Caramel Crunch Tart is a decadent dessert that combines a rich caramel filling with a crunchy topping, all encased in a buttery tart shell. This delightful tart is perfect for special occasions or as a sweet treat to impress your guests!

Ingredients

For the Tart Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold, cut into cubes)
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg yolk
• 2-3 tablespoons ice water

For the Caramel Filling:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (cubed)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Crunch Topping:

• 1 cup chopped nuts (such as pecans, walnuts, or almonds)
• 1/2 cup granola (or crushed cookies)
• 1/4 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Timing

Making Caramel Crunch Tart takes about 30 minutes for preparation and 30-35 minutes for baking, plus additional time for cooling.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Oven

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 2: Prepare the Tart Crust

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, powdered sugar, and salt.
2. Cut in Butter: Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add Egg Yolk and Water: Stir in the egg yolk and enough ice water to form a dough. Be careful not to overmix.
4. Chill Dough: Form the dough into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
5. Roll Out Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to fit a tart pan. Press the dough into the pan and trim any excess.

Step 3: Pre-bake the Tart Shell

1. Pre-bake: Prick the bottom of the tart shell with a fork and bake for 15 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool.

Step 4: Make the Caramel Filling

1. Cook Sugar: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the sugar until it turns a deep amber color, stirring occasionally.
2. Add Butter: Once melted, carefully add the cubed butter and stir until fully melted.
3. Add Cream and Flavorings: Remove from heat and slowly whisk in the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth. Let the caramel cool slightly.

Step 5: Assemble the Tart

1. Pour Caramel: Pour the caramel filling into the pre-baked tart shell, spreading it evenly.
2. Prepare Crunch Topping: In a bowl, mix the chopped nuts, granola, and caramel sauce until well combined. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the caramel layer.

Step 6: Bake

1. Bake Again: Return the tart to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the caramel is bubbling slightly.
2. Cool: Remove from the oven and let cool completely at room temperature. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

Step 7: Serve

1. Slice and Enjoy: Slice the tart and serve chilled or at room temperature, enjoying the delightful combination of flavors and textures!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Caramel Crunch Tart (per slice, based on 12 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	320
Protein	4g
Fat	20g
Carbohydrates	30g
Fiber	1g
Sugar	15g

Tips for Customization

• Add Chocolate: Drizzle melted chocolate over the top for an extra layer of flavor.
• Use Different Nuts: Experiment with different nuts or seeds for the crunch topping.
• Flavor Variations: Add a pinch of cinnamon or sea salt to the caramel for a different flavor profile.

Conclusion

Caramel Crunch Tart is a rich and indulgent dessert that combines creamy caramel with a crunchy topping in a buttery tart shell. Perfect for special occasions or as a sweet treat, this recipe is sure to impress your guests. Enjoy this delightful recipe!