Salted Caramel Tartlets: Elegant and Rich

Buttery crusts filled with creamy caramel and a hint of salt—pure decadence!

Makes 12 tartlets

Darlin’, these Salted Caramel Tartlets are little bites of heaven. With a buttery crust, luscious caramel filling, and a sprinkle of sea salt, they’re the perfect blend of sweet and salty. These elegant treats will steal the show at any holiday party or make a thoughtful gift for someone special.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: For that tender, buttery crust.
  • ½ cup unsalted butter (softened): Makes the crust rich and flaky.
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar: Adds just a touch of sweetness.
  • 1 egg yolk: Helps bind the dough.
  • 2 tbsp ice water: For the perfect consistency.

For the Filling:

  • 1 cup granulated sugar: The base of the caramel.
  • ¼ cup water: Helps dissolve the sugar.
  • ½ cup heavy cream: Makes the caramel luxuriously creamy.
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter: Adds richness.
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor.
  • ½ tsp flaky sea salt: For that signature salted caramel taste.

For Garnish:

  • Flaky sea salt: A sprinkle on top for elegance.
  • Optional: Chocolate drizzle or gold dust for a fancy finish.

Supplies Needed

  • 12-cup muffin tin or tartlet molds
  • Mixing bowls
  • Saucepan
  • Pastry cutter or food processor
  • Rolling pin

Instructions

Prepare Your Workspace:
Grease your muffin tin or tartlet molds and preheat your oven to 350°F.

  1. Make the Crust:
    In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and sugar. Cut in the butter with a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the egg yolk and ice water, mixing until the dough comes together. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes.
  2. Form the Tartlet Shells:
    Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface and cut into 3-inch circles. Press each circle into the muffin tin or tartlet molds, trimming any excess dough. Prick the bottoms with a fork to prevent puffing. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown. Let cool completely.
  3. Make the Caramel Filling:
    In a saucepan, combine the sugar and water over medium heat. Stir gently until the sugar dissolves, then stop stirring and let it cook until it turns a deep amber color. Carefully whisk in the heavy cream (it will bubble up), followed by the butter and vanilla. Stir until smooth. Let cool slightly.
  4. Fill the Tartlets:
    Spoon the caramel into the cooled tartlet shells, filling them about three-quarters full. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
  5. Chill to Set:
    Refrigerate the tartlets for at least 1 hour, or until the caramel is firm.
  6. Decorate and Serve:
    For an extra fancy touch, drizzle the tartlets with melted chocolate or dust with edible gold. Serve and enjoy!

Storage Tips

  • Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze the tartlets (without salt garnish) for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge and garnish before serving.

Recipe Tips & Tricks

  • Tip 1: Use store-bought pie dough to save time—no one will know!
  • Tip 2: Double the caramel filling to have extra for drizzling on ice cream or fruit.
  • Tip 3: For a nuttier twist, add a sprinkle of toasted pecans on top.

Variations

  • Chocolate Caramel Tartlets: Add a layer of melted chocolate before the caramel.
  • Spiced Caramel Tartlets: Stir in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the caramel for a holiday twist.
  • Peanut Butter Caramel Tartlets: Swirl a dollop of peanut butter into the caramel before filling the shells.

FAQ

Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare them a day in advance and store them in the fridge until ready to serve.

Q: Can I use a different crust?
Yes! A shortbread crust or pre-made tartlet shells work beautifully.

Q: Is making caramel hard?
Not at all! Just keep an eye on it to prevent burning, and stir carefully when adding the cream.

Final Thoughts

These Salted Caramel Tartlets are the epitome of holiday elegance. Perfectly balanced with their sweet and salty flavors, they’re a treat that will wow your guests or make any gift basket extra special. So grab your butter and sugar, darlin’, and let’s bake up some magic!

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