Chocolate Strawberry Tart

Name: Chocolate Strawberry Tart
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 large egg yolk; 8 oz dark chocolate, chopped; 1 cup heavy cream; Fresh strawberries, sliced; Mint leaves for garnish

Highlighted under: Modern Inspiration

I absolutely adore making desserts that look as good as they taste. This Chocolate Strawberry Tart is one of my all-time favorites! The richness of the chocolate pairs beautifully with the fresh strawberries, creating a delightful balance of flavors. I love how easy it is to assemble, and the satisfying crunch of the tart crust elevates the entire experience. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just a treat for myself, I find this dessert always impresses and brings joy to those who share it with me.

Created by

Olwen Bradford

Last updated on 2026-01-12T08:13:35.766Z

When I first attempted this tart, I was amazed at how simple it was to make a dessert that looks so elegant. The key is in the quality of the chocolate; I always use a high-grade dark chocolate for the ganache. It really brings the whole dish to life! And let’s not forget about the strawberries—they not only add a pop of color but also offer a fresh contrast to the rich chocolate.

I’ve learned a few tips along the way, like allowing the tart to cool completely before slicing it. This helps the ganache set perfectly, ensuring each slice holds its shape, which is essential for presentation. Trust me, this tart is bound to be a hit at your next gathering!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Decadent chocolate flavor complemented by fresh strawberries
Elegant presentation for impressing guests
Simple ingredients that yield gourmet results

Understanding the Tart Crust

The tart crust is the foundation of this dessert, providing a satisfying balance to the rich chocolate ganache. It is crucial to use unsweetened cocoa powder to avoid overpowering sweetness, allowing the true flavors of the chocolate and strawberries to shine. When mixing the ingredients, ensure that your butter is softened to room temperature for smoother integration, resulting in a tender crust. If the dough feels too crumbly, a teaspoon of cold water can help bring it together without adding excess moisture.

After pressing the crust into the pan, refraining from skipping the refrigeration step is vital. Chilling the crust for at least 30 minutes allows the butter to firm up, preventing the crust from shrinking during baking. When the crust comes out of the oven, you want it to be firm but not overly hard—look for lightly golden edges as an indicator of readiness. Allowing it to cool completely ensures that the ganache will set perfectly on top.

Mastering the Chocolate Ganache

The ganache is the star of this tart, providing a silky texture that complements the tartness of fresh strawberries beautifully. Using high-quality dark chocolate is essential, as it directly influences the flavor of the ganache. Aim for chocolate with at least 60% cocoa content for that rich, intense chocolate taste. When heating the cream, do not let it boil vigorously; remove it from heat just as it begins to steam to avoid scorching the chocolate.

Once you pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate, give it a few minutes to melt before stirring. This patience is crucial; stirring too soon can create a grainy texture. I like to use a whisk to incorporate air and achieve a glossy finish. If you notice any lumps after mixing, gently reheat the ganache in the microwave in short bursts, stirring between intervals until it’s smooth again.

Perfecting the Presentation

The visual appeal of the tart is as important as its flavor, especially since it features fresh strawberries. For the best presentation, use ripe strawberries that are not overly bruised. When slicing, opt for uniform shapes to enhance the overall look. Arrange the strawberries in a circular pattern, overlapping slightly; this method elevates the elegance of your tart. Consider adding a sprinkling of powdered sugar on top just before serving for an extra touch of sophistication.

After assembling the tart, let it chill until completely set. This can take at least an hour, but for even better results, consider chilling it overnight. Once set, cover the tart loosely with plastic wrap to prevent moisture from affecting the chocolate ganache. If you have leftovers, store them in the fridge in an airtight container for up to three days, making sure to keep the strawberries and ganache intact.

Ingredients

Gather the ingredients before starting your preparation. This will streamline the process and ensure you don’t miss anything.

Tart Crust

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 large egg yolk

Chocolate Ganache

8 oz dark chocolate, chopped
1 cup heavy cream

Toppings

Fresh strawberries, sliced
Mint leaves for garnish

Once you have everything ready, you can dive right into making your tart!

Instructions

Follow these steps carefully for the best results.

Make the Tart Crust

In a mixing bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, and powdered sugar. Add the softened butter and egg yolk. Mix until a dough forms. Press the dough into a tart pan to form an even layer. Prick the bottom with a fork, then refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Bake the Crust

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the chilled crust for 15 minutes. Allow it to cool completely on a wire rack.

Prepare the Ganache

Heat the heavy cream in a saucepan until it’s just about to boil. Pour it over the chopped dark chocolate in a bowl. Let it sit for a few minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy.

Assemble the Tart

Pour the chocolate ganache into the cooled tart crust, spreading it out evenly. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour until set.

Add the Strawberries

Once the ganache is set, top the tart with sliced strawberries. You can arrange them artfully for a beautiful presentation.

After you’ve topped your tart, consider letting it set in the fridge for another 30 minutes before serving to ensure it stays firm. Enjoy!

Pro Tips

For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract to the ganache. It enhances the chocolate’s richness beautifully.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you need to make this tart gluten-free, consider substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking. Additionally, coconut flour can offer an interesting flavor profile, although it may require more moisture, so adjust the recipe accordingly. If you don’t have dark chocolate, semi-sweet chocolate can be used, but keep in mind that this will slightly change the ganache’s overall richness and sweetness.

For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream in place of heavy cream to create the ganache, and opt for a dairy-free chocolate alternative. This substitution not only caters to dietary restrictions but also adds a unique twist of flavor. Just be sure to monitor the chocolate closely while melting to avoid any burning.

Make-Ahead Tips

This Chocolate Strawberry Tart makes for an excellent make-ahead dessert. You can prepare the crust and ganache a day in advance, storing the cooled crust covered at room temperature and the ganache in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble. This saves time on the day of your event and reduces last-minute kitchen stress, allowing you to enjoy more time with your guests.

Once assembled, the tart can be refrigerated for up to 2 days. However, for optimal freshness and flavor, I recommend adding the strawberries closer to serving time. Chilling can alter the texture and appearance of fresh fruit, so it's best to wait until just before presentation for that unforgettable look and taste.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your tart crust shrinks during baking, it may have been overworked during the mixing process. Aim to mix the dough just until combined to avoid developing too much gluten. Also, make sure to handle it as little as possible before chilling, ensuring the crust retains its shape. If cracks form in the ganache as it sets, it might have been heated too quickly or too long; in that case, gently reheating and stirring can help smooth it out.

In terms of texture, if your ganache turns out too thick, adding a touch more heated cream can help loosen it without compromising the flavor. Conversely, if it’s too runny, ensuring it’s cooled correctly and stirring frequently can help thicken it up before spreading it on the crust.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?

Yes, milk chocolate will give a sweeter flavor but may alter the tart's richness.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

→ Can I make the crust ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the crust a day in advance and keep it wrapped in plastic wrap.

→ What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use coconut cream for a dairy-free option; just make sure it’s thick and creamy.