Chocolate Strawberry Tart

Name: Chocolate Strawberry Tart
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/4 cup powdered sugar; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 egg yolk; 8 oz dark chocolate, chopped; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced; Mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Highlighted under: Modern Meals

I recently made a Chocolate Strawberry Tart that absolutely blew my mind! The rich, velvety chocolate combined with the fresh, juicy strawberries created a delightful contrast of flavors and textures. The buttery crust is the perfect base, and each slice is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes. If you're looking to impress at your next event or just indulge in a sweet moment at home, this tart is the way to go. Let me show you how to bring this delicious dessert to life!

Created by

Theodora Blythe

Last updated on 2026-01-12T07:17:34.670Z

When I first tried my hand at making a Chocolate Strawberry Tart, I was overwhelmed by how such simple ingredients could come together to create something so divine. The secret really lies in the quality of chocolate you choose—don’t cheap out! I used a rich dark chocolate, and the depth it added was unparalleled.

While putting together the tart, I made sure to let the chocolate filling cool slightly before adding the strawberries. This step is crucial as it keeps the strawberries from wilting and ensures they stay vibrant and fresh. The result? A stunning dish that steals the show every time!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Decadent chocolate filling paired with fresh, juicy strawberries
A beautiful tart that makes for a stunning dessert centerpiece
Easy to prepare and perfect for both special occasions and weeknight treats

      

The Importance of Quality Ingredients

When making the Chocolate Strawberry Tart, the quality of your ingredients can make a significant difference in flavor and texture. Using high-quality dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher) ensures a rich and intense chocolate experience. This chocolate is not only the main flavor but also helps achieve a smooth filling that melts in your mouth. I recommend brands like Valrhona or Callebaut for their bold flavors and silky texture.

Fresh strawberries are equally important; they should be ripe and sweet for the best results. If you can, choose organic strawberries, as they tend to have more flavor and fewer pesticides. Alternatively, if strawberries are out of season, you can sub in other berries like raspberries or sliced bananas, though this will alter the tart's overall flavor profile slightly.

Mastering the Tart Crust

Getting the tart crust just right is crucial to the success of this dessert. When mixing the dough, make sure not to overwork it; this can result in a tough crust. Aim for a sandy texture before pressing it into the tart pan. A gentle hand is key! After pressing the dough into the pan, chill it thoroughly; this helps to prevent shrinkage during baking and results in a flakier texture.

Baking the crust until golden brown not only adds visual appeal but also adds flavor depth. Keep an eye on it in the last few minutes for perfectly golden edges, as these can quickly transition from beautifully baked to overdone. If your edges start to brown too fast, use strips of aluminum foil to shield them.

Serving and Storage Tips

After assembling your tart, it's best to refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the chocolate filling to set properly, making it easier to slice and serve. If you're planning to serve this tart later, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to four days. Just cover it with plastic wrap to keep it from absorbing odors from the fridge.

For an elevated serving experience, consider drizzling a bit of melted chocolate over the top just before serving for added visual appeal and flavor. You can also pair slices of the tart with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful contrast in temperature and texture.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create your delicious Chocolate Strawberry Tart:

For the Tart Crust

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 egg yolk

For the Chocolate Filling

8 oz dark chocolate, chopped
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Topping

2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
Mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for better consistency in the filling.

Instructions

Follow these steps to bring your Chocolate Strawberry Tart to life:

Prepare the Crust

In a bowl, mix the flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Add the softened butter and egg yolk, and blend until a dough forms. Press the dough into a tart pan evenly and refrigerate for 15 minutes before baking.

Bake the Crust

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the crust for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Let it cool completely on a wire rack.

Make the Chocolate Filling

In a saucepan, heat the cream until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat and add the chopped chocolate, stirring until smooth. Mix in the sugar, cocoa powder, and vanilla until well combined.

Assemble the Tart

Pour the chocolate filling into the cooled crust, spreading it evenly. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes until set.

Add the Strawberries

Once the filling is set, arrange the sliced strawberries on top of the tart in a decorative pattern. Optionally, garnish with mint leaves.

Serve

Slice the tart, serve chilled, and enjoy!

For the best flavor experience, serve the tart cold but let it warm up for a few minutes after taking it out of the fridge.

Pro Tips

For an added touch, try drizzling some melted white chocolate over the strawberries before serving.

Common Issues and Fixes

One common issue with the chocolate filling can be graininess, usually caused by overheating the cream or adding too much sugar too quickly. To fix this, keep the heat low and remove the cream from the stove just before it boils, ensuring a smooth, glossy finish to your filling. Additionally, if your setting time is longer than expected, ensure that the filling is completely cooled before refrigeration to allow it to set appropriately.

If your tart crust shrinks during baking, it's likely due to inadequate chill time before baking or overworking the dough. Always give the dough at least 15 minutes in the refrigerator and avoid excessive mixing to maintain its integrity while baking.

Variations and Customizations

To add an extra layer of flavor to your tart, you can infuse the cream for the chocolate filling with spices like cinnamon or espresso powder. These additions can lend a more complex flavor profile that complements the berries beautifully. Just mix in about half a teaspoon or so, tasting as you go during the mixing process to achieve your desired depth of flavor.

For a gluten-free version of this tart, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. The texture may vary slightly, but the taste will remain delicious! Make sure to use a blend that is intended for baking to achieve the best results without sacrificing flavor or consistency.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make the tart crust ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the crust a day in advance and store it covered at room temperature until you're ready to fill it.

→ What type of chocolate is best for the filling?

Dark chocolate with at least 60% cocoa content provides a rich flavor and a smooth texture for the filling.

→ Can I use other fruits instead of strawberries?

Absolutely! Raspberries, blueberries, or sliced bananas would also pair wonderfully with the chocolate filling.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Keep any leftover tart covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days for the best taste and texture.