There is something absolutely magical about the combination of rich chocolate and fresh, juicy strawberries, and that’s exactly what makes this Dark Chocolate Strawberry Tart Recipe an unforgettable treat. Imagine a crisp graham cracker crust that cradles a decadent layer of melted dark chocolate, topped with a luscious strawberry glaze bursting with fresh fruit flavor and a glossy finish. This tart balances indulgence with freshness and is perfect for any occasion where you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try this Dark Chocolate Strawberry Tart Recipe, it will quickly become your go-to dessert for celebrations or cozy nights in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are deceptively simple but absolutely essential to create the perfect balance of texture, flavor, and appearance in your tart. Each component plays a critical role, whether it’s the crumbly, buttery base or the shiny, fruity glaze that brings everything together.
- Graham cracker crumbs: Provides a sturdy yet tender crust with a slightly nutty, sweet flavor.
- Sugar: Sweetens both the crust and the strawberry glaze for balanced sweetness.
- Butter, melted: Binds the crumbs together and adds richness to the crust.
- Dark chocolate chips: Creates a silky, decadent layer of chocolate that contrasts beautifully with the strawberries.
- Strawberries: Fresh and juicy, they are the star topping and the base of the glaze.
- Water: Helps dissolve the sugar and thicken the glaze for a smooth finish.
- Cornstarch: Essential for thickening the strawberry glaze to the perfect consistency.
- Lemon juice: Adds brightness and balances the sweetness of the glaze.
How to Make Dark Chocolate Strawberry Tart Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Crust
Start by combining the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter thoroughly. This mixture will form the foundation of your tart — a crust that is crisp but tender enough to break with each bite. Press it firmly into the bottom and sides of your 9-inch tart pan or pie plate to create an even layer. Baking it at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 7 minutes sets the crust perfectly so it holds up against the creamy filling and juicy topping without becoming soggy.
Step 2: Melt and Paint the Dark Chocolate
While the crust cools, melt the dark chocolate chips gently in the microwave, stirring in 30-second intervals until smooth and glossy. Pour the melted chocolate into the cooled crust and spread it evenly using a spoon, making sure to ‘paint’ the chocolate up the sides of the crust. This not only adds a rich chocolate barrier between the crust and the strawberry filling but also creates beautiful visual contrast. Pop your tart in the fridge to set the chocolate firmly for about 20 minutes.
Step 3: Make the Strawberry Glaze
Wash and hull the strawberries, then mash enough to yield one cup of strawberry pulp. Combine this with water, sugar, cornstarch, and fresh lemon juice in a saucepan. Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it boils and thickens into a shiny, translucent glaze. This luscious sauce will coat and bind the strawberry pieces, delivering incredible freshness and sweetness in every slice.
Step 4: Combine the Glaze and Strawberry Chunks
Reserve about 10 strawberries for slicing later, then cut the rest into small to medium chunks. Once your glaze has cooled, gently mix it with the strawberry chunks. Spoon this flavorful mixture carefully into the chilled chocolate-crusted tart, smoothing the top as much as possible to create a flat surface that is ready for the final decorative touch.
Step 5: Decorate with Fresh Strawberry Slices
Thinly slice the reserved strawberries lengthwise and arrange them in concentric circles on top of the tart, starting from the outer edge and working towards the middle. This elegant pattern not only looks stunning but also adds a fresh, juicy finish. Cover the tart with foil and let it chill in the refrigerator overnight, allowing all the flavors to marry beautifully.
Step 6: Slice and Serve
When you are ready to enjoy, slice your Dark Chocolate Strawberry Tart Recipe into generous pieces and serve each one with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for a light, creamy contrast to the rich chocolate and fruit. This tart is a showstopper that tastes as incredible as it looks.
How to Serve Dark Chocolate Strawberry Tart Recipe
Garnishes
For an added touch of elegance, sprinkle a few fresh mint leaves over the tart or dust the edges lightly with powdered sugar. These small details brighten the presentation and complement the tart’s vibrant flavors beautifully, making each slice feel like a special occasion.
Side Dishes
This tart pairs wonderfully with light sides like a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance sweetness, or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an extra indulgence. The creamy ice cream melts into the strawberries and chocolate creating a dreamy combination.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the tart on a rustic wooden board with scattered fresh strawberries around it for a casual yet stylish look. Alternatively, add edible flowers atop the strawberry slices for a delicate, whimsical touch that is perfect for celebrations or tea parties. The contrast of textures and colors will impress everyone!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Dark Chocolate Strawberry Tart Recipe should be covered tightly with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Properly covered, it will stay fresh for up to 3 days, keeping that delicious chocolate layer intact without the strawberries becoming mushy.
