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From the archives: There’s been quite a stir over these little gems in the past few days, so we’ve updated the post images and recipe. Enjoy!

I think I’ve died and gone to heaven this time folks. I can’t even begin to do justice to the flavors and textures in this sweet dish. The first thing you are greeted with the crisp Phyllo shell, then there is an explosion of espresso and chocolate so strong and rich that it nearly assaults the senses. This is followed by the chewy caramel, which finishes on the tongue with flavors reminiscent of a caramel cappuccino. And all in a bite-sized treat.

The fabulous thing about it is that I came up with the recipe all by my little self! I’ve wanted to revisit chocolate since I made these little fillo cups in January of this year. Even then I had already decided to go for a bit of mocha flavor, and I’m so very glad I did! Decadent just isn’t a strong enough word for this, and I’m in chocolate-coffee heaven, and will be until all of these little morsels have been eaten. (Which I’m sure won’t take very long.)

These tartelettes are a perfect holiday confection. They travel well (the filo cups come in a convenient plastic carton that can be used to carry them), hold their texture for several days, and are actually better the second day. As a matter of fact, I recommend making them a day before you plan to eat them.

Enough of my blathering, on to the good stuff!

24 pieces

Mocha Caramel Cappuccino Tartelettes Recipe

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

For the Shells and Caramel

2 packages Athens Mini phyllo Shells
15 caramel squares, cut in half.
3 ounces dark chocolate chips.
1/2 cup chocolate covered espresso beans, crushed.

For Mocha Ganache:

6 ounces dark chocolate chips
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 Tablespoon instant coffee or instant espresso

Instructions

Preheat oven to 220°F.
Place Filo shells on a cookie sheet and place 1/2 caramel square in each. Cook shells and caramel until caramel just melts and begins to foam slightly. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely.
(This makes for some pretty hard caramel, but it’s exactly what you’re looking for in this case.)
Heat heavy cream and instant coffee in a small saucepan over low heat until just simmering. Pour mixture over dark chocolate chips and stir until completely combined. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, until ganache has cooled and is the approximate consistency of frosting.
Place ganache into a piping bag or zip top bag with a small piece of one tip cut off to form a piping bag. Pipe mixture into each cup until ganache comes almost to the edge of the shell. (there will be ganache left over) Place shells in refrigerator for 30 minutes.
Heat a double boiler or small pan of water over medium high heat. Melt approximately 3 oz. dark chocolate chips with remaining ganache in double boiler or in a bowl over a pot of simmering water.
Spoon chocolate mix on top of ganache in cups one at a time. Immediately sprinkle cups with crushed chocolate covered espresso beans. repeat until all cups are topped. Place in refrigerator for at least two hours to allow chocolate to set completely before serving.
Serve at room temperature.

Notes

You can substitute Salted Microwave Caramel for the caramel pieces. simply make a batch and add about 1/2 teaspoon to the phyllo cups, then chill before adding the chocolate.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 222Total Fat: 14gSaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 24mgSodium: 62mgCarbohydrates: 23gFiber: 1gSugar: 17gProtein: 2g

What I would have done differently had I thought of it at the time:

I don’t really think there is a way to make this recipe any better than it is. The caramel was a bit of a mistake, but it turns out that by allowing it to foam, the inside of the cups is coated in sugar, and therefore do not lose any of their crispy texture while the chocolate sets. In the end it was the perfect mistake, and I’ll repeat it the next time I make these.

Links to other recipes like this:

Dark Chocolate Pecan Filled Mini Filo Cups, from CbsoP
Banana Roasted Pecan & White Chocolate Mini Phyllo Shells, from Seattle Bon Vivant

11 Comments

Name: Mocha Caramel Cappuccino Tartelettes Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 24
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 packages Athens Mini phyllo Shells; 15 caramel squares, cut in half.; 3 ounces dark chocolate chips.; 1/2 cup chocolate covered espresso beans, crushed.; 6 ounces dark chocolate chips; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 2 Tablespoon instant coffee or instant espresso

kellypea on December 6, 2007 at 9:00 pm
We must be on the same wavelength…phyllowise, anyhow. These sound and look scrumptious. I’m in a chocolate mood and happen to have some pate brisee in the fridge that needs to be used. Don’t you just love it when you make up a recipe and it works? I need to try some of these.
Lydia on December 7, 2007 at 8:23 am
I always have these little phyllo cups in my freezer; I fill them with chocolate, but also with all kinds of quiche-y egg-y fillings. Your tartlets do look amazing.
Niki on December 8, 2007 at 1:22 am
Ray even said “WOW, we can make those, sounds good” Way to go.
Jerry on December 8, 2007 at 8:27 am
kellypea,
Your phyllo looks just a bit more complicated than mine, not to mention a heckuva lot larger. I may have to try that one day.
Lydia,
I’ve been trying to cook up a good idea for using the mini shells with some crab or smoked salmon. Any ideas?
Niki,
Hey sis! For your Family you might want to melt the caramel with a little half-and-half and pour it into the shells unless you want the youngest to loose another tooth. the caramel has a crunch to it.
doodles on December 11, 2007 at 5:41 pm
OMG..gaining inches just reading this BUT I also printed out the recipe….cause what’s not to like.
Jerry on December 11, 2007 at 8:44 pm
doodles,
They really are divine. And they store in the fridge for about 2 weeks in an airtight container (just put a paper towel on the bottom to absorb any excess moisture.)
For a more adult flavor, add 2 tbsb brandy or bourbon to the ganache. And it’s the holidays, weight isn’t an issue!
Let me know how they turn out!
Tracy on January 7, 2008 at 9:18 am
Wow, those look delicious!
This is the first time on your blog. It’s great. Love the layout.
Sorina on January 7, 2008 at 8:25 pm
Can’t wait to try this recipe out. Looks delicious!
Peter on January 8, 2008 at 7:04 am
Now this is divine! I must try this and i love the fact that you used “Athens” mini Fillo shells ;-)
Kimberly at The Hungry Goddess on February 1, 2013 at 11:33 pm
WOW!!! I am a savory cook and baking leaves me a bit befuddled but this is easy and looks amazing! THANK YOU for letting me add to LOVE CHOCOLATE!
- Jerry on February 2, 2013 at 8:18 am
  My Pleasure!