Chocolate Caramel Tart - Rich & Heavenly! - That Skinny Chick Can Bake (2024)

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posted by Liz Berg

on February 25, 2024

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Twix lovers will go nuts for this outrageously decadentChocolate Caramel Tart made with an incredibly dreamy homemade caramel! This phenomenal tart starts with a chocolate crust, then a thick layer of caramel topped with luscious ganache!

I served this amazing Caramel Dessert to some neighbors and they went crazy for it! We had some laughs when one friend was shocked to find out that you could make caramel from scratch instead of unwrapping squares from a bag! Another declared that she never eats desserts but that this was worth every bite (and calorie!).

Chocolate Caramel Tart - Rich & Heavenly! - That Skinny Chick Can Bake (1)

Table of Contents hide

1 Why You Must Make

2 Ingredient Notes

3 How to Make a Tart

4 Tips for Making the Homemade Caramel Filling

5 Frequently Asked Questions

6 You May Also Like

7 Chocolate Caramel Tart Recipe

Why You Must Make

Back in 2014, when I saw this tart recipe from Saveur magazine in my inbox, I knew it was only a matter of time before I made it. One of the online reviewers called it a gourmet Twix bar, but it rises to a whole new level of deliciousness!
This is a slightly advanced recipe since it involves making caramel from scratch, but I’ve added some tips below to help you out.
If you love the chocolate and caramel dessert combo, you’ll swoon with every bite!

Thank goodness my youngest is as much of a caramel fan as I am, so I made it for his 21st birthday celebration and took it down to campus for an early birthday dinner.

We took Nick and his roomies out for a steak dinner and we all were full to the brim by the end of the meal. We walked back to his apartment and sampled a few bites of this caramel dessert despite our sated bellies. It was worth every calorie!

Ingredient Notes

Kitchen Staples – Flour, Butter, Kosher Salt, Sugar, Powdered Sugar
Dutch-process Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – This is not the same as Hershey’s cocoa powder. Droste is a brand you may find at the grocery store in the baking aisle. It is treated with an alkali that neutralizes cocoa’s natural acidity.
Egg Yolks – Separate your eggs while cold as the yolks are less likely to break. But let them come to room temperature for easier incorporation into the crust mixture.
Real Vanilla Extract – Make sure that the label reads “real vanilla extract,” not imitation.
Light Corn Syrup – Prevents the caramel from crystalizing as it cools. Karo is a popular brand.
Heavy Cream – Used in the caramel and the ganache
Crème Fraiche – Used in the caramel for richness
Semisweet Chocolate – Chop finely so it melts when mixed with the hot cream.

How to Make a Tart

First, you must know the definition of a tart. Typically, a tart has a pastry crust, shallow sides, a filling, and no top crust. Tarts can be sweet or savory, baked or no-bake, full-sized or smaller tartlets.

The crust can be a classic pastry crust, made with cookie or graham cracker crumbs, or a pressed-in dough.
The crust can be baked before filling or a no-bake version.
Most tarts are made in a two-piece tart pan with a removable bottom. This makes it easy to cut and serve.
Tarts can also be made in single servings or as bite-sized desserts or appetizers. Different specialty pans can be used for tartlets.
First, make the crust and bake or chill as directed.
Once the crust is ready to go, make the filling and fill the tart. Bake or chill as directed.
After cooling or chilling, add any toppings, and when ready, slice into wedges if needed, and garnish to make a show-stopping dessert.

Chocolate Caramel Tart - Rich & Heavenly! - That Skinny Chick Can Bake (2)

Tips for Making the Homemade Caramel Filling

Oh, my heavens. This is one of the best desserts I’ve made. A lovely chocolate cookie-like crust, a thick layer of homemade vanilla caramel topped with chocolate ganache. Total bliss.

When we celebrated Nick’s birthday, all seven of us shared one piece. I restrained myself and didn’t ask for a doggy bag. Good girl. But when I remade it a few weeks ago, I had my own slice. Heaven on a plate.

Be patient when cooking the caramel. It must reach 240º so that it is the right texture when cooled. Rushing the process will often result in a bad batch.
Use your eyes instead of relying solely on the candy thermometer. Watch for the mixture to turn to an amber color as well as reach the proper temperature.
Do not stir the mixture while it’s bubbling away. But you may give the pan a swirl now and then to prevent hot spots from scorching.
Pro-Tip: Use a heavy saucepan so that the heat is conducted evenly.
Remove from the heat to add the butter, cream, creme fraiche, and vanilla as the cooler ingredients will cause the sugar syrup to bubble and expand.
Make sure you have an accurate candy thermometer before attempting this recipe.
PRO-Tip: If you want to check its accuracy, place the tip in a pan of boiling water and it should read 100º C or 212ºF.
Keep the tart refrigerated until you’re ready to serve. If you slice it ahead of time, some of the caramel may start to ooze a bit. It will still taste amazing, but the slices will not be pristine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Is My Caramel Tart Runny?