Freezing
Freezing chocolate and fresh fruit together can be tricky since strawberries lose their texture when frozen, so this tart is best enjoyed fresh. However, you can freeze the baked crust separately for up to one month. When ready, thaw it and prepare the filling fresh for best flavor and texture.
Reheating
This tart is best served chilled, so no reheating is necessary. If you prefer a softer chocolate texture, allow the tart to sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving to take the chill off and enhance the flavors.
FAQs
Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
Absolutely! Using milk chocolate will make your tart sweeter and creamier, but keep in mind it won’t have the same rich intensity as dark chocolate. If you prefer a milder chocolate flavor, milk chocolate is a lovely alternative.
Do I have to bake the crust?
Baking the crust is highly recommended because it firms up the crumb mixture and prevents sogginess when the filling is added. The brief bake also enhances the buttery flavor and gives the crust a satisfying crunch.
Can I substitute other berries for strawberries?
While strawberries are classic here, raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries can be used to create a different but equally delicious tart. Keep in mind that their juices may vary in sweetness and thickness, so you might need to adjust sugar and cornstarch accordingly.
How do I prevent the strawberries from making the crust soggy?
The melted chocolate layer painted on the crust acts as a moisture barrier, which is essential to keep the crust crisp. Make sure the chocolate sets completely before adding the strawberry glaze in order to prevent sogginess.
Can I make this tart gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free graham crackers or an alternative gluten-free crumb base. Just ensure your other ingredients are gluten-free to keep the tart safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, this Dark Chocolate Strawberry Tart Recipe is a fantastic addition to your dessert repertoire. Its dazzling combination of textures and flavors is guaranteed to delight anyone lucky enough to take a bite. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just because you deserve something sweet and stunning, you’ll find this tart easy to make and absolutely irresistible. Give it a try — I promise it will become a cherished favorite!
Print
Dark Chocolate Strawberry Tart Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 8 hours 35 minutes (including chilling overnight)
- Yield: 8-12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Dark Chocolate Strawberry Tart combines a crisp graham cracker crust with a rich, melted dark chocolate layer and a fresh strawberry glaze topping. Perfectly chilled and garnished with thinly sliced strawberries, this dessert offers a harmonious blend of textures and flavors, ideal for special occasions or a delightful treat.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 6 tablespoons butter, melted
Chocolate Layer
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
Strawberry Glaze
- 2 pounds strawberries
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/2 lemon, juiced
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Thoroughly stir together graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and sides of a 9-inch tart pan or pie plate. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 7 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool completely.
- Melt the chocolate: Place the dark chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until the chocolate is smooth and fully melted. Pour the melted chocolate into the cooled crust and spread evenly. Use the back of a spoon to ‘paint’ the chocolate up the sides of the crust. Chill in the refrigerator until the chocolate is set, about 20 minutes.
- Make the strawberry glaze: Wash and stem the strawberries. Mash enough strawberries to yield 1 cup of pulp. In a saucepan, combine the strawberry pulp, water, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a boil. Continue cooking for 2 additional minutes until the glaze becomes translucent and thickens. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
- Prepare strawberry filling: Reserve about 10 strawberries for slicing on the top of the tart. Cut the remaining strawberries into small and medium-sized chunks. Once the glaze has cooled, combine it with the chopped strawberry chunks in a bowl. Spoon this filling carefully into the chocolate-lined crust, spreading it evenly to create a flat top.
- Arrange strawberry slices: Thinly slice the reserved strawberries lengthwise. Arrange these slices on top of the tart in concentric circles, starting from the outer edge moving toward the center. Cover the tart with foil and refrigerate overnight to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve: Slice the tart and serve chilled, optionally topped with freshly whipped cream for added indulgence.
Notes
- Ensure the crust is fully cooled before adding the chocolate layer to prevent melting.
- Melt chocolate carefully in short intervals to avoid burning.
- For best results, chill the tart overnight to allow the strawberry glaze to set and flavors to develop.
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for optimal sweetness and flavor.
- Leftovers should be refrigerated and consumed within 3 days.
