de sel. Refrigerate until ready to serve, up to 3 hours.

CHOCOLATE CARAMEL TARTS



Chocolate Caramel Tarts image

Provided by Food Network

Categories     dessert

Time 1h10m

Yield 24 tartlettes

Number Of Ingredients 15

1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick), softened
1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon confectioners' sugar
1 large egg yolk
3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups flour
1/4 cup unsweetened Dutch-processed cocoa powder
1/2 cup water
2 cups sugar
1/4 cup light corn syrup
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons creme fraiche
1/2 cup heavy cream
3 1/2 ounces extra-bittersweet chocolate, chopped
Pinch fine sea salt, such as fleur de sel

Steps:

  • Chocolate tart dough: In bowl of electric mixer fitted with paddle attachment, cream butter and confectioners' sugar until combined, about 1 minute. Add egg yolk and vanilla and beat until smooth. Sift in flour and cocoa powder and beat on low speed until just combined. Scrape dough onto a sheet of plastic wrap and form it into a disk. Wrap and chill until firm, about 1 hour, or up to 3 days.
  • Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. On lightly floured surface, roll tart dough to an 18 by 12-inch rectangle, 3/16-inch thick. Using a 2 1/2-inch round cutter, cut out 24 rounds of dough and press them into mini muffin tins or 2-inch tart pans, trimming away any excess dough. Prick the dough all over with a fork. Chill tart shells for 20 minutes.
  • Line the tart shells with foil and fill with dried beans, rice, or pie weights. Bake for 15 minutes. Remove foil and weights and bake for 5 to 10 minutes longer, or until pastry looks dry and set. Transfer to a wire rack to cool. (The tart shells can be made 8 hours ahead.)
  • Caramel filling: Place 1/2 cup water in a large saucepan. Add sugar and corn syrup and cook mixture over medium-high heat, swirling the pan occasionally until you have a dark amber caramel, about 10 minutes. Carefully whisk in butter, cream, and creme fraiche (mixture will hiss and bubble up), whisking until smooth. (Caramel can be made up to 5 days ahead and refrigerated, then warmed over low heat or microwaved before pouring into tart shells.)
  • Divide caramel while still warm among cooled tart shells and let sit until caramel is set, at least 45 minutes.
  • Chocolate ganache glaze: In saucepan, bring cream to a boil. Place chopped chocolate in a bowl. Pour hot cream over chocolate and let sit for 2 minutes, then whisk until smooth. Pour some of the still-warm glaze over each tart. Let glaze set at room temperature for at least 2 hours before serving. Sprinkle with salt, if desired, just before serving.

CHOCOLATE CARAMEL TART



Chocolate Caramel Tart image

Categories     Chocolate     Dairy     Dessert     Bake     Winter     Bon Appétit

Yield Serves 12

Number Of Ingredients 18

For crust
1 cup all purpose flour
3 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon grated lemon peel
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 large egg yolk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For chocolate filling
3/4 cup whipping cream
6 ounces bittersweet (not unsweetened) or semisweet chocolate, finely chopped
For caramel filling
3/4 cup sugar
1/3 cup water
1/3 cup whipping cream
5 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Steps:

  • Make crust:
  • Blend flour, sugar, lemon eel and slat in processor 5 seconds. Add butter, yolk and vanilla and process until large moist clumps form. Gather dough into ball; knead briefly to combine well. Flatten into disk. Wrap in plastic; chill until firm enough to roll, about 30 minutes.
  • Preheat oven to 400°F. Roll out dough between sheets of plastic wrap to 11- to 12-inch round. Peel off top sheet of plastic. Turn dough over; press into 9-inch-diameter tart pan with removable bottom. Peel off plastic. Fold in any excess dough, forming double-thick sides. Pierce crust all over with fork. Freeze 15 minutes.
  • Bake crust 10 minutes. Using back side of fork, press crust flat if bottom bubbles. continue to bake until crust id golden, about 10 minutes (crust sides may shrink slightly.) Transfer to rack and cool.
  • Make chocolate filling:
  • Bring cream to boil in heavy small saucepan and whisk until smooth. Spread 1 cup chocolate filling in prepared crust. Refrigerate until firm, about 45 minutes. reserve remaining filling in saucepan.
  • Make caramel filling:
  • stir sugar and 1/3 cup water in heavy medium saucepan over low heat until sugar dissolves. Increase heat and boil until syrup is amber color, brushing down sides with wet pastry brush and swirling pan occasionally, about 8 minutes. Remove from heat. Add cream, butter, vanilla and salt (mixture will bubble up). Return pan to very low heat; stir until caramel is smooth and color deepens, about 5 minutes. Refrigerate uncovered until cold but not firm, about 20 minutes.
  • Spoon caramel filling over chocolate filling. Pipe of drizzle reserved chocolate filling decoratively over cararmel (if chocolate is too firm to pour, warm slightly over low heat). Refrigerate tart until caramel is firm, at least 1 hour. (Can be made 2 days ahead. Cover keep chilled.)

