If you’re craving a dessert that’s both elegant and downright delightful, this Chocolate Strawberry Tarts Recipe is just what you need. Imagine a buttery, crisp tart shell cradling rich, silky chocolate ganache, topped with fresh, juicy strawberries that bring a burst of natural sweetness and freshness. Every bite offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors that will have you reaching for seconds without hesitation. Whether you’re impressing guests or indulging yourself, these tarts are a stunning treat that feels special yet approachable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Chocolate Strawberry Tarts Recipe lies in the simplicity of the ingredients, each chosen to play a vital role. From the flaky crust to the glossy fruit topping, every component comes together effortlessly to create a masterpiece. Here’s what you’ll gather before you start baking your way to deliciousness:
- All-purpose flour (1 1/4 cups): The foundation for a tender, flaky tart crust that holds all the magic inside.
- Powdered sugar (1/4 cup): Adds just the right touch of sweetness to the crust without overpowering.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, cold and cubed): Essential for that rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture in the base.
- Egg yolk (1): Helps bind the crust while contributing to its golden color.
- Cold water (2-3 tablespoons): Just enough to bring the dough together without making it tough.
- Semi-sweet chocolate (8 ounces, chopped): The star ingredient for the luscious ganache filling.
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Creates that smooth, luxurious texture when paired with chocolate.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the depth of flavor in the chocolate ganache.
- Fresh strawberries (1 pint, hulled and sliced): Bright, juicy, and naturally sweet, the perfect topping.
- Apricot jam (2 tablespoons, warmed, optional): Adds a beautiful glossy finish that makes the tarts look irresistible.
How to Make Chocolate Strawberry Tarts Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Tart Shells
Start by combining the all-purpose flour and powdered sugar in your food processor. Add the cold, cubed butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Incorporate the egg yolk along with 2 tablespoons of cold water and pulse until the dough just begins to clump together. If it feels dry, add the extra tablespoon of water and pulse again. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and gently knead it into a smooth ball.
Step 2: Shape and Chill Dough
Divide the dough into 4 equal portions, pressing each into a tart pan to cover the bottom and sides evenly. Chilling the dough in the fridge for 30 minutes is crucial to ensure it holds its shape and achieves that perfect flaky texture once baked.
Step 3: Blind Bake the Tart Shells
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line the chilled tart shells with parchment paper, then fill them with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the weights and parchment paper and continue baking for another 5 to 7 minutes until the crust turns a lovely golden brown. Let them cool completely before moving on to the next steps.
Step 4: Make the Chocolate Ganache Filling
Heat the heavy cream until just boiling and pour it over the chopped semi-sweet chocolate. Let this sit for a few minutes to soften the chocolate, then gently stir until you have a silky, glossy ganache. Stir in the vanilla extract and allow the mixture to cool slightly—this will help it set properly in your tart shells.
Step 5: Fill the Tart Shells and Chill
Pour the ganache evenly into the cooled tart shells, smoothing out the tops with a spatula. Pop the filled tarts into the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, giving the ganache ample time to firm up into a rich, decadent layer.
Step 6: Prepare and Assemble the Strawberry Topping
Slice your fresh strawberries and, if you want that professional glossy look, lightly brush them with warmed apricot jam. This subtle glaze not only adds shine but also enhances the strawberry’s natural flavor. Arrange the strawberries beautifully on top of each tart before serving.
How to Serve Chocolate Strawberry Tarts Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Chocolate Strawberry Tarts Recipe even further, consider garnishing with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a few fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and freshness. A drizzle of dark chocolate or a dollop of whipped cream can also add an extra layer of indulgence.
Side Dishes
Serve these tarts alongside a light fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to complement the rich chocolate and fresh strawberries. A cup of freshly brewed coffee or a glass of chilled rosé wine pairs wonderfully, rounding out the experience with elegance.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation makes a difference! Try serving the tarts on beautiful dessert plates, or create a chocolate strawberry tart platter with various garnishes and sauces for guests to customize. You could also layer the tart components in individual glasses for a fun, deconstructed twist on this classic dessert.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Chocolate Strawberry Tarts Recipe leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy them a little later without losing any of that chocolatey goodness or fresh fruit flavor.