There are two main reasons a caramel tart can be runny. First, if the caramel wasn’t cooked to the proper temperature, it won’t set properly. Make sure you use a candy thermometer to monitor it while it’s cooking. Also, if you leave it at room temperature, the filling can soften, so keep your tart refrigerated.

How Long Can You Keep a Caramel Tart?

It will be good for at least 3-4 days. Just keep it refrigerated so the caramel doesn’t ooze into the space where slices were removed.

How Many Calories Are There in a Slice of a Caramel Tart?

The calories will vary depending on the size of the slices and the recipe. If you slice this tart into 12 slices, each will have over 600 calories! So just a sliver may be enough. It’s definitely a special occasion dessert!

Chocolate Caramel Tart Recipe

Prep Time40 minutes

Cook Time35 minutes

Total Time1 hour 15 minutes

Yield12 servings

A decadent pie with a chocolate crust, caramel filling and ganache topping. Adapted from Saveur.

Ingredients

Crust:

1 ½ cups flour
¼ cup plus 1 tablespoon dutch-process unsweetened cocoa powder
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
10 tablespoons butter, cut into pieces, at room temperature
½ cup plus 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
2 egg yolks, at room temperature
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

For the caramel:

1 ½ cups sugar
3 tablespoons light corn syrup
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
6 tablespoons butter
6 tablespoons heavy cream
1 tablespoon crème fraiche
½ teaspoon vanilla

For the ganache:

½ cup heavy cream
4 ounces semisweet chocolate, finely chopped

Instructions

Make the crust: Heat oven to 350º. Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, and salt in a medium bowl and set aside.
With a handheld mixer, cream the butter and sugar until the mixture is pale and fluffy, then mix in yolks and vanilla.
Mix in dry ingredients.
Press the dough into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch tart pan with removable bottom.
Refrigerate for 30 minutes. Prick the bottom and sides of the tart with a fork and bake for 20 minutes. Cool to room temperature on a rack.
Make the caramel: In a large saucepan, whisk together sugar, corn syrup, salt, and 6 tablespoons of water and bring to a boil.
Cook, without stirring, until a candy thermometer reads 240º and is a medium amber. You may swirl the pan briefly to avoid hot spots (if one area is browning before the rest).
Remove pan from heat and whisk in butter, cream, and crème fraîche (the mixture will bubble up) until smooth.
Pour caramel into the cooled tart shell and let cool slightly, then refrigerate until firm, 4–5 hours (may hurry along by popping it into the freezer for a short time).
Make the ganache: Bring cream to a boil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
Put chocolate into a medium bowl and pour in hot cream; let sit for a minute or two, then whisk till smooth.
Pour ganache over the cooled tart and refrigerate until set, 4–5 hours. Slice and serve chilled.

Notes

Total time does not include chilling times.

This is a very rich dessert and can serve up to 12 with small slices.

Cut with a hot, dry knife just before serving.

The Saveur recipe had a sprinkling of sea salt over the ganache if you'd like to try that.

HOW MUCH DID YOU LOVE THIS RECIPE?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

74 Comments on “Chocolate Caramel Tart”

Healthy World Cuisine — March 4, 2024 @ 1:17 pm Reply

Oh my word! How do you stay so darn skinny making these delectable chocolate and caramel desserts. Smooth and velvety- might need a personal moment with a slice!
Karen (Back Road Journal) — March 3, 2024 @ 12:49 pm Reply

Wow! That is a very impressive dessert, chocolate and caramel…totally decadent.
Caroline heminway — July 17, 2023 @ 9:15 pm Reply

This is a really good recipe if you follow the recipe exactly. It came out really good!
- Liz Berg — July 18, 2023 @ 1:15 pm Reply
  
  So glad it worked well for you, Caroline! Thanks for reporting back!!!!
Sandra Garth — December 6, 2020 @ 4:32 pm Reply

Chocolate and caramel lovers rejoice! This is one of those desserts to enjoy without even a modicum of guilt.
Valentina — December 2, 2020 @ 11:23 pm Reply

