If you have a serious sweet tooth and love the perfect harmony of rich chocolate and luscious caramel, then you are absolutely going to adore this No-Bake Salted Caramel Chocolate Tart Recipe. It’s one of those special desserts that looks dazzling on the table but comes together without the oven, making it an ideal treat for warm days or last-minute celebrations. A crumbly chocolate cookie base cradles a silky salted caramel layer that is beautifully topped with whipped chocolate ganache, creating a luxurious texture and flavor combo that will impress anyone lucky enough to get a slice.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A chocolate crust tart shell in a white tart pan sits on a white marbled surface with some broken chocolate cookie crumbs around it. A woman's hand pours a thick, smooth, and glossy caramel layer from a silver pot onto the inside of the crust, creating shiny swirls as it fills the center. The rich brown crust has a crumbly texture with tall edges holding the warm caramel. Nearby, a woman's hand holds the pot steady as the caramel flows into the tart shell. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this tart lies in its straightforward yet carefully chosen ingredients, each playing a crucial part in the overall taste and texture. From the buttery cookie crust to the smooth salted caramel and the airy chocolate finish, these pantry staples come together beautifully without fuss.

250 g chocolate cookies (un-filled): These form the crunchy, chocolatey base, and choosing good-quality cookies adds a rich flavor to the crust.
113 g unsalted butter (melted): Binds the cookie crumbs into a firm tart shell with a luscious buttery note.
113 g unsalted butter (chopped into cubes): Added to the caramel cream for creaminess and depth in flavor.
1 cup thickened cream (heavy cream): Used twice — once for the caramel and once for the whipped ganache, lending richness and softness.
300 g white granulated sugar: Essential for creating the perfect amber-hued caramel with just the right sweetness.
¼ cup water: Helps dissolve the sugar evenly before caramelizing.
2 tablespoons glucose (or light corn syrup): Prevents crystallization of the caramel, ensuring a silky smooth texture.
1 ½ teaspoons sea salt flakes: Balances the sweetness by bringing out the complexity in the caramel.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances the warmth and aroma of the caramel and ganache.
250 g dark chocolate (50% cocoa solids): Chopped finely for melting into the glossy ganache topping.

How to Make No-Bake Salted Caramel Chocolate Tart Recipe

Step 1: Create the Chocolate Cookie Base

Begin by pulsing your chocolate cookies into fine crumbs using a food processor. This step ensures your base will be perfectly textured. Then, mix these crumbs with the melted butter so every bit is thoroughly coated. Press this mixture firmly into your tart tin, making sure to reach the edges and corners for a sturdy crust that holds up beautifully to the creamy fillings. Pop it into the fridge to firm up while you prepare the next layers.

Step 2: Prepare the Salted Caramel

In a small saucepan, gently warm the cream and cubed butter until fully melted and steaming, setting this rich mixture aside. Then, in a heavy-based pan, combine sugar, water, and glucose, stirring over low heat until the sugar dissolves completely. From here, let the syrup boil without stirring, swirling the pan every couple of minutes to develop an even amber color that signals caramelization. When the syrup hits that perfect golden hue, carefully add the cream-butter mixture—it will splatter, so be cautious! Whisk until smooth and then continue to cook for about 4-5 minutes until it reaches 115C (240F) on a candy thermometer. Off the heat, mix in sea salt flakes and vanilla extract, and let your luxurious salted caramel cool for about 10 minutes before pouring it gently over your chilled tart base.

Step 3: Make the Whipped Chocolate Ganache

Chop your dark chocolate finely for a smooth melting experience, and place it in a heatproof bowl. Heat the remaining cup of cream just until bubbles start to form, no boiling needed. Pour this hot cream over the chocolate and let it sit quietly for two minutes to soften the chocolate. Then stir gently until you have a glossy, smooth ganache. For a fluffy finish, allow the ganache to cool to room temperature or chill briefly, stirring occasionally, before whipping with an electric beater until thick and light—perfect for spreading or piping onto your tart to create an elegant design that’s sure to wow your guests.

