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Espresso Chocolate Caramel Tarts

Rich, decadent tarts with an Oreo crust, salted caramel layer, dark chocolate ganache, and espresso whipped cream.
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time8 minutes
Cooling Time2 hours
Total Time2 hours 38 minutes
Course: Dessert
Keyword: caramel, chocolate, espresso, tart
Servings: 5 tarts

Ingredients

For the Crust:

  • 350 g Oreo crumbs
  • 60 g butter melted
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp sugar

For the Salted Caramel:

  • 100 g white sugar
  • 43 g butter
  • ¼ cup heavy cream
  • Pinch of sea salt

For the Ganache Filling:

  • 200 g dark chocolate chopped
  • ¾ cup heavy cream
  • 15 g butter
  • 1 tsp espresso powder
  • Pinch of sea salt
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Espresso Whipped Cream:

  • cups heavy cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp espresso powder

Instructions

Make the Oreo Crust

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Stir the melted butter together with the Oreo crumbs, salt, and sugar until evenly combined. Press the mixture firmly into five tart pans (about 4" size). Bake for 8 minutes, then let cool completely.

Prepare the Salted Caramel

  • In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the sugar—stir often until it's fully liquid and amber in colour. Immediately stir in the butter until melted, then whisk vigorously until smooth. Slowly pour in the cream while stirring. Let the mixture boil for 1 minute, then remove from heat and stir in the salt. Set aside to cool.

Make the Ganache

  • Heat the cream until just steaming, then pour it over the chopped chocolate. Let sit for 2–3 minutes, then stir until smooth. Add the butter, espresso powder, salt, and vanilla, and stir until glossy and well combined.

Whip the Cream

  • In a stand mixer, whip the cream with sugar, vanilla, and espresso powder until stiff peaks form.

Assemble the Tarts

  • Once the tart shells have cooled, spoon or pipe a layer of salted caramel into the bottom of each one.
  • Pour or pipe the ganache over the caramel, filling each tart shell.
  • Let the tarts set in the fridge until firm, about 1–2 hours.
  • Pipe the espresso whipped cream on top.
  • Optional: use extra ganache or caramel to drizzle over the top for a dramatic finish.

Notes

Don’t overcook your caramel. It should be a deep amber, not burnt. Pull it off the heat as soon as it's done.
Use good-quality chocolate for the ganache—this is where a lot of the flavour comes from.
Chill before topping. Make sure the ganache is fully set before piping the whipped cream or it’ll melt right off.
You can make the components a day ahead and assemble the day you’re serving.