Description
Chocolate Caramel Crunch Tartlets
A rich and luxurious dessert, these Chocolate Caramel Crunch Tartlets have a buttery crust, a gooey caramel center, and a luscious chocolate topping! They’re easy to make and guaranteed to impress!
You’ll Need:
1 ½ cups crushed graham crackers
½ cup melted butter
1 cup melted dark chocolate
1 cup caramel sauce
½ cup chopped chocolate bars
Would you try a white chocolate version of these?
#DecadentBites
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine the 1 ½ cups of crushed graham crackers with the ½ cup of melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a muffin tin (preferably lined with paper liners for easy removal). Bake for 8-10 minutes until set. Let cool completely.
2. Create the Caramel Layer: Once the crusts are cool, spoon the caramel sauce evenly into each tartlet shell, filling them about halfway. For a thicker, more stable caramel, you can use a store-bought thick caramel or dulce de leche.
3. Add the Chocolate Topping: Gently pour or spoon the 1 cup of melted dark chocolate over the caramel layer, ensuring it spreads to the edges to seal in the caramel. While the chocolate is still soft, sprinkle the top with the ½ cup of chopped chocolate bars for the signature crunch.
4. Set and Serve: Allow the tartlets to set at room temperature until the chocolate is firm, or refrigerate for 20-30 minutes to speed up the process. Once set, carefully remove them from the tin.
Serving Suggestions
These tartlets are perfect on their own but can be elevated with a light dusting of sea salt or cocoa powder. Serve them on a decorative platter for a party, or pair a single tartlet with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream for an extra-indulgent dessert. A fresh berry garnish adds a lovely color contrast and a hint of acidity to balance the sweetness.
How-to Summary
In short, you create a buttery graham cracker crust, bake it briefly, then layer in gooey caramel and rich melted dark chocolate. The final touch is a sprinkle of chopped chocolate for texture. The key is allowing each layer to cool before adding the next to ensure clean, distinct layers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these tartlets ahead of time? Absolutely. You can assemble them completely and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving for the best texture.
What can I use instead of graham crackers for the crust? Digestive biscuits, shortbread cookies, or even crushed pretzels (for a sweet-salty twist) make excellent alternatives. Maintain the same ratio of 1 ½ cups crumbs to ½ cup melted butter.
My caramel is mixing with the chocolate. How do I prevent this? Ensure the caramel layer is completely cool before adding the warm chocolate. If needed, briefly chill the filled tartlets before adding the chocolate topping.
Can I use milk or white chocolate instead? Yes, you can! White chocolate would create a beautiful contrast and a sweeter flavor profile, as suggested in the original post. Simply melt it gently and use it in place of the dark chocolate for the topping.
How do I get clean tartlet removal from the pan? Using paper or foil muffin liners is the easiest method. If you pressed the crust directly into the tin, carefully run a small offset spatula or knife around the edge before lifting them out.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Pressing the crust too thinly: This can cause it to break when removing the tartlet. Ensure an even, firm layer.
- Adding hot caramel to the crust: This can melt the buttery crust. Let your caramel sauce cool slightly first.
- Overheating the chocolate: Melt chocolate slowly using a double boiler or in short microwave bursts, stirring frequently to avoid seizing.
- Skipping the chill time: Rushing the setting process will result in messy, runny layers. Patience is key for the perfect texture.
Conclusion
These Chocolate Caramel Crunch Tartlets are the ultimate easy-to-make, hard-to-resist dessert. With their perfect trio of buttery crust, silky caramel, and rich chocolate, they deliver maximum decadence with minimal effort. Whether you stick with dark chocolate or experiment with white, they are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
