Dark Chocolate Tart with Sea Salt

The Dark Chocolate Tart with Sea Salt is a stunning dessert that marries luxury and simplicity in one perfect bite. Imagine a buttery, crisp tart crust filled with a luscious dark chocolate ganache that melts on your tongue, finished with delicate flakes of sea salt that enhance every bit of its rich cocoa flavor.

This dessert is elegant enough for dinner parties yet simple enough for a cozy weekend treat. It’s the kind of recipe that makes people close their eyes after the first bite — smooth, decadent, and balanced with that irresistible salty-sweet harmony.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s sophisticated but effortless. The dark chocolate ganache filling requires no baking, just gentle melting and whisking. The crust adds a beautiful crunch that complements the silky filling perfectly.

The sea salt on top is truly the star — it elevates the dessert by cutting through the richness of the chocolate and adding a subtle sparkle of flavor in every bite.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This tart is a must-try for anyone who loves chocolate because:

• It’s rich yet balanced, with perfect sweetness and a hint of salt.
• No complicated steps — it’s beginner-friendly.
• The presentation is stunning — glossy, dark, and elegant.
• It’s customizable — add caramel, nuts, or berries for variation.
• It keeps beautifully, making it great for make-ahead desserts.

This tart embodies pure chocolate bliss — silky, shiny, and unforgettable.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 25 minutes
• Chilling Time: 2 hours
• Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes

Servings & Calories

• Servings: 8–10 slices
• Calories: ~420 kcal per slice

Cuisine & Course

• Cuisine: French-inspired
• Course: Dessert

Ingredients

For the Tart Crust:

• 1½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• ¼ cup (30 g) powdered sugar
• 1 egg yolk
• 1–2 tbsp cold water
• Pinch of salt

For the Chocolate Filling:

• 8 oz (225 g) dark chocolate (70% cocoa), chopped
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp sugar (optional, depending on sweetness preference)
• Flaky sea salt, for topping

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Prepare and bake tart crust until golden.
2. Melt dark chocolate with cream and butter to form ganache.
3. Pour ganache into tart shell and chill until set.
4. Sprinkle sea salt before serving.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation

Step 1: Make the Tart Crust

1. In a large bowl, combine flour, powdered sugar, and a pinch of salt.
2. Add cold butter cubes and rub between your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add egg yolk and 1 tablespoon cold water; mix until dough comes together. Add more water if needed.
4. Shape into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Step 2: Bake the Crust

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out dough on a floured surface and fit into a 9-inch tart pan. Trim excess dough.
3. Prick the base with a fork and line with parchment paper. Fill with baking beans or rice.
4. Blind bake for 15 minutes, remove weights, and bake another 10 minutes until golden.
5. Let cool completely.

(If using a cookie crust, mix 1½ cups crushed chocolate cookies with ¼ cup melted butter, press into pan, and chill for 20 minutes.)

Step 3: Make the Chocolate Ganache Filling

1. Place chopped dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl.
2. In a saucepan, heat heavy cream over medium heat until just simmering (don’t boil).
3. Pour hot cream over the chocolate. Let it sit for 2 minutes, then whisk until smooth and glossy.
4. Stir in butter and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
5. Taste and add sugar if you prefer a slightly sweeter filling.

Step 4: Assemble the Tart

1. Pour the ganache into the cooled tart shell.
2. Smooth the surface with a spatula.
3. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until set.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once set, sprinkle flaky sea salt evenly over the top just before serving.
Slice with a sharp knife dipped in hot water for clean cuts.

How to Serve

• Serve chilled or at room temperature for the silkiest texture.
• Pair with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or fresh berries.
• A glass of espresso, dessert wine, or red wine complements it beautifully.
• Garnish with chocolate curls or edible gold flakes for a luxurious touch.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Use good-quality dark chocolate — it makes all the difference.
• Don’t overheat the cream; it should be hot but not boiling.
• Chill long enough for a perfect set — at least 2 hours.
• For a glossy finish, lightly brush with melted butter before serving.
• Add sea salt after chilling to maintain its crisp texture.

Variations

• Salted Caramel Tart: Add a thin layer of caramel under the ganache.
• Nutty Version: Sprinkle chopped hazelnuts or almonds over the filling.
• Espresso Infused: Stir 1 tsp espresso powder into the cream for mocha flavor.
• Vegan Option: Use coconut cream and vegan dark chocolate; skip butter.
• Crust Swap: Use Oreo or graham cracker crust for a quicker version.

Freezing and Storage

Refrigeration:

• Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Bring to room temperature 10–15 minutes before serving.

Freezing:

• Freeze the tart (whole or sliced) in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
• Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Special Equipment Needed

• 9-inch tart pan (with removable bottom preferred)
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Rolling pin (if making crust from scratch)
• Saucepan
• Offset spatula or spoon for spreading ganache

FAQ

Q1: What type of chocolate works best?
Use 70% cocoa dark chocolate for the perfect bittersweet balance.

Q2: Can I use milk chocolate?
Yes, but reduce added sugar and expect a sweeter flavor.

Q3: Why add sea salt?
It enhances the chocolate flavor and adds a delicate crunch that balances the richness.

Q4: My ganache didn’t set — what went wrong?
You may have used too much cream or not enough chilling time. Ensure the ratio of chocolate to cream is correct.

Q5: Can I make this tart ahead of time?
Absolutely — it’s ideal for make-ahead desserts. Prepare the day before serving and refrigerate.

Conclusion

Dark Chocolate Tart with Sea Salt is the epitome of elegant indulgence — rich, smooth, and deeply satisfying. The velvety dark chocolate filling contrasts beautifully with the crisp crust and the subtle sparkle of sea salt on top.

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, celebrating a special occasion, or simply craving an extraordinary dessert, this tart delivers every time. It’s a timeless recipe that captures the art of simplicity — few ingredients, flawless taste, and unforgettable presentation.