Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Tartlets

Name: Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Tartlets
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 12 tartlets
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1/3 cup powdered sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed; 1 egg yolk; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 8 ounces dark chocolate, chopped; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Fresh strawberries, halved for topping

Highlighted under: Sweet Cravings Bakery

I absolutely love indulging in these Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Tartlets! The combination of creamy chocolate and fresh strawberries creates a delightful dessert that’s just perfect for any occasion. Preparing them at home might seem tricky, but I assure you, with a few simple steps, the outcome is nothing short of spectacular. These tartlets are a great way to showcase seasonal strawberries