Chocolate Strawberry Tarts are an indulgent and visually stunning dessert that combines rich chocolate filling with the fresh, vibrant sweetness of strawberries. The buttery, crisp tart shell perfectly complements the creamy chocolate center, while the fresh strawberry topping adds a burst of flavor and color. These tarts are perfect for special occasions, holiday celebrations, or simply as a treat to satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether you’re a chocolate lover or a fan of fruity desserts, these tarts bring the best of both worlds together in every bite.

The combination of smooth, velvety chocolate and the juicy freshness of strawberries creates a balanced flavor profile that is both decadent and refreshing. The homemade tart shell provides a crisp, buttery base that holds the filling in place perfectly, while the optional apricot glaze adds a touch of shine and sweetness. These tarts can be prepared ahead of time and are easy to serve, making them ideal for dinner parties, family gatherings, or any occasion that calls for a little extra elegance.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chocolate Strawberry Tarts are a crowd-pleasing dessert that offers the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The combination of the rich chocolate filling and the fresh strawberries makes for a delicious contrast in every bite. The homemade tart shells are light and crisp, providing a perfect base to hold the creamy chocolate filling. The addition of the apricot glaze not only gives the strawberries a glossy finish but also enhances their natural sweetness. These tarts are easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, ensuring a stress-free dessert option that will impress your guests.

Ingredients

For the Tart Shells:

All-purpose flour
Powdered sugar
Unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Egg yolk
Cold water

For the Chocolate Filling:

Semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
Heavy cream
Vanilla extract

For the Strawberry Topping:

Fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
Apricot jam (optional, for glaze)

Variations

Use Milk or Dark Chocolate: You can substitute semi-sweet chocolate with milk chocolate for a sweeter filling or dark chocolate for a richer, more intense flavor.
Add a Flavor Twist to the Filling: Incorporate a dash of flavored liqueur, such as Grand Marnier or Chambord, into the chocolate filling for an extra layer of flavor.
Nuts in the Shells: For added texture, consider mixing ground nuts, such as almonds or hazelnuts, into the tart dough for a nutty twist.
Use a Different Fruit: While strawberries are the star here, you could swap them out for raspberries, blueberries, or even a mix of berries for a different topping.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Make the Tart Shells

In a food processor, combine the flour and powdered sugar. Add the cold, cubed butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the egg yolk and pulse again until combined. Gradually add the cold water, 1 tablespoon at a time, and pulse until the dough starts to come together. Turn out the dough onto a floured surface, knead it a few times, and then form it into a disk. Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a tart pan by lightly greasing it or lining it with parchment paper.

Step 3: Roll and Shape the Dough

On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Carefully press the dough into the prepared tart pan, ensuring it is evenly distributed along the bottom and sides. Trim any excess dough. Use a fork to prick the bottom of the tart shell to prevent it from puffing up during baking.

Step 4: Bake the Tart Shells

Place the tart shells in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until they are golden brown. Remove from the oven and let the shells cool completely before filling.

Step 5: Prepare the Chocolate Filling

In a heatproof bowl, combine the chopped semi-sweet chocolate and heavy cream. Place the bowl over a pot of simmering water (double boiler method) and stir occasionally until the chocolate has melted and the mixture is smooth. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 6: Fill the Tart Shells

Once the tart shells have cooled, spoon the chocolate filling into each shell. Use a spatula to smooth the top, ensuring an even layer of chocolate.

Step 7: Prepare the Strawberry Topping

Arrange the sliced strawberries on top of the chocolate filling in a decorative pattern. If desired, warm the apricot jam in a small saucepan and brush it over the strawberries to create a glossy finish.

Step 8: Chill the Tarts

Refrigerate the tarts for at least 1 hour to allow the filling to set and the flavors to meld together.

Step 9: Serve

Once chilled, slice and serve the tarts. They are perfect on their own or paired with a dollop of whipped cream.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Chill the Dough: Be sure to chill the dough before rolling it out. This helps the butter firm up and results in a flakier, crispier crust.
Prevent Soggy Tarts: Ensure that the tart shells are fully cooled before filling them with the chocolate to avoid a soggy crust.
Opt for a Sharp Knife: When slicing the strawberries, use a sharp knife to make clean cuts and ensure that the fruit looks neat when placed on the tarts.
Use Fresh, Ripe Strawberries: Fresh, ripe strawberries will provide the best flavor and texture for the topping.

How to Serve

Chocolate Strawberry Tarts make a beautiful and delicious dessert for special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, or a romantic dinner. Serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a drizzle of extra chocolate sauce for a more decadent treat. These tarts are also perfect for brunches or as a sweet snack with tea or coffee.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover tarts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The tarts are best served chilled but can be brought to room temperature before serving for a slightly softer chocolate filling.

Freezing

While the tart shells can be frozen before baking, it’s best to freeze the unfilled shells. After baking and cooling, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 1 month. When ready to serve, thaw the shells, fill with chocolate, and top with fresh strawberries.

Reheating

If you prefer to serve the tarts warm, gently reheat them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes. Be cautious not to overheat the chocolate filling.

FAQs

1. Can I use a pre-made tart shell?

Yes, you can use store-bought tart shells if you’re short on time, but homemade shells provide a fresher and flakier texture.

2. Can I make the tarts without heavy cream?

You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a non-dairy alternative for a dairy-free version.

3. Can I use dark chocolate for the filling?

Yes, you can use dark chocolate for a richer and less sweet filling. Adjust the sweetness to taste.

4. Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Fresh strawberries work best for this recipe, but if using frozen strawberries, make sure they are thawed and drained to prevent excess moisture.

5. Can I make these tarts without the apricot jam glaze?

Yes, the apricot jam is optional and only adds a glossy finish to the strawberries. You can omit it if you prefer.

6. How can I prevent the tart shells from shrinking during baking?

To prevent shrinking, make sure the dough is well-chilled before baking and consider using pie weights or dried beans to weigh the dough down during blind baking.

7. Can I use a different fruit on top?

Yes, other berries like raspberries or blueberries work well in place of strawberries, or you could try a mix of different fruits.

8. How do I get clean slices of strawberry?

Use a sharp knife to slice the strawberries, and make sure the knife is clean between cuts for neat, even slices.

9. How long do these tarts need to chill?

The tarts should chill for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator to allow the filling to set and the flavors to develop.

10. Can I make the tarts in advance?

Yes, you can make the tarts in advance. The tart shells can be baked and stored, and the chocolate filling can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated. Assemble just before serving.

Conclusion

Chocolate Strawberry Tarts are a luxurious and delicious dessert that combines the richness of chocolate with the freshness of strawberries. The buttery tart shell, creamy chocolate filling, and sweet strawberry topping create a perfect balance of flavors and textures that will leave everyone asking for more. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just treating yourself, these tarts are sure to impress with their stunning appearance and irresistible taste.