Description
Delight in these elegant Chocolate Strawberry Tarts featuring a buttery, flaky tart shell filled with smooth chocolate ganache and cream cheese mixture, topped with fresh, juicy strawberries. Perfect for a sophisticated dessert or special occasion treat, these tarts combine rich chocolate flavor with the natural sweetness of strawberries and a glossy fruit glaze.
Ingredients
Scale
Tart Shell
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1–2 tablespoons cold water
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Chocolate Filling
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 4 oz semi-sweet or dark chocolate, chopped
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for filling)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for filling)
Topping
- 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, halved or sliced
- 1 tablespoon strawberry jam (optional, for glaze)
Instructions
- Prepare the Tart Dough: In a food processor, combine the flour and powdered sugar. Add the cold, cubed butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add vanilla extract and cold water one tablespoon at a time, pulsing after each addition until the dough holds together.
- Shape and Chill Dough: Press the dough evenly into 4 mini tart pans or one 9-inch tart pan. Place the pans in the refrigerator and chill for 30 minutes to firm up the crust for baking.
- Bake Tart Shells: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the tart shells for 15–18 minutes or until they turn lightly golden. Remove from oven and let them cool completely to avoid melting the filling.
- Make Chocolate Ganache: Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan just until it begins to simmer, then pour it over the chopped semi-sweet or dark chocolate. Let it sit for two minutes, then stir gently until the mixture is smooth and shiny ganache.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Filling: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Fold in the cooled chocolate ganache gently until well combined.
- Assemble the Tarts: Spread the chocolate and cream cheese filling evenly into the cooled tart shells. Arrange the fresh strawberry halves or slices on top of the filling.
- Glaze the Strawberries (Optional): Warm the strawberry jam slightly to loosen it, then brush over the strawberries to create a shiny glaze that enhances both appearance and flavor.
- Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the assembled tarts for at least 30 minutes to set the filling and meld flavors before serving.
Notes
- You can use store-bought tart shells for quicker preparation.
- For added texture and flavor, sprinkle chopped pistachios on top or drizzle with white chocolate.
- These tarts are best served chilled the same day they are made for optimal freshness.