Liz, I’m tempted to make this immediately! It could not possibly be more dreamy! Soooo decadent, just the way I want my desserts. 🙂 ~Valentina
Lindsay Cotter — February 4, 2020 @ 7:56 pm Reply

There wasn’t a single piece of this tart left! Everyone loved it so much!
wilhelmina — February 4, 2020 @ 7:49 pm Reply

This tart is so perfectly over the top! It is a special occasion favorite at our house!
Lauren @ Imperfect and Fabulous — July 6, 2014 @ 1:18 am Reply

This looks and sounds divine!
Ilan — May 19, 2014 @ 4:39 am Reply

Hmm.. it sounds like your candy thermometer is acting wonky. Check it with boiling water.
- Liz Berg — May 19, 2014 @ 8:09 am Reply
  
  I did go ahead and buy a new thermometer…that was my thought, too 🙂
Annamaria @ Bakewell Junction — May 17, 2014 @ 5:50 pm Reply

Lizzy,
I don’t know anyone who wouldn’t love this. Pinned. I’m definitely making this soon. Hope you had a Happy Mother’s day.
Annamaria
Sandra — May 15, 2014 @ 7:21 pm Reply

How on earth did I miss this beauty? It’s perfect!!!
Emma @ Bake Then Eat — May 14, 2014 @ 5:02 pm Reply

I would be so happy if this was given to me as a birthday treat, I want to dive into that caramel 😀 Lovely treat I can’t wait to make this.
Winnie — May 13, 2014 @ 4:33 pm Reply

This is one of the best looking tart I’ve seen in a long time
It look DELICIOUS, and I have no doubt it tastes heavenly
Terra — May 13, 2014 @ 4:06 pm Reply

I am in awe of this tart, it is way too decadent! It really looks like a tart that will satisfy any sweet tooth! Yum, Hugs, Terra
Dana @ Simply Romanesco — May 13, 2014 @ 1:03 pm Reply

What an amazingly stunning tart, Liz! So decadent! Love it 🙂
Anita at Hungry Couple — May 12, 2014 @ 8:09 pm Reply

Oh. My. Goodness.!
Nancy @ gottagetbaked — May 12, 2014 @ 4:51 pm Reply

Liz, my eyes are bugging out of my head right now like an old-school cartoon and I’m saying out loud “hubba hubba!” This is the most elegant, beautiful, perfect “Twix” I’ve ever seen 😉 Twix is one of my favourite chocolate bars so for you to describe it that way makes me want your gorgeous tart even more. I hope you had a wonderful Mother’s Day!
Laura (Tutti Dolci) — May 12, 2014 @ 4:13 pm Reply

What a sensational tart, the layers are perfect!
Evelyne@cheapethniceatz — May 12, 2014 @ 3:11 pm Reply

Wow Liz this tart does look sinful and amazing. Love the caramel overload and like the chocolate crust too.
Serena | Serena Bakes Simply From Scratch — May 12, 2014 @ 2:25 pm Reply

Oh my Liz! I can’t wait to make this, it looks amazing! I hope you had a wonderful Mothers Day my sweet friend and Thank You so much for hosting!
See Also
My Best Pork Dumplings (Gyoza) Recipe
Dionne Baldwin — May 12, 2014 @ 1:46 pm Reply

Thank you so much for hosting this week’s Sunday Supper! My other half would go bonkers for this since he adores anything similar to a Twix and is a chocoholic. This tart is beautiful! I hope your week is off to a good start.
Tammy — May 12, 2014 @ 1:42 pm Reply

Lizzy this tart looks out-of-this-world good. My love for caramel can be dangerous. I would go crazy if this were in front of my right now! Happy belated birthday to your son. What an awesome mama he’s got! 😉
And of course, I hope you had a truly lovely Mother’s Day. Sending hugs your way~
Toodles,
Tammy<3
Abbe@This is How I Cook — May 12, 2014 @ 1:29 pm Reply

I know this is a good one! Happy Mother’s Day, Liz!
Shaina — May 12, 2014 @ 12:54 pm Reply

Chocolate and caramel…drooling as I type this!
dina — May 12, 2014 @ 8:57 am Reply

I love the double heavy cream in this recipe…the caramel sounds so good.
Ella-Home Cooking Adventure — May 12, 2014 @ 5:24 am Reply

What a mouthwatering dessert. This is looking perfect. Love the combination of caramel and chocolate.
ela@GrayApron — May 12, 2014 @ 12:35 am Reply

Piece of heaven on my plate! You did it again, Liz!
🙂 ela
Maureen | org*smic Chef — May 12, 2014 @ 12:19 am Reply

