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Mini Salted Caramel Chocolate Pies are decadent little bites that are perfect for any holiday cocktail party.
I have to admit, going full time at this blogging thing has been awesome and terrifying, but almost entirely awesome. I’ve gotten the chance to do some amazing things since not tied to a desk and place of work that’s more than 10 steps outside my bedroom. (Having your workplace be 10 steps outside your bedroom ain’t half bad either.)
One of the most fun things I’ve gotten to do this year is a whole suite of recipes for Ghirardelli. From Turtle Pretzel Candy Clusters to Sweet and Salty No Bake Peanut Butter Bars, Emily and I created some truly amazing recipes that cover every kind of party dessert or sweet snack you might need.
But my most favorite of them all are these Mini Salted Caramel Chocolate Pies. I mean, just look at them! Every bite as buttery as you imagine, caramel combined with its favorite partners in crime; crisp shortbread and decadent chocolate. They’re topped with just a little bit of kosher salt, which brings out both flavors with true intensity.
I can imagine these gorgeous little pies displayed on a lovely silver tray and passed around your holiday party for everyone to enjoy. Make a few of these Small Bite desserts from the Ghirardelli site for a fun themed party.
All you need are a few appetizers, some excellent cocktails, and don’t forget the rockin’ carols! If you were feeling especially festive, you could drop a few holiday sprinkles on top of each pie along with that kosher salt. Because, sprinkles.
Have a holly jolly one, guys!
Mini Salted Caramel Chocolate Pies
Ingredients
- 24 mini pre-baked tart/pie shells 1 1/2 inches
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 6 ounces Ghirardelli 60% Cacao Bittersweet Chocolate Baking Chips divided
- 12 soft baking caramels see note below
- Garnish
- kosher salt for sprinkling
Instructions
- 1. Place mini pie shells on a rimmed baking sheet and set aside.
- 2. Heat heavy cream in a small sauce pan set over medium low heat until hot and just starting to bubble. Place 4 ounces of the bittersweet baking chips in a medium sized bowl and pour cream over the chips. Cover the bowl with a plate and allow to sit for about 5 minutes. Whisk chocolate and cream together until chocolate is completely melted and mixture is smooth. Allow ganache to sit for about 10 minutes. Spoon 1/2 teaspoon of ganache into each pie shell and allow to sit at room temperature until chocolate is set.
- 3. Unwrap 12 soft baking caramels and place them in a microwave safe bowl. Add 1 teaspoon of water and microwave on high for 30 seconds. Stir and repeat heating until caramel is melted. Allow caramel to sit for 1 minute. Spoon 1/2 teaspoon of caramel on top of each mini pie. Allow caramel to harden.
- 4. Place remaining bittersweet baking chips in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave on 50% power for 30 seconds and stir. Repeat heating steps until chocolate is melted. Transfer to a zip top bag and snip off a very small amount of one corner, creating a fine piping bag. Drizzle melted chocolate over caramel. Sprinkle with salt. Allow chocolate to harden and serve.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
While I was compensated by Ghirardelli for recipe development, this post was not requested or required. I simply love these mini pies, and wanted to share them with you.
Can I just say how much I love that you love salted caramel? Seriously! These are incredible looking!!!
I think I’m addicted to the stuff! :)
Thanks so much for stopping by!
-Jamie
What a great and simple idea – perfect for Christmas! Thanks for sharing the recipe. I the love caramel, chocolate and salt combination.
Thanks so much, Sarah. They are definitely simple, but so delicious!
Jamie,
Did you use storebought mini pie shells? Or did you make your own?
I am not aware of any that taste like shortbread…..and with that in your description, now that is waht I imagine these taste like! Can you help me out here? Thanks! Because…I think these are going to be out on trays on Christmasn Eve :)
Maria-
Yes, we used store-bought tart shells. We found them at our local market, but you can also purchase them on Amazon (affiliate link). They are pricier on Amazon than in store by about $3. I hope this helps.
-Jamie
I love chocolate and caramel. They look wonderful. Good luck with your blog and going full time.
Thanks so much, Gerlinde!
hey! these are adorable!! where did u find the tiny pie shells? at a regular grocery store? i don’t think i’ve ever seen them that small… so cute!
Jenn-
We used store-bought tart shells. We found them at our local market, but you can also purchase them on Amazon (affiliate link). They are pricier on Amazon than in store by about $3. I hope this helps. Thanks so much for stopping by!
-Jamie
I can’t get over how gorgeous these photos are! The mini pies look totally professional.. jelly over here! I can never swirl just properly..
Thank you so much, Cheryl. Emily and I had a blast photographing all of these mini desserts! :)
-Jamie
Holy Cannoli! These are the cutest and most perfect mini pies ever! Pinned!
Thanks so much, Tori!
These are so dainty and elegant!
Thanks so much for stopping by, Laura!
I adore the size of these! Yum!
Thanks so much, Katrina! They’re pretty darn cute!
-Jamie
Wow – these look so fancy and delicious! Love the salt addition!
Thanks for stopping by, Sarah!
-Jamie