Freezing
If you want to store the tarts for longer, freeze them without the fresh strawberries on top to prevent sogginess. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before adding fresh strawberries and serving.
Reheating
Since these tarts are best enjoyed chilled, avoid reheating. However, if you prefer the chocolate a little softer, leave them at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving for that perfect ganache texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
While fresh strawberries provide the best texture and flavor for this Chocolate Strawberry Tarts Recipe, you can use frozen ones if fresh aren’t available. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid making the tart soggy.
Is it possible to make these tarts gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the all-purpose flour in the crust for a gluten-free flour blend that’s designed for baking. You may need to adjust the water slightly, but the rest of the recipe remains the same.
How long do the tarts need to chill?
For the ganache to set perfectly, chilling for at least 2 hours is ideal. You can refrigerate them overnight if that works better with your schedule—just keep them covered to prevent any fridge odors from seeping in.
Can I prepare the crust in advance?
Absolutely. The tart crusts can be made a day ahead. Keep them wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerated before blind baking. This can help reduce your prep time when you’re ready to assemble the tarts.
What if I don’t have apricot jam for glazing?
Don’t worry! The jam is completely optional. Your tarts will still look and taste amazing without the glaze, especially if you arrange the strawberries thoughtfully and sprinkle a bit of powdered sugar on top for a charming finish.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have this wonderful Chocolate Strawberry Tarts Recipe at your fingertips, I encourage you to give it a try and enjoy the magic of homemade desserts. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that feels fancy but is surprisingly straightforward. Whether for a special occasion or a sweet weekend treat, these tarts will quickly become one of your go-to favorites. Happy baking and even happier tasting!
Print
Chocolate Strawberry Tarts Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these elegant Chocolate Strawberry Tarts featuring a buttery, crisp tart shell filled with smooth chocolate ganache and topped with fresh, juicy strawberries. Perfect for an indulgent dessert that combines rich chocolate flavor with the natural sweetness of strawberries.
Ingredients
Tart Shell
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 egg yolk
- 2–3 tablespoons cold water
Chocolate Ganache Filling
- 8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping
- 1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 2 tablespoons apricot jam, warmed (optional, for glaze)
Instructions
- Prepare the tart shells: In a food processor, combine the flour and powdered sugar then pulse. Add the cold, cubed butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the egg yolk and 2 tablespoons of cold water, pulsing until the dough begins to come together. If too dry, add an additional tablespoon of water and pulse again.
- Form and chill dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead into a ball. Divide into 4 equal portions and press each into tart pans, covering bottom and up the sides. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to chill.
- Bake tart shells: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line tart shells with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 15 minutes. Remove parchment and weights, then bake an additional 5-7 minutes until golden brown. Cool completely.
- Make chocolate ganache filling: Heat the cream until hot and pour over chopped chocolate. Let sit 2-3 minutes, then stir gently until smooth. Stir in vanilla extract and cool slightly.
- Fill tart shells: Pour the chocolate ganache into the cooled tart shells, smoothing the top with a spatula. Refrigerate at least 2 hours until set.
- Prepare strawberry topping: If desired, warm apricot jam over low heat until liquid. Lightly brush the sliced strawberries with the warmed jam to create a shiny glaze or skip this step for a natural finish.
- Assemble and serve: Arrange the glazed or plain strawberry slices over the set chocolate filling. Serve immediately for fresh flavor and beautiful presentation.
Notes
- Use cold butter and water to ensure a flaky tart crust.
- Pie weights or dried beans prevent shrinking during baking.
- Apricot jam glaze is optional but adds a professional shine.
- Store assembled tarts in refrigerator and consume within 2 days for freshness.
- Allow tarts to come to room temperature briefly before serving for best texture.