A Twix pie to celebrate a 21st is very nifty indeed. I can taste that cool, chocolately carmel goodness when I close my eyes.
Elizabeth @ SugarHero.com — May 12, 2014 @ 12:04 am Reply

Wow, Liz, this is gorgeous!! The texture of that caramel looks perfect. This twix-bar-in-tart-form is a winner!
My Inner Chick — May 11, 2014 @ 11:35 pm Reply

OMMMMMY,
Liz, this tart is PURE SIN)))!!!!!!!
WOWIE WOW WOW. xx
Lindsey @ American Heritage Cooking — May 11, 2014 @ 10:50 pm Reply

And Happy Mother’s Day, Liz!!! I hope you got the special treatment today. Hugs!
Lindsey @ American Heritage Cooking — May 11, 2014 @ 10:49 pm Reply

All 7 of you shared 1 piece!?!?!!? I would be elbowing people out of the way to get the last bite of that tart! It looks amazing! Caramel, ganache, ahhhhh!
Dawn @ Words Of Deliciousness — May 11, 2014 @ 10:16 pm Reply

Chocolate and caramel, you can’t beat that combination. This looks so yummy, I would love to have a piece right now.
Courtney @ Neighborfood — May 11, 2014 @ 9:47 pm Reply

Oh my Liz. You have made some excellent desserts, but this may be the very best yet!
Jennifer Miller/MealDiva — May 11, 2014 @ 9:42 pm Reply

Wish I was celebrating Mother’s Day at your house today – What a beautiful, decadent and delicious dessert for Mother’s Day!
Choc Chip Uru — May 11, 2014 @ 8:35 pm Reply

This tart looks so decadent, two favourite flavours together 😀
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Kayle (The Cooking Actress) — May 11, 2014 @ 8:24 pm Reply

WHOOOOAAAAA over the top decadence!!!! Just thinking of how yummy this has to be…mmmmm
Hotly Spiced — May 11, 2014 @ 8:14 pm Reply

Twix bars! I’m a big fan of chocolate and caramel. It sounds like your son had a lovely 21st and a steakhouse is so perfect for boys of that age. But after that, I’m not surprised no one could fit in more of this tart. I love how the tart has chocolate in the crust. And I’ll remember that about the caramel! xx
Sarah — May 11, 2014 @ 8:04 pm Reply

Hoo boy if I made this Mom would never get to see it! Thanks for hosting
Tara — May 11, 2014 @ 6:57 pm Reply

Gourmet Twix bar, OMG, I am sold. One after another of your desserts and dishes are magnificent and again this looks amazing!! Happy Mother’s Day and thank you so much for hosting!!
Lizzy (Good Things) — May 11, 2014 @ 6:46 pm Reply

Happy mothers day lovely Liz! Pinned.
Mireya @myhealthyeatinghabits — May 11, 2014 @ 5:06 pm Reply

It sounds truly decadent! Happy Mother’s Day! Thanks for hosting, too.
Bea — May 11, 2014 @ 4:47 pm Reply

Liz, this sounds like the most amazing dessert ever. I think I may have said this about pretty much every single one of your recipes…just amazing! Thank you so much for hosting.
Laura Dembowski — May 11, 2014 @ 3:31 pm Reply

My mom would love this tart. She very kindly doesn’t eat chocolate since I’m highly allergic and she always tells me how much she would like some.
When I make caramel, I always just use my instincts to cook it, rather then a candy thermometer. If it needs to be cooked again after adding the cream and butter, that’s when the thermometer comes out.
Alaiyo Kiasi-Barnes — May 11, 2014 @ 3:28 pm Reply

I so love your mouth-watering photos of decadent desserts. Baking something that turns out beautifully is on my bucket list. Until then, you’re my inspiration. Happy Mother’s Day! Thank you for hosting today!
Shannon R — May 11, 2014 @ 2:46 pm Reply

This is the most photogenic tart I’ve ever seen! So beautiful! Thank you so much for hosting.
Soni — May 11, 2014 @ 2:36 pm Reply

Oh my!This looks every bit divine as you describe it and no surprises that its your favorite!!Love the flavors and wish somebody baked this for me 🙂 Thanks Liz for hosting this wonderful event!
Angie@Angie's Recipes — May 11, 2014 @ 2:21 pm Reply

Decadent..simply decadent with that thick layer of caramel, then ganache…an amazing treat for the Mother’s Day!
Gwen @simplyhealthyfamily — May 11, 2014 @ 2:06 pm Reply

