Strawberry and Chocolate Tart

Name: Strawberry and Chocolate Tart
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup powdered sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 egg yolk; 2 tablespoons cold water; 8 ounces dark chocolate, chopped; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 3 tablespoons sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced; Mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Highlighted under: Gourmet Baking Bliss

I absolutely love making this Strawberry and Chocolate Tart for special occasions! The combination of fresh strawberries and rich, velvety chocolate creates a dessert that's both indulgent and visually stunning. Each slice offers a perfect balance of sweetness and slight tartness, making it a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. I find that using high-quality chocolate truly elevates the flavor, while a buttery tart crust adds a delightful crunch. This recipe always brings smiles to my friends and family, and I can't wait for you to try it too!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-23T21:42:28.360Z

When I first made this Strawberry and Chocolate Tart, I was amazed by how simple yet elegant it turned out. The combination of fresh strawberries on top of a rich chocolate filling was an instant hit! I remember sharing it with my friends during a summer gathering, and it was gone within minutes.

The key to the tart's success is allowing it to cool fully before serving. This helps the chocolate filling set perfectly and makes slicing much easier. Pairing it with a dollop of freshly whipped cream brings everything together beautifully.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
The perfect balance of sweet strawberries and rich chocolate.
A stunning presentation for any occasion.
Easy to prepare with impressive results!

Understanding the Tart Crust

The tart crust is the foundation of this dessert, and getting it right is crucial for texture and flavor. Using chilled butter is key; it helps create a flaky texture. When cutting in the butter, aim for a mixture that resembles coarse crumbs rather than overmixing. This ensures that flakiness comes from the little bits of butter that will steam during baking, creating that perfect crunch.

If you're in a pinch or have dietary restrictions, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, though the texture may vary slightly. For a rich flavor, I sometimes add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the crust for a chocolatey twist, which pairs beautifully with the filling.

Perfecting the Chocolate Filling

The key to a smooth and luscious chocolate filling is in the technique of combining the chocolate and heavy cream. Ensure that the cream is heated just to boiling; this melts the chocolate efficiently. If the mixture becomes grainy, it may be due to overheating the chocolate. A quick fix involves adding a tablespoon of warm cream to the mixture and stirring vigorously until smooth.

For those who prefer a lighter filling, consider using milk chocolate or even white chocolate instead of dark chocolate. Just keep in mind that the sweetness will increase, so you may want to reduce the sugar slightly. Adding a pinch of sea salt enhances the chocolate flavor and balances the sweetness beautifully.

Ingredients

Tart Crust

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 egg yolk
2 tablespoons cold water

Chocolate Filling

8 ounces dark chocolate, chopped
1/2 cup heavy cream
3 tablespoons sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Topping

1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
Mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Preparation Steps

Make the Tart Crust

In a bowl, mix the flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the egg yolk and enough cold water to form a dough. Roll out the dough and press it into a tart pan. Chill for 15 minutes.

Bake the Crust

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the crust for about 20 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool.

Prepare the Chocolate Filling

In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream until just boiling. Pour it over the chopped chocolate and let it sit for 5 minutes. Stir until smooth. Add sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.

Assemble the Tart

Pour the chocolate mixture into the cooled tart crust. Bake for an additional 10 minutes. Remove and let cool completely.

Add the Topping

Once the tart is cool, arrange the sliced strawberries on top. Garnish with mint leaves if desired.

Enjoy your Tart!

Pro Tips

For an even more intense chocolate flavor, consider using chocolate with a higher cocoa content. Serve the tart chilled for the best texture.

Serving Suggestions

This Strawberry and Chocolate Tart shines when served cold, making it an excellent make-ahead dessert. You can prepare the tart crust and filling a day in advance. Just keep the assembled tart in the refrigerator, covered lightly with plastic wrap to maintain its freshness. Letting it chill allows the flavors to meld together wonderfully.

Garnish each slice with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and added freshness. For a gourmet touch, consider drizzling a bit of chocolate sauce over the tart before serving, enhancing the chocolate experience and adding a visually appealing element.

Storing and Freezing

After enjoying the tart, you may wonder about storing leftovers. The tart can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the quality of the strawberries, covering the tart loosely with plastic wrap is advisable. If you have any extra sliced strawberries, consider using them in salads or as topping for breakfast dishes.

If you wish to freeze the tart, I recommend doing so without the strawberries on top. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil; it can last in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then add fresh strawberries just before serving for the best taste and presentation.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries but make sure to thaw and drain them before topping the tart.

→ How do I store leftovers?

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

→ Can I make the tart crust ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare and bake the tart crust a day in advance. Just wrap it well and store in the fridge.

→ Is there a gluten-free option for the crust?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make the tart crust gluten-free.