Chocolate Strawberry Tart

Name: Chocolate Strawberry Tart
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; ½ cup powdered sugar; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 large egg yolk; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 8 oz bittersweet chocolate, chopped; ½ cup heavy cream; ¼ cup granulated sugar; 3 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and halved; 2 tbsp granulated sugar; Mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely love creating desserts that bring a burst of flavor, and this Chocolate Strawberry Tart has become one of my favorites. The combination of rich chocolate and juicy strawberries creates a harmony that is simply irresistible. Each slice is a delightful surprise, perfect for any gathering or even a quiet evening at home. I take immense joy in preparing this dessert, as it never fails to impress and satisfy sweet cravings. It's a recipe that I keep returning to time and again.

Created by

Penelope Dawson

Last updated on 2026-01-13T05:10:21.454Z

When I first made this Chocolate Strawberry Tart, I was searching for a dessert that would truly celebrate the flavors of summer. The sweetness of the strawberries paired with the depth of the chocolate gave me exactly what I was looking for. I learned that the secret is to use high-quality bittersweet chocolate; it makes all the difference in taste!

Another tip I discovered along the way is to let the tart cool completely before serving. Allowing it to set enhances the texture, making each slice beautifully firm, yet still tender. Every time I present this tart, the reactions are priceless!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Rich chocolate flavor paired with fresh strawberries
A visually stunning dessert that impresses every time
Perfect for sharing at gatherings or for personal indulgence

      

Understanding the Tart Crust

The tart crust for the Chocolate Strawberry Tart is crucial for balancing the rich chocolate filling. Using unsweetened cocoa powder in the crust provides a depth of flavor that complements the sweetness of the strawberries. Make sure to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This technique ensures a tender crust. Pressing the dough into the tart pan requires enough pressure to prevent cracking when baked; a gentle but firm touch works best.

Chilling the crust for 30 minutes before baking is not just a suggestion—it helps the fat solidify, which prevents the crust from shrinking while baking. If your crust puffs up in the oven, gently press it down with the back of a spoon before adding the filling to maintain an even surface. After baking, the crust should be firm and slightly crisp. Letting it cool completely before filling is important to avoid a soggy base.

Crafting the Chocolate Filling

When preparing the chocolate filling, it's essential to heat the heavy cream just until steaming. If the cream boils, it can separate, which leads to a grainy texture in your filling. After adding the chocolate, let it sit for five minutes before whisking to allow the chocolate to melt evenly. The resulting mixture should be glossy; if you encounter any lumps, using a double boiler can help achieve a smooth consistency.

Whisking the eggs with sugar until fully combined helps to incorporate air into the filling, resulting in a light texture. It's important to pour the filling into the cooled crust carefully to avoid disrupting the crust. You’ll know it's ready when the edges are set, but the center still has a slight wobble—this indicates a perfectly fudgy consistency after chilling.

Ingredients

For the tart crust

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
½ cup powdered sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 large egg yolk
1 tsp vanilla extract

For the chocolate filling

8 oz bittersweet chocolate, chopped
½ cup heavy cream
¼ cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract

For the topping

2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
2 tbsp granulated sugar
Mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the tart crust

In a large bowl, mix flour, cocoa powder, and powdered sugar. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in egg yolk and vanilla extract until dough forms. Press into a tart pan and chill for 30 minutes.

Bake the crust

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the crust for 15 minutes. Let it cool completely.

Make the filling

In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream until steaming. Remove from heat, add chocolate, and let sit for 5 minutes before whisking until smooth. Whisk in sugar, then eggs and vanilla. Pour the filling into the cooled crust.

Bake the filling

Return the tart to the oven and bake for 25 minutes. The center will be slightly wobbly. Let cool at room temperature before refrigerating for at least 2 hours.

Prepare the strawberries

In a bowl, mix strawberries with sugar and let sit for 10 minutes to release juices. Arrange them on top of the chilled tart before serving.

Pro Tips

For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a splash of orange liqueur to the chocolate filling. It complements the strawberries beautifully!

Strawberry Topping Variations

While fresh strawberries are delightful, you can experiment with other fruits like raspberries or mixed berries for added complexity. Just ensure they're ripe to capture the peak sweetness. If you're looking for a flavor twist, consider macerating the strawberries in balsamic vinegar instead of sugar. This heightens their natural sweetness while adding a tangy depth that pairs beautifully with chocolate.

If you wish to make this tart ahead of time, prepare the filling and crust, allowing them to cool as instructed. Topping it with strawberries can be done a few hours before serving to prevent them from becoming mushy. Alternatively, you can layer the strawberries on individual slices just before serving for a fresher presentation.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serve the Chocolate Strawberry Tart chilled, as this enhances the rich chocolate flavor and allows the filling to maintain its structure. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside can elevate this dessert to new heights. If you want a bit of crunch, crushed nuts such as almonds or hazelnuts can be sprinkled on top for a delightful textural contrast.

For storage, cover the tart with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Although I recommend consuming it fresh for the best flavor and texture, you can freeze leftover slices for up to a month. Just remember to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving to preserve its quality.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this tart ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the tart a day in advance. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve.

→ What kind of chocolate should I use?

I recommend using high-quality bittersweet chocolate for the best flavor. Avoid chocolate chips, as they may not melt smoothly.

→ Can I substitute other fruits?

Absolutely! This tart pairs well with raspberries, blueberries, or even kiwi for a fun twist.

→ Is it possible to make a gluten-free version?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. This adaptation works well in this recipe.