Name: Silky Salted Dark Chocolate Tart Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: PT-489501H21M25S
Cuisine: French-inspired
Ingredients: ¾ cup (105g) all-purpose flour; ¼ cup (55g) packed brown sugar; ¼ tsp salt; ¼ cup (56g) cold butter, cut into pieces; 1 ⅓ cups (315ml) 10% half & half cream; ⅓ cup (65g) granulated sugar; 5 oz (142g) dark chocolate (60-70% cocoa), coarsely chopped; 1 large egg; ⅛ tsp salt; 2 oz (56g) semi sweet chocolate (50-55% cocoa), coarsely chopped; ¼ cup (60ml) hot water; 1 tbsp unsalted butter; Sea salt flakes for topping

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 83 reviews

If you are a chocolate lover searching for the perfect indulgence, this Silky Salted Dark Chocolate Tart Recipe will quickly become your new favorite. It offers a luscious, velvety filling contrasted by a crisp, buttery crust, all crowned with a glossy chocolate glaze and just the right sprinkle of sea salt flakes. Every bite strikes a dreamy balance between deep, rich dark chocolate and a touch of sweet saltiness, making it an irresistible dessert to share or savor solo. Let me walk you through this delightful recipe that turns simple ingredients into a stunning chocolate masterpiece.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A round tart with one slice removed shows three layers: a light golden crumbly crust at the base and edges, a thick middle layer of dense dark chocolate filling, and a smooth glossy dark chocolate top layer with gentle swirl patterns. The top is sprinkled lightly with coarse salt flakes. The tart sits on a wooden board with some crumbs around it, and in the background, there is a white marbled surface with a clear glass jar of dark chocolate spread and a spoon. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This tart is made from straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together harmoniously to create a rich and satisfying flavor. Each component plays an essential role – from the flaky crust that provides structure, to the melting cream and chocolate blending into that famous silky texture and depth of taste.

¾ cup all-purpose flour: The foundation for a tender, buttery crust that holds the filling beautifully.
¼ cup packed brown sugar: Adds subtle caramel notes and a gentle sweetness to the crust.
¼ tsp salt: Enhances flavor and balances sweetness throughout both crust and filling.
¼ cup cold butter, cut into pieces: Provides richness and flakiness to the tart shell.
1 ⅓ cups 10% half & half cream: Creates a smooth, luscious filling texture.
⅓ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cream while preserving the bittersweet nature of the chocolate.
5 oz dark chocolate (60-70% cocoa), coarsely chopped: Offers bold, intense chocolate flavor with a silky finish.
1 large egg: Helps bind the filling and adds creaminess.
⅛ tsp salt: Fine-tunes the filling’s flavor.
2 oz semi-sweet chocolate (50-55% cocoa), coarsely chopped: Used in the glaze for a smooth, shiny coat with a slightly sweeter edge.
¼ cup hot water: Assists in melting the glaze chocolate evenly.
1 tbsp unsalted butter: Adds richness and sheen to the glaze.
Sea salt flakes: The final touch to elevate flavors with a light crunch.

How to Make Silky Salted Dark Chocolate Tart Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Tart Crust

Start by heating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Combine the flour, brown sugar, and salt in a bowl, then rub in the cold butter pieces until you achieve a breadcrumb-like texture. This technique ensures a crumbly, tender crust once baked. Press the mixture evenly into a tart pan, making sure to cover the bottom and sides well, then prick the base with a fork to prevent puffing. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes until it’s lightly golden and fragrant. Let it cool on a wire rack – this will give you the perfect crisp foundation for your silky chocolate filling.

Step 2: Make the Silky Chocolate Filling

Next, warm the half & half cream and granulated sugar over medium-low heat until it just simmers. Remove from heat and add the chopped dark chocolate. Let it sit for a minute before whisking until smooth and velvety. Now, beat your egg with salt in a separate bowl, and slowly add the warm chocolate mixture to the egg, whisking as you go to temper it. This careful process prevents the egg from scrambling and creates that signature glossy, silky custard. Pour this luscious filling into your cooled crust and bake it briefly for 10 minutes before turning off the oven and leaving the tart inside to set gently for another 10 minutes.

Step 3: Chill and Let the Tart Set

After baking, transfer the tart to a wire rack to come to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least two hours until the filling is fully set but still melts in your mouth. This resting time is essential for the Silky Salted Dark Chocolate Tart Recipe to achieve its signature silky texture and rich flavor.

