Sensational Salted Caramel Tart

Welcome to my blog, where we dive into the world of culinary delights. Today, I am excited to share with you the recipe for a dessert that has captured the hearts and taste buds of many: the Sensational Salted Caramel Tart. This delectable pastry is a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and creamy textures, making it an irresistible treat. Let’s get started on this journey of creating a masterpiece in your kitchen.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small cubes
• 2-3 tablespoons ice water

For the Salted Caramel Filling:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup light corn syrup
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

For the Egg Wash and Topping:

• 1 egg yolk
• 1 tablespoon heavy cream
• Coarse sugar or demerara sugar for sprinkling

Instructions

Preparing the Crust:

1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the chilled butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
3. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Baking the Crust:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Transfer it into a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom.
3. Crimp the edges of the crust and prick the bottom with a fork. Line the crust with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dried beans.
4. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the weights and parchment paper. Continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown. Allow it to cool completely before filling.

Making the Salted Caramel Filling:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, and 2 tablespoons of water. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture turns a deep amber color.
2. Remove from heat and carefully add the heavy cream and butter. Stir vigorously until smooth. The mixture will bubble up, so be cautious.
3. Add the sea salt and vanilla extract, stirring well to combine.
4. Pour the caramel filling into the cooled tart shell and spread it evenly.

Finishing Touches:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and heavy cream to create an egg wash.
2. Brush the egg wash over the top of the tart and sprinkle with coarse sugar or demerara sugar.
3. Bake the tart for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown.
4. Allow the tart to cool completely before serving. You can also refrigerate it for a few hours to set the caramel filling.

Tips and Variations

Perfecting the Crust:

To achieve a flaky and tender crust, ensure that your butter remains cold throughout the process. Overworking the dough can result in a tough crust, so handle it gently.

Mastering the Caramel:

The key to a perfect salted caramel is controlling the temperature and timing. Keep an eye on the color as it caramelizes, and be prepared to act quickly when adding the cream and butter.

Variations:

Feel free to experiment with different flavors by adding a pinch of cinnamon, espresso powder, or even a splash of rum to the caramel filling. You could also try using a chocolate crust or adding a layer of ganache beneath the caramel.

Conclusion

The Sensational Salted Caramel Tart is a showstopper that combines the rich, buttery texture of a shortbread crust with the luscious, salty-sweet caramel filling. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply treating yourself, this dessert is sure to impress. Enjoy the process of creating this delightful pastry and savor every bite of its indulgent flavors. Happy cooking!