That is one gorgeous pie! Pure heaven. I’m thinking this is exactly what I’ll make for Father’s Day! Happy Mothers day to you!
Seduction In The Kitchen — May 11, 2014 @ 1:55 pm Reply

This is Oh wow, wow!! I am a loss for words looks amazing and soooooo yummy! Thanks for hosting this week on Sunday Supper and HAPPY MOTHER’s DAY!
Nichole C — May 11, 2014 @ 11:53 am Reply

Baking desserts has never been something I am good at. This tart looks SO gorgeous AND delicious! Happy Mother’s Day!
Cathy — May 11, 2014 @ 10:22 am Reply

my two favorite dessert flavors!
Roz — May 11, 2014 @ 10:18 am Reply

what a delicious chocolate treat for a wonderful Mother’s Day celebration!
cquek — May 11, 2014 @ 10:09 am Reply

Well this is GORGEOUS!
Kate @ Diethood — May 11, 2014 @ 10:06 am Reply

Holy twix tart!! Ohmegosh! This would be soooo welcome around here. Your son has the best Mom, EVER! Happy Mother’s Day!! xoxoxo
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips — May 11, 2014 @ 9:57 am Reply

This is to-die-for, Liz! Love it! And Happy Mother’s Day to you!
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers — May 11, 2014 @ 9:55 am Reply

Liz your tart looks amazing and i mean amazing!!! Happy Mother’s Day to you! Oh and thank you for hosting this week!!
Cindys Recipes and Writings — May 11, 2014 @ 9:53 am Reply

Absolutely gorgeous, Liz! What a great dessert for a birthday celebration! Thanks for hosting this week!
Marlene @Nosh My Way — May 11, 2014 @ 9:44 am Reply

It sounds like your children bake like mine. Wow, that is so delectable looking and I am a chocolate caramel kind of girl. Thanks for hosting today.
Dorothy at Shockingly Delicious — May 11, 2014 @ 9:23 am Reply

I die, just looking at it!
Debra — May 11, 2014 @ 8:58 am Reply

Definitely pinning this for later use. I am actually thinking about a dinner party and this would be the crowning glory for dessert. !!!!!!!
Pam — May 11, 2014 @ 8:14 am Reply

Your tart looks delicious and it wouldn’t last long here! Caramel never hurt anything! Thanks for the recipe and Happy Mother’s Day!
Manu — May 11, 2014 @ 7:42 am Reply

Oh MYYYY! And if you say it is one of the best desserts you have ever made, it has just jumped the queue and positioned itself at the very top of my to bake list!!!! Happy Mother’s Day Lizzy! <3
Run DMT — May 11, 2014 @ 7:19 am Reply

OMG “A gourmet Twix”?! I must make this. Gorgeous photo too! Thank you for hosting #SundaySupper this week! Happy Mother’s Day!
Stacy — May 11, 2014 @ 7:17 am Reply

I’m not much of a sweet eater but I do have a weakness for caramel and this looks fabulous, Liz! I’ll need a glass of cold milk too, but I would love every bite. Thank you so much for hosting today and Happy Mother’s Day to you!
Alice // Hip Foodie Mom — May 11, 2014 @ 7:05 am Reply

Liz!!! oh my goodness!!! this is pure perfection! One of the best desserts you’ve made?!! I can see why! That slice is perfect! love love love this! Happy Mother’s day and see you soon!!! woot woot!! thank you for hosting today!!
David @ CookingChat — May 11, 2014 @ 7:03 am Reply

This looks delicious! And thanks again for hosting the #SundaySupper this week!
Megan - The Emotional Baker — May 11, 2014 @ 6:47 am Reply

That tart looks divine! I’m sure I couldn’t stop with just one slice 🙂
Emily @ Life on Food — May 11, 2014 @ 6:41 am Reply

A gourmet Twix bar sounds like a pretty perfect description. This looks amazing!
Helen @ Scrummy Lane — May 11, 2014 @ 5:46 am Reply

My first thought on seeing this was how professional it looks, Liz. And then of course how delicious! Seems like a great (if slightly naughty) choice for a special occasion.
Lynn@Happier Than A Pig In Mud — May 11, 2014 @ 4:55 am Reply

Very pretty! Happy Mother’s Day Liz-enjoy:@)
The Ninja Baker — May 11, 2014 @ 1:16 am Reply

You had me at Twix! Athough truth be told I’ll take one of your upscale desserts any day of the week. Happy Mother’s Day, Liz. Thank you for so generously hosting on your special day =)