A luxurious and visually stunning dessert, the Salted Caramel Chocolate Mousse Tart features a crisp chocolate pastry base, a smooth layer of rich salted caramel, and airy chocolate mousse piped in elegant domes. Finished with a light dusting of cocoa and a sleek chocolate garnish, this tart is as refined in flavor as it is in presentation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This tart is the ultimate indulgence for chocolate and caramel lovers. Here’s why it’s sure to impress:

Combines rich textures: crisp shell, velvety caramel, and fluffy mousse
Perfect balance of sweet and salty
Elegant appearance suited for special occasions or formal entertaining
Each component can be made ahead, simplifying assembly
A dessert that tastes as luxurious as it looks
Customizable with different toppings and decorations

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chocolate Tart Shell:

all-purpose flour
unsweetened cocoa powder
powdered sugar
cold unsalted butter, cubed
egg yolk
cold water

For the Salted Caramel Filling:

sugar
water
heavy cream
sea salt
unsalted butter

For the Chocolate Mousse:

heavy cream
dark chocolate, chopped
sugar
vanilla extract

For Garnish:

cocoa powder
dark chocolate disc or shaving

directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, mix the flour, cocoa powder, and powdered sugar.
Cut in the cold cubed butter until the mixture resembles fine crumbs.
Add the egg yolk and 1–2 tablespoons of cold water. Mix until the dough just comes together.
Press the dough evenly into a tart pan or individual tartlet molds. Prick the base with a fork.
Chill the shell for 15 minutes, then bake for 18–20 minutes. Allow to cool completely.
For the caramel, combine sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook until it turns a golden amber color.
Remove from heat and carefully whisk in the cream, followed by sea salt and butter. Stir until smooth.
Let the caramel cool slightly, then pour it into the baked tart shell. Refrigerate until set.
For the mousse, melt the dark chocolate and allow it to cool slightly.
Whip the heavy cream with sugar and vanilla extract to soft peaks.
Gently fold the cooled melted chocolate into the whipped cream.
Pipe or spoon the mousse on top of the set caramel layer. Chill until firm.
Dust the top with cocoa powder and garnish with a dark chocolate disc or shavings before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 8–10 people. Preparation time is about 40 minutes, with baking and chilling time adding another 60–90 minutes. Total time required: approximately 2 hours.

Variations

Nutty Caramel: Add chopped roasted hazelnuts or almonds to the caramel layer for added crunch.
Milk Chocolate Mousse: Use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate for a sweeter mousse.
Coffee-Infused Mousse: Add a teaspoon of instant espresso to the melted chocolate for depth.
Mini Tartlets: Make individual tartlets for a beautiful plated dessert.
Salt Flakes Finish: Garnish with flaky sea salt for a bolder salty contrast.
Fruit Accent: Top with raspberries or thin slices of poached pear for a fruity touch.

storage/reheating

Store the tart in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days. For best texture, allow it to sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving. This dessert is not suitable for freezing once fully assembled, as the mousse may lose its texture.

FAQs

Can I make the tart shell ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the shell up to 2 days in advance. Store it at room temperature in an airtight container.

Is it necessary to chill the tart shell before baking?

Yes, chilling prevents the dough from shrinking and helps maintain its shape.

Can I use store-bought caramel?

Yes, store-bought caramel can be used in a pinch, but homemade offers the best texture and flavor.

Can I make the mousse with milk chocolate?

Yes, but the final result will be sweeter and less intense in flavor.

What type of chocolate is best for the mousse?

Use high-quality dark chocolate (60–70% cocoa) for a rich and smooth mousse.

Can I skip the garnish?

Yes, but the cocoa dusting and chocolate decoration enhance the presentation and flavor.

What should I do if my caramel hardens?

If the caramel thickens too much before pouring, gently reheat it over low heat until pourable.

How long should I chill the mousse before serving?

Chill for at least 1 hour, or until the mousse is firm enough to hold its shape.

Can I use a pastry crust instead of a chocolate shell?

Yes, a plain sweet tart crust can be substituted if desired, though the chocolate enhances the overall flavor.

How do I achieve clean slices when serving?

Use a sharp knife warmed under hot water and wiped dry between cuts for neat slices.

Conclusion

The Salted Caramel Chocolate Mousse Tart is an exquisite dessert that delivers a symphony of textures and flavors. From the crisp chocolate crust to the luscious caramel and light-as-air mousse, it’s a showstopping treat for special occasions or when you simply want to indulge in something extraordinary. With a balance of elegance and rich flavor, this tart is bound to leave a lasting impression.