If you have a sweet tooth and love the combination of rich chocolate and fresh fruit, you are going to fall head over heels for this Chocolate Strawberry Tarts Recipe. Imagine biting into a crisp, buttery tart shell filled with luscious semi-sweet chocolate ganache, topped with vibrant, juicy strawberries—each element bursting with flavor and texture. This recipe is not only a feast for your taste buds but also a stunning dessert that will wow any guest at your table. Trust me, once you try these tarts, they’ll quickly become one of your favorite treats to make again and again.

The image shows three small tarts with three layers each, placed on white plates, on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a golden brown, crumbly tart crust with a scalloped edge. The middle layer is a glossy, dark chocolate filling, smooth and shiny. On top, each tart has three fresh strawberry halves, bright red with green tops, arranged in the center. One tart is in the front and fully visible, while the other two are partially visible in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Chocolate Strawberry Tarts Recipe calls for simple, quality ingredients that come together to create a harmonious balance of flavors and textures. Each ingredient is essential—not just for taste but also for ensuring the perfect pastry and silky chocolate filling.

All-purpose flour: The foundation of the tart shell, providing structure with a tender crumb.
Powdered sugar: Adds a delicate sweetness and a fine texture to the crust.
Unsalted butter: Cold and cubed for that flaky, rich pastry base everyone loves.
Egg yolk: Helps bind the dough and adds richness.
Cold water: Just enough to bring the dough together without making it sticky.
Semi-sweet chocolate: The heart of the filling—smooth, creamy, and perfectly balanced.
Heavy cream: Creates a luscious ganache when combined with chocolate.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the chocolate with subtle aromatic warmth.
Fresh strawberries: Sliced for a juicy, tangy topping that complements the chocolate.
Apricot jam (optional): Adds a glossy finish and a subtle fruity glaze to the strawberries.

How to Make Chocolate Strawberry Tarts Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Tart Shells

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing six 4-inch tart pans. This step ensures your tarts will come out cleanly after baking, preserving their beautiful edges.

Step 2: Make the Dough

Combine the flour and powdered sugar in a food processor and pulse to mix. Add the cold, cubed butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The key here is to keep the butter cold so your tart shells stay flaky. Incorporate the egg yolk and cold water, one tablespoon at a time, just until the dough forms. Don’t overwork it to avoid tough crusts.

Step 3: Chill and Roll the Dough

Wrap your dough in plastic and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to relax the gluten and firm up the butter. Next, roll out the dough to about 1/8-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. Cut out circles to fit your tart pans, press the dough into each pan, trimming any excess, and prick the bottoms with a fork to prevent puffing during baking.

Step 4: Bake the Tart Shells

Bake your tart shells for 12-15 minutes or until they turn a gorgeous golden color. Once baked, allow them to cool completely—this will prevent melting your chocolate filling when it’s poured in.

Step 5: Prepare the Chocolate Filling

Melt the semi-sweet chocolate and heavy cream together, either in the microwave or over a double boiler, stirring continuously until silky smooth. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract, which adds that extra dimension of flavor.

Step 6: Fill and Chill

Pour the luscious chocolate ganache evenly into each cooled tart shell, smoothing the tops out. Refrigerate them for 15-20 minutes to let the chocolate set properly for a clean slice and firm bite.

Step 7: Add the Strawberry Topping

Gently arrange the sliced fresh strawberries in an overlapping pattern atop the set chocolate. For a professional, glossy look, brush the berries lightly with warmed apricot jam—it seals them beautifully and adds a subtle sweetness.

How to Serve Chocolate Strawberry Tarts Recipe

Chocolate Strawberry Tarts Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

These tarts look gorgeous on their own, but you can elevate their presentation with a dusting of powdered sugar, a few fresh mint leaves, or even a dollop of whipped cream on the side. Each garnish adds a fresh contrast or creamy note that complements the richness perfectly.

Side Dishes

Chocolate Strawberry Tarts pair wonderfully with light sides like a crisp green salad or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a beverage, consider a cup of high-quality coffee or a glass of sparkling rosé to enhance the indulgent experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Impress your guests by serving these tarts on elegant dessert plates with edible flowers or drizzles of balsamic reduction for a sophisticated touch. You might also create mini tartlets from the same recipe for bite-sized party treats that pack all the flavor in a petite package.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Chocolate Strawberry Tarts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The tart crust will remain crisp, but for best results, enjoy them fresh whenever possible.

Freezing

If you want to prepare ahead, you can freeze the baked tart shells without filling for up to one month. Just thaw them at room temperature before adding the chocolate filling and strawberry topping to keep everything fresh and delicious.

Reheating

These tarts are best served chilled, so reheating is not recommended. However, if you prefer a softer crust, allow the tart to sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving.

FAQs

Can I use white chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate?

Absolutely! You can swap semi-sweet chocolate for white chocolate for a sweeter variation. Just keep in mind the sweetness level might change, so adjust the strawberries or remove the apricot glaze to balance flavors.

What type of tart pans work best?

Metal tart pans with removable bottoms are ideal for easy release and neat edges, but ceramic or silicone pans can also work well. Just make sure to grease them properly to prevent sticking.

Can I prepare this recipe without a food processor?

Yes! You can mix the dough by hand using a pastry cutter or two forks to cut the cold butter into the dry ingredients. Just take your time to avoid warming the butter too much.

How fresh should the strawberries be?

For the best flavor and appearance, use the freshest strawberries available. They should be firm, fragrant, and brightly colored to complement the chocolate beautifully.

Is the apricot jam glaze necessary?

It’s optional but highly recommended if you want that shiny, professional finish and a subtle fruity sweetness that ties the tart together. If you don’t have apricot jam, you can skip this step without sacrificing flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Strawberry Tarts Recipe is truly a labor of love that rewards you with a dessert as stunning as it is delicious. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just to treat yourself, these tarts bring a wonderful balance of textures and flavors that will leave everyone asking for seconds. So go ahead, bake a batch and enjoy the magic of chocolate and strawberries all wrapped up in a buttery, crisp tart shell!

Chocolate Strawberry Tarts Recipe