CHOCOLATE-CARAMEL TARTLETS WITH ROASTED BANANAS AND GINGER-CITRUS CARAMEL



Chocolate-Caramel Tartlets with Roasted Bananas and Ginger-Citrus Caramel image

Provided by Michael Laiskonis

Yield Makes 4

Number Of Ingredients 26

2/3 cup all purpose flour
3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (preferably Dutch-process)
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
3 large egg yolks
1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon sugar
3 tablespoons water
2 teaspoons light corn syrup
1/4 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1/3 cup heavy whipping cream
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1 tablespoon light corn syrup
3 whole star anise*
4 1/2 ounces bittersweet (not unsweetened) or semisweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 ounce bittersweet (not unsweetened) or semisweet chocolate, finely chopped
4 teaspoons (generous) plus 2 tablespoons chopped lightly salted roasted cashews
1/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons water
1/2 cup strained orange juice
1 2-inch piece peeled fresh ginger, grated, pressed through garlic press to extract 1/2 teaspoon juice
1/2 vanilla bean, split lengthwise in half
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons (packed) golden brown sugar
1 large banana, sliced

Steps:

  • Sift flour and cocoa into small bowl. Using electric mixer, beat powdered sugar and butter in medium bowl until well blended. Beat in flour mixture. Beat in egg yolks 1 at a time. Gather dough into ball; flatten into disk. Chill at least 1 hour and up to 1 day. Soften slightly at room temperature before rolling out.
  • Preheat oven to 375°F. Roll out dough on floured surface to 1/8-inch thickness. Using 5-inch-diameter plate or bowl as guide, cut out rounds. Reroll dough scraps if necessary to form four 5-inch rounds total. Press each dough round onto bottom and up sides of 4 1/4- to 4 1/2-inch-diameter tartlet pan with removable bottom. Pierce crusts all over with fork. Freeze crusts 10 minutes. Bake until firm to touch and beginning to pull away from sides of pans, about 15 minutes. Cool crusts completely in pans on rack.
  • Combine sugar and next 3 ingredients in heavy small saucepan. Stir over medium heat until sugar dissolves. Increase heat and boil without stirring until deep amber color, occasionally brushing down sides of pan with wet pastry brush and swirling pan, about 7 minutes. Remove from heat; add cream (mixture will bubble vigorously). Stir over low heat until any caramel bits dissolve and caramel is smooth. Whisk in butter. Set aside.
  • Bring cream and corn syrup to boil in heavy small saucepan. Add star anise; remove from heat. Cover; let steep 15 minutes. Discard star anise. Return mixture to boil. Remove from heat. Add 4 1/2 ounces coarsely chopped bittersweet chocolate and butter; whisk ganache topping until smooth.
  • Stir 1 ounce finely chopped bittersweet chocolate in top of double boiler set over simmering water until melted. Brush inside of each crust with melted chocolate, then sprinkle each with 1 generous teaspoon chopped cashews. Spoon caramel filling over nuts in crusts (about 2 tablespoons for each). Chill tartlets until caramel sets slightly, about 30 minutes.
  • Rewarm chocolate ganache topping just until pourable, if necessary. Spoon chocolate ganache atop caramel filling. Refrigerate just until ganache sets, about 45 minutes, then let tartlets stand at room temperature. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover tartlets loosely and let stand at room temperature.)
  • Stir 1/4 cup sugar and 2 tablespoons water in heavy small saucepan over low heat until sugar dissolves. Increase heat and boil without stirring until medium (not deep) amber color, occasionally brushing down sides of pan with wet pastry brush and swirling pan, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat; slowly add orange juice and 1/2 teaspoon ginger juice. Scrape in seeds from vanilla bean. Return mixture to boil, stirring until any caramel bits dissolve. Boil until sauce is slightly syrupy and reduced to 1/4 cup, about 4 minutes. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover; let stand at room temperature. Rewarm over low heat just until pourable.)
  • Preheat oven to 450°F. Melt butter in heavy small saucepan over low heat. Add brown sugar; whisk until blended, about 1 minute. Add banana slices and toss to coat. Transfer banana mixture to small baking sheet. Bake until bananas begin to brown slightly around edges and sugar mixture bubbles, about 4 minutes.
  • Remove sides from tartlet pans. Place tartlets on plates. Drizzle ginger caramel sauce around tartlets. Arrange banana slices alongside. Sprinkle with remaining 2 tablespoons cashews and serve.
  • *Brown star-shaped seedpods sold at Asian markets, at specialty foods stores, and in the spice section of some supermarkets

CHOCOLATE CARAMEL TART



Chocolate Caramel Tart image

This is from the Valentines Issue of Martha Stewart Living. What a lovely "Love Day" dessert this would be!

Provided by Miss Erin C.