Step 4: Prepare the Glaze and Finish

To add that irresistible shiny top, combine the semi-sweet chocolate with hot water in a saucepan over medium heat, whisking until smooth and melted. Stir in the butter to thicken and create a glossy finish. Pour this warm glaze evenly over the chilled tart, tilting the pan gently to cover every corner. Let the glaze set for about 30 minutes before sprinkling with sea salt flakes, which add a perfect contrast to the deep chocolate richness.

How to Serve Silky Salted Dark Chocolate Tart Recipe

A white plate holds a chocolate tart with a thick, shiny dark brown chocolate layer on top and a light tan crust around the edges. One slice is taken out and placed next to the tart on the plate. The chocolate topping has a smooth texture with a few swirls and is sprinkled with coarse sea salt. The plate is on a wooden board with stripes of different wood tones. Nearby, there is a clear glass jar with white salt, a spoon with some salt, and a small jar filled with dark chocolate sauce on a light brown woven mat. A white cup with black coffee and a clear pour-over coffee maker with a black lid are also visible on the side. The background surface is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

This dessert’s beauty lies in its simplicity, but garnishing can excite the senses even more. Sprinkling a few extra sea salt flakes right before serving highlights the salty-sweet balance. For a fresh note, add a few raspberries or a sprig of mint to brighten the plate and add a pop of color.

Side Dishes

The sumptuous richness of this tart pairs perfectly with light accompaniments. Serve alongside a dollop of vanilla bean whipped cream or a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream to complement the bittersweet chocolate. A crisp fruit salad with citrus or pomegranate seeds can also refresh the palate between decadent bites.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress guests with your Silky Salted Dark Chocolate Tart Recipe presentation? Slice it into neat wedges and plate each with a drizzle of raspberry coulis or caramel sauce. For a casual approach, serve the tart as part of a dessert board with nuts, berries, and biscotti for an inviting sharing experience. You can also dust the tart edges lightly with cocoa powder or powdered sugar for an elegant finishing touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once made, cover the tart tightly with plastic wrap and keep it refrigerated for up to 3 days. This keeps the filling smooth and the crust crisp enough without drying out. Bring it to room temperature for a few minutes before serving to recapture the velvety texture.

Freezing

You can freeze the tart for longer storage by wrapping it carefully in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Avoid freezing the tart with the glaze on top; instead, freeze the crust and filling separately if possible and add the glaze fresh before serving for the best results.

Reheating

If you prefer your tart slightly warm, briefly warm it in a low oven (about 275 degrees F) for 5-7 minutes. This makes the chocolate filling soft and silky again without melting the structure. Avoid microwaving, as it can affect texture and cause uneven heating.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of chocolate for this tart?

Absolutely! While dark chocolate between 60-70% cocoa is ideal for that rich, bittersweet flavor, you can experiment with milk or bittersweet varieties depending on your sweetness preference. Just be mindful that the texture and taste will vary slightly.

Is there a substitute for half & half cream?

If you don’t have half & half, you can use a mixture of equal parts whole milk and heavy cream. This will give a similar richness and creaminess to the filling essential to this Silky Salted Dark Chocolate Tart Recipe.

Why do we need to temper the egg when mixing filling?

Tempering the egg by gradually whisking in warm chocolate mixture prevents the egg from cooking too quickly and curdling. This step ensures the filling remains silky smooth and custard-like, rather than lumpy or scrambled.

Can I make the crust gluten-free?

Yes! You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour, but texture may differ slightly. For best results, choose a blend that contains xanthan gum to help mimic the structure of wheat flour.

How important is the sea salt flakes topping?

The sea salt flakes add a crucial flavor contrast to the deep chocolate’s sweetness and bitterness. They also provide a delightful crunchy texture that enhances each bite. Skip it and you lose the signature balance that makes this tart so special.

Final Thoughts

If you want to treat yourself or impress your friends with an unforgettable dessert, the Silky Salted Dark Chocolate Tart Recipe is an absolute must-try. Its elegant combination of luscious chocolate, flaky crust, and just the right hint of salt is pure comfort and sophistication all in one bite. I can’t wait for you to experience this chocolate delight that feels both indulgent and achievable in your own kitchen.