Chocolate Strawberry Tart

Name: Chocolate Strawberry Tart
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/3 cup powdered sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed; 1 egg yolk; 2 tablespoons cold water; 1 cup heavy cream; 8 oz dark chocolate, chopped; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and halved; Whipped cream (optional)

Highlighted under: Creative Baking Recipes

I absolutely love making desserts that are as beautiful as they are delicious, and this Chocolate Strawberry Tart is a perfect example. The rich chocolate filling combined with fresh, juicy strawberries creates a delightful contrast that never fails to impress. Each slice is a celebration of flavors and textures, making it an ideal treat for any occasion. Plus, the best part is that it looks far more complicated than it actually is, which can be my little secret when I’m serving it to guests.

Created by

Florence Keaton

Last updated on 2026-01-12T00:01:34.880Z

When I first whipped up this Chocolate Strawberry Tart, I was amazed at how easy it was to create such a stunning dessert. The combination of a buttery tart shell and smooth chocolate ganache served as the perfect base for the fresh strawberries. I found that letting the tart chill in the refrigerator for just a bit longer really enhanced the flavors, allowing them to meld beautifully.

One of my favorite tips is to select ripe strawberries that are sweet and juicy, as this makes all the difference in the final taste. You can even add a sprinkle of sea salt on the chocolate filling before topping it with fruit for an extra layer of flavor that truly elevates the dessert.

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Decadent chocolate paired with fresh strawberries creates a heavenly flavor combination.
The dessert is surprisingly easy to prepare, giving you impressive results without a lot of fuss.
It's visually stunning, making it perfect for parties, gatherings, or a special treat at home.

The Importance of Chocolate Quality

When it comes to the chocolate filling of this tart, the quality of chocolate you choose makes a significant difference in flavor. Opt for a dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content. This will ensure that the filling is rich and complex, balancing perfectly with the sweetness of the strawberries. If you prefer a less intense flavor, you can substitute half of the dark chocolate with milk chocolate, but be aware this will affect the overall richness of the tart.

Chopping the chocolate into smaller pieces before melting not only speeds up the melting process but also helps achieve a smooth, glossy texture. Remember, adding the chopped chocolate to the hot cream rather than the other way around allows the heat to gradually melt it evenly, preventing any graininess in your filling. Stir the mixture until completely smooth for the best results.

Tips for a Flaky Tart Crust

Achieving a perfectly flaky tart crust starts with keeping your ingredients cold. Make sure your butter is straight from the fridge and cubed before mixing. If you want to take it a step further, chill your flour in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes prior to making the crust. Additionally, while mixing the crust, be careful not to overwork the dough; stop mixing as soon as you form a cohesive texture to prevent a tough crust.

After pressing the dough into the tart pan, chilling it for at least 15 minutes is crucial. This resting period helps the gluten relax, which minimizes shrinkage during baking. If you encounter a crumbling crust, add a teaspoon of cold water at a time until the dough holds together, but be cautious to avoid over-saturating it.

Serving and Storing Your Tart

This Chocolate Strawberry Tart can be made a day in advance, making it an excellent option for preparing ahead for gatherings. After assembling the tart, keep it covered in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve. However, it's best to add the strawberries on top just an hour or so before serving to prevent them from becoming soggy and losing their fresh appearance.

If you find yourself with leftover tart, it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For the best texture, I recommend consuming it within the first two days. If you want to freeze the tart, do so before adding the strawberries. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe container; it can last for up to a month. To serve, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and add fresh strawberries right before serving.

Ingredients

For the Tart Crust

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup powdered sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
1 egg yolk
2 tablespoons cold water

For the Chocolate Filling

1 cup heavy cream
8 oz dark chocolate, chopped
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Topping

2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
Whipped cream (optional)

Instructions

Steps

Prepare the Tart Crust

In a large bowl, combine the flour and powdered sugar. Add the cold butter and mix until crumbly. Stir in the egg yolk and water until combined. Press the mixture into a tart pan and chill for 15 minutes.

Bake the Tart Crust

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Blind bake the tart crust for about 15 minutes until lightly golden. Allow it to cool completely.

Make the Chocolate Filling

In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream until steaming (but not boiling). Remove from heat, add chopped chocolate, and stir until smooth. Mix in sugar and vanilla until well incorporated.

Assemble the Tart

Pour the chocolate filling into the cooled tart crust. Allow it to set in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

Top with Strawberries

Once the chocolate is set, arrange the halved strawberries on top. Optionally, serve with whipped cream.

Enjoy Your Tart!

Pro Tips

For the best flavor, use high-quality dark chocolate. You can also add a touch of orange zest to the chocolate for an extra zing.

Common Troubleshooting

If your tart crust shrinks during baking, it’s often due to not chilling it long enough before going into the oven. For future attempts, increase the chilling time and perhaps even try using pie weights during blind baking for added stability. This will help keep the crust in place and retain its shape better.

For the chocolate filling, if it turns out grainy, it may have been overheated. Ensure that when you're heating the cream, it’s steaming but not boiling, as excessive heat can cause the chocolate to seize. If this happens, try adding a small amount of butter and gently reheat it over low heat while stirring until the mixture becomes smooth again.

Flavor Variations

While strawberries are a classic topping for this tart, consider experimenting with other fruits based on seasonality. Fresh raspberries, sliced kiwi, or blueberries can create delightful variations. You could also drizzle a bit of berry coulis over the filling before adding the fruit for an extra pop of flavor and color.

To give the chocolate filling an additional twist, consider adding a pinch of sea salt or a splash of espresso powder to intensify the chocolate flavor. For a hint of sophistication, incorporate orange zest into the filling—just a teaspoon can elevate the tart and add a lovely citrus note that complements the strawberries beautifully.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make the tart crust ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the tart crust a day in advance and keep it stored in the fridge.

→ What other fruits can I use for topping?

Feel free to experiment with raspberries, blueberries, or even sliced peaches for a different flavor profile.

→ Is it necessary to blind bake the crust?

Yes, blind baking helps to avoid a soggy crust by pre-cooking it before adding the filling.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in the refrigerator, covered, and consume within 2-3 days for best freshness.