Savoring this indulgent delight, I’m wrapped in the velvety warmth of creamy coconut caramel, nestled within a decadent chocolate crust that provides a satisfying crunch. The crowning glory is a sumptuous dark chocolate ganache, drizzled artfully across the surface and finished with a touch of flake salt that adds a delightful textural contrast. Indulge in this rich and decadent dessert, guaranteed to delight even the most discerning palates – vegans and non-vegans alike.
Salted Caramel Chocolate Tart [Vegan]
Salted caramel chocolate tart. A decadent treat that’s surprisingly vegan.
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup cold unsalted vegan butter, cut into tiny pieces
1/4 cup ice-cold water
Caramel filling (see below)
Chocolate ganache (see below)
Caramel Filling:
1 cup non-dairy milk
1/2 cup maple syrup
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Chocolate Ganache:
1 cup dairy-free chocolate chips
1/2 cup coconut cream
- 2 Tbsp. ground flax seed
- 2 Tbsp. water
- 10 Tbsp. vegan butter, chopped
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
- Three to four tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 tsp. kosher salt
- 1 1/2 cups vegan sugar
- 3 Tbsp. light corn syrup
- 5 Tbsp. water
- 1/4 tsp. kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp. coconut extract
- 1/4 tsp. rum extract
- 6 Tbsp. vegan butter, chopped
- 1/2 cup canned full-fat coconut milk (shake the can vigorously before opening)?
- Three-quarters of a cup of rich, creamy canned full-fat coconut milk.
- 8 oz. semi-sweet vegan baking chocolate, chopped
- flake salt (to garnish)
Vegan Delights: A Recipe for Salty-Sweet Salvation – Salted Caramel Chocolate Tart
- Using the dough hook attachment on a food processor, process all the dough ingredients until well combined and smooth. With a steady hand, I process the ingredients, stirring and scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is thoroughly incorporated and accumulated at one end.
- Gently press the dough uniformly into the 9-inch tart pan, extending it seamlessly to the rim to create a precise and even crust. Allow the food to chill by piercing it gently with a fork and refrigerating it for at least an hour before serving.
- While preparing the caramel, combine all ingredients excluding the butter and coconut milk in a small container. No need to combine. Stored in a secure location for future utilization.
- As the tart nears its 10-minute chilling window, preheat the oven to a warm 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Without further ado, remove the pie from the fridge and cover the crust with a sturdy barrier: pie weights or an aluminium foil sheet generously sprinkled with a thick layer of dried legumes, thereby preventing the pastry from puffing up during the baking process. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake for 20 minutes, followed by an additional 8-10 minutes without weights. Removed from the oven, allow the item to chill until it’s ready for consumption.
- In a sturdy, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the bowl of caramel ingredients and place it over medium heat. Continuously stir until the mixture is fully incorporated, allowing for a seamless blend of flavors and textures; subsequently, permit the dish to reach a temperature of 350°F, refraining from any further agitation or disturbance. Can it simply reach a rich, deep amber hue by simmering undisturbed?
- Remove from heat and whisk in the coconut milk and melted butter until the mixture is silky and well combined.
- Gently pour the mixture into the chilled tart crust and refrigerate to allow it to set.
- Within a microwave-safe container, such as a Pyrex measuring cup, heat the coconut milk to scorching temperatures over a duration of 1-2 minutes. Introduce the chopped chocolate into the mixture and whisk vigorously to achieve a silky, uniform consistency.
- With caution, pour the velvety ganache over the rich caramel, ensuring it doesn’t spill over its edges. Once achieved, transfer the combined dessert to a level surface and refrigerate until chilled to perfection, allowing at least 1-3 hours for optimal seting time, which may vary depending on whether the ingredients were initially pre-cooled or not.
- Once chilled, finish with a light dusting of flake salt. Slice and serve chilled. Store the tart in the refrigerator; if left out at room temperature for an extended period, it will likely become overly gooey, whereas refrigeration helps maintain its firm texture.