How to Serve No-Bake Salted Caramel Chocolate Tart Recipe

A slice of chocolate tart is shown on a white plate with a textured pattern, sitting on a white marbled surface. The tart has two main layers: a smooth, glossy caramel layer at the bottom and a dark chocolate crust that forms the base and sides. On top, there are seven dollops of whipped chocolate mousse in different shapes and sizes, some with ridged peaks and others rounded, each decorated with a small golden bead. A tiny sprinkle of white salt flakes is visible on the mousse near the edges. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding a final flourish can elevate this tart visually and taste-wise. Sprinkle it with a few extra sea salt flakes for that irresistible sweet-salty crunch or scatter some chopped toasted nuts like pecans or hazelnuts for a nutty crispness. A few curls of dark chocolate or a drizzle of extra caramel sauce can add a luxurious touch that makes each slice look like a work of art.

Side Dishes

This luscious No-Bake Salted Caramel Chocolate Tart Recipe is rich and decadent, so pairing it with something light like fresh berries or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream can add freshness to your dessert plate. A cup of strong coffee or a creamy latte also pairs beautifully, balancing the deep chocolate and caramel flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, serve individual-sized portions in clear glasses layered with crumbled cookie, caramel, and whipped ganache for a deconstructed take. Or pipe elegant rosettes of the chocolate ganache on top, then lightly dust with edible gold powder or cocoa powder for a stunning centerpiece that’s guaranteed to spark conversations.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

One of the joys of this tart is how well it keeps. Store any leftovers tightly covered in the fridge to maintain freshness and prevent the crust from becoming soggy. It should stay delicious for up to four days, allowing you to savor it slowly or share with grateful friends and family.

Freezing

If you want to save a slice or two for later, this tart freezes surprisingly well. Wrap it securely in plastic wrap and foil, then place in the freezer for up to one month. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge so the salty caramel and fluffy chocolate topping retain their lovely textures.

Reheating

Since this is a no-bake tart, reheating is not necessary and not recommended because it changes the texture of the ganache and caramel. Instead, serve slightly chilled or at room temperature for the best experience, letting the flavors shine with every bite.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cookies for the base?

Absolutely! While chocolate cookies add a rich flavor, you can experiment with digestive biscuits, graham crackers, or even shortbread for a different twist. Just be sure to keep the crumbs fine and buttery for stability.

What if I don’t have glucose syrup? Can I substitute it?

If you don’t have glucose syrup on hand, light corn syrup works just as well to prevent crystallization in the caramel, ensuring it stays silky smooth. Avoid skipping this ingredient because it’s key to perfect caramel texture.

Can I make this tart vegan or dairy-free?

It would take some careful substitutions, like coconut cream instead of heavy cream and vegan butter in place of regular butter. Dark chocolate must be checked to ensure it’s dairy-free. However, these changes might slightly affect texture and flavor, so be prepared for a different but still tasty result.

How long does the caramel take to set in the tart?

The salted caramel sets beautifully after about an hour in the fridge, becoming firm enough to hold the ganache but still soft and melt-in-your-mouth. For best results, let the entire tart chill at least 4 hours before serving.

Is there a way to make the ganache less sweet?

Using dark chocolate with a higher cocoa percentage, like 70%, will cut down on sweetness and give the ganache a deeper chocolate flavor. Also, be sure not to add extra sugar when whipping the ganache; the chocolate and cream alone provide plenty of flavor.

Final Thoughts

I hope you are as excited to try this No-Bake Salted Caramel Chocolate Tart Recipe as I am to share it with you. It’s an impressively decadent dessert that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen or the oven, making it perfect for any occasion. The balance of buttery crust, luscious salted caramel, and fluffy chocolate ganache creates a symphony of flavor that’s always a crowd-pleaser. Give it a go—you might just find your new favorite indulgence!

No-Bake Salted Caramel Chocolate Tart Recipe