Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Tartlets

Name: Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Tartlets
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 12 tartlets
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed; 1/4 cup powdered sugar; 1 large egg yolk; Pinch of salt; 1 cup heavy cream; 8 oz dark chocolate, chopped; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 12 fresh strawberries, hulled and halved; Additional chocolate for drizzling (optional)

Highlighted under: Sweet Ending Recipes

I absolutely love making Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Tartlets when I want to impress friends or celebrate a special occasion. This recipe brings together the rich flavors of chocolate and the freshness of strawberries in a beautiful, bite-sized pastry. The buttery tart shell, combined with velvety chocolate ganache, creates a delightful contrast, while the vibrant strawberries add a touch of elegance. I'll walk you through each step, and by the end, you'll be able to create these stunning treats that are sure to steal the show at any gathering!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-08T16:02:34.867Z

When I first experimented with these tartlets, I was amazed at how effortlessly they came together. I decided to try using a homemade tart crust instead of store-bought, which added a fresh taste that truly elevated the dessert. The process of baking the shells until they're golden provides a delightful crunch that complements the creamy filling perfectly.

I also love the versatility of this recipe; you can easily swap in other fruits based on what's in season! One tip I learned along the way is to ensure your ganache is slightly warm when pouring it over the strawberries to achieve a glossy finish. It makes a big difference in presentation!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Rich chocolate flavor paired with fresh strawberry sweetness
Beautiful presentation that impresses at gatherings
Light and flaky tart shell with a creamy filling

      

Mastering the Tart Shell

Crafting the perfect tart shell is crucial to achieving that light and flaky texture. Make sure your butter is cold, as this prevents it from melting into the flour too quickly. Cut the butter into the dry ingredients until it resembles coarse crumbs—this helps create a flaky layer structure. If you notice the dough is too crumbly and doesn't hold together, a teaspoon of ice-cold water can help bind it without affecting the texture.

Chilling the dough is another key step that shouldn't be skipped. While 30 minutes in the fridge is standard, I often let it rest for up to an hour for extra ease when rolling it out. When rolling the dough, aim for an even thickness of about 1/8 inch to ensure it bakes uniformly. Pay attention to how it drapes over the sides of your tartlet pans, as this will influence the final presentation.

Perfecting the Chocolate Ganache

The ganache serves as both a rich filling and a glossy topping for your tartlets, so getting the right consistency is essential. When heating the heavy cream, keep an eye on it to avoid boiling over; you want it hot enough to melt the chocolate but not bubbling. Once you combine the cream with chocolate, allow it to sit before stirring—this ensures a silky-smooth texture. If the ganache is too thick, a splash of warm cream can help loosen it.

For a richer flavor, consider using a combination of dark and semi-sweet chocolate. This adjustment can balance the sweetness from the strawberries, creating a more nuanced taste experience. Another personal tip I enjoy is to incorporate a pinch of sea salt into the ganache, which enhances the chocolate's depth and pairs wonderfully with the strawberries.

Ingredients

Gather all the ingredients before you start for a smoother process.

For the Tart Shells

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 large egg yolk
Pinch of salt

For the Ganache

1 cup heavy cream
8 oz dark chocolate, chopped
1 tablespoon vanilla extract

For the Topping

12 fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
Additional chocolate for drizzling (optional)

Make sure to have everything prepared before you start assembling the tartlets.

Instructions

Ensure your workspace is clean and organized for efficient assembly.

Prepare the Tart Shells

In a mixing bowl, combine flour, powdered sugar, and a pinch of salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the egg yolk and mix until just combined.

Form the dough into discs, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Bake the Tart Shells

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the chilled dough and cut into circles to fit your tartlet pans. Press the dough into the pans and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden. Allow to cool completely.

Make the Chocolate Ganache

In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream until just boiling. Remove from heat and pour over the chopped dark chocolate. Let sit for 5 minutes, then stir until smooth.

Add vanilla extract and mix well.

Assemble the Tartlets

Once the tart shells are cool, fill them with the chocolate ganache, smoothing the top with a spatula. Gently place halved strawberries on top, cut-side down. Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to set.

Serve and Enjoy

Before serving, you can drizzle additional melted chocolate over the strawberries for a decorative touch. Enjoy your exquisite chocolate-covered strawberry tartlets!

Remember to take pictures of your beautiful creations before they disappear!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider sprinkling a little sea salt on top of the ganache before adding the strawberries. It enhances the sweetness and balances the rich chocolate.

Serving Suggestions

These tartlets can make a stunning centerpiece for any dessert table, but they also shine when served individually on small plates. If you're hosting a larger gathering, consider pairing the tartlets with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creamy profiles of these accompaniments complement the berry freshness beautifully, elevating the dessert to another level.

For an even more festive touch, I like to sprinkle some finely chopped mint leaves or edible flowers atop the strawberries just before serving. This presentation not only adds a pop of color but also introduces an aromatic element that enhances the overall eating experience.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

If you are planning to make these tartlets in advance, the tart shells can be baked 1-2 days ahead and stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Just ensure they are completely cool before sealing, as residual heat can lead to sogginess. The ganache should be made no more than 24 hours in advance for the best consistency; store it in the refrigerator and gently reheat it to return to a pourable state, if needed.

Once assembled, it’s best to consume the tartlets within a few hours to maintain the freshness of the strawberries. If leftovers remain, store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Keep in mind that while the tartlets are still delicious the next day, the strawberries may lose some of their vibrancy and texture.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use different fruits for these tartlets?

Absolutely! You can use raspberries, blueberries, or even diced peaches, depending on your taste.

→ How do I store these tartlets?

Store the tartlets in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

→ Can I prepare the tart shells in advance?

Yes! You can bake the tart shells a day in advance and fill them just before serving.

→ Is there a vegan version of this recipe?

Yes! You can use vegan butter and a dairy-free chocolate to create a delicious vegan version.