Categories     Pie

Time 2h30m

Yield 1 9" Tart

Number Of Ingredients 20

1 1/4 cups flour
2 tablespoons cocoa
1/3 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, chilled,cut into pieces
3 large egg yolks
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup chopped pecans
1 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup water
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temp
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
6 ounces bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
cocoa, for dusting
24 pecan halves
3 cups sugar
3/4 cup water
1 teaspoon cream of tartar

Steps:

  • For the Chocolate Pate Sucree-----------.
  • Place the flour, cocoa, sugar and salt in the bowl of a food processor, pulse several times to combine Add the butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse meal, about 10 seconds Add the egg yolks and vanilla and process just until the mixture begins to hold together, no more than 30 seconds Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and form a disk.
  • Cover in plastic wrap, refrigerate for 30 minutes or until ready to use.
  • For the Tart----------------.
  • Preheat the oven to 350F degrees.
  • Roll the chocolate pate sucree to 1/8" thick and fit into a 9" fluted tart pan with a removable bottom Dock the bottom of the tart with a fork.
  • Refrigerate the shell for 30 minutes.
  • Place chopped pecans on a baking sheet and toast until slightly darkened and fragrant, about 10 minutes, set aside.
  • Line tart shell with parchment paper, pressing into edges and cover with dried beans or pastry weights.
  • Place on a baking sheet, bake for 20 minutes.
  • Remove paper and beans, continue baking until crust is golden, about 10 minutes.
  • Transfer to a wire rack and cool completely.
  • Make the caramel by placing the sugar, salt and water in a small saucepan.
  • Bring the mixture to a boil over medium high heat.
  • Wash down the sides of the pan with a wet pastry brush to prevent crystals from forming.
  • Cook, gently swirling (do not stir) until the caramel is a rich amber color.
  • Remove from heat and add 1/2 c of cream, butter and vanilla.
  • Stir until smooth.
  • Pour mixture into chocolate tart shell.
  • Sprinkle with toasted pecans and place in the refrigerator while melting the chocolate.
  • Place chocolate in a medium heat-proof bowl.
  • Bring remaining cup of cream to a boil in a small saucepan.
  • Pour over the chocolate, let sit for 5 minutes.
  • Stir until completely smooth.
  • Pour over caramel and pecans.
  • Return tart to refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour.
  • To serve, dust the op with cocoa powder and garnish with Caramel-Dipped Pecans For Caramel-Dipped Pecans-----------------.
  • Gently insert an 8" wooden skewer into each pecan, set aside.
  • Prepare an ice bath, and set aside.
  • Combine the sugar, water and cream of tartar in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat Wash down the sides with a wet pastry brush to stop crystals from forming.
  • Cook, without stirring until the mixture begins to brown.
  • Gently swirl the pan to color evenly.
  • Remove from heat when the caramel is a rich amber color, place the pan in an ice bath to stop the caramel from cooking, about 5 seconds.
  • Allow the caramel to sit, until slightly thickened for about 15 minutes.
  • When caramel is ready, dip pecans, lifting up and swirling slightly to fully coat.
  • Hold skewer over pan to allow the drip to lengthen and slightly harden, about 1 minute.
  • Place the skewers in a cube of flower foam to stand them upright, allow to completely harden.
  • Gently remove skewers before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 7171.8, Fat 343.7, SaturatedFat 155.4, Cholesterol 1362.7, Sodium 1929, Carbohydrate 1025.8, Fiber 21.5, Sugar 873.6, Protein 47.8

Tips:

  • Mise en place: Before starting, ensure you have all the necessary ingredients and equipment ready, as the tartlets require chilling time between steps.
  • Carefully work with puff pastry: Thaw frozen puff pastry according to package instructions. Handle it gently to prevent tearing, and avoid overworking it to maintain its flaky texture.
  • Chill before baking: Chilling the tart shells before baking helps prevent them from puffing up too much and keeps them crisp.
  • Don't overfill the tartlets: Fill the tart shells just enough to avoid overflowing during baking.
  • Monitor the caramel: Keep a close eye on the caramel while it cooks to prevent burning or overcooking.
  • Let the tartlets cool completely: Allow the tartlets to cool completely before slicing and serving to ensure they hold their shape and the caramel sets properly.
  • Garnish for presentation: Add a sprinkle of sea salt, a drizzle of additional caramel, or a dusting of powdered sugar to enhance the presentation before serving.

Conclusion:

These chocolate caramel tartlets are a delightful combination of rich chocolate ganache, smooth caramel, and flaky puff pastry. By following the step-by-step instructions and incorporating the tips provided, you can create these elegant and indulgent pastries that will impress any dessert lover. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting, these tartlets offer the perfect balance of flavors and textures, making them a versatile treat for various occasions. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and embark on this culinary journey to create these luscious chocolate caramel tartlets that are sure to become a favorite among family and friends.

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