Ingredients:
- 8 oz Digestive biscuits or Vegan Graham Crackers
- 2 Tbsp Granulated Sugar
- ¼ tsp Fine Sea Salt
- ½ cup Melted Vegan Butter (or refined coconut oil)
- 1 cup Full-Fat Coconut Cream (thick, solidified cream from a chilled can)
- ¾ cup packed Light Brown Sugar
- 2 Tbsp Maple Syrup or Agave Nectar
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1 tsp Flaky Sea Salt
- 12 oz High-Quality Dark Chocolate, finely chopped (at least 70% cocoa solids, dairy-free)
- 1 cup Full-Fat Coconut Milk (Canned, shaken well)
- ¼ cup Maple Syrup
- 1 tsp Espresso Powder (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Pan: Lightly grease the 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom.
- Crush Ingredients: Place biscuits, sugar, and fine salt into a food processor and pulse until fine crumbs form.
- Bind: Add the melted vegan butter and pulse until the mixture resembles wet sand and holds its shape when squeezed.
- Press: Transfer crumbs to the tart pan. Using a measuring cup or glass, press the mixture firmly and evenly across the bottom and up the sides. Ensure the edges are dense.
- Chill: Place the crust in the freezer for 30 minutes while preparing the caramel.
- Combine Caramel: In a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the coconut cream, brown sugar, and maple syrup. Heat over medium heat, whisking until the sugar is dissolved.
- Boil and Reduce: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and allow it to simmer, stirring occasionally, for 10–12 minutes. The caramel should significantly thicken and darken slightly.
- Finish Caramel: Remove from heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and flaky sea salt. Let the caramel cool slightly (about 5 minutes).
- Layer 1: Pour the warm caramel evenly over the chilled crust.
- Set Caramel: Place the tart back in the freezer for another 30–45 minutes until the caramel is firm to the touch.
- Prepare Chocolate: Place the finely chopped dark chocolate and espresso powder into a heatproof bowl.
- Heat Liquid: In the saucepan, heat the full-fat coconut milk and the remaining maple syrup until it just reaches a simmer—do not allow it to boil vigorously.
- Emulsify: Pour the hot coconut milk mixture over the chopped chocolate. Let it sit undisturbed for 5 minutes.
- Whisk: Gently stir the center of the mixture using a whisk or spatula until it becomes a single, glossy, smooth ganache.
- Layer 2: Remove the tart from the freezer and carefully pour the chocolate ganache over the caramel layer.
- Final Chill: Chill the entire tart in the refrigerator for a minimum of 4 hours, or ideally overnight, until the filling is fully set and firm.
- Serving: Just before serving, release the tart from the pan. Garnish the top generously with extra flaky sea salt. Slice with a sharp knife dipped in hot water for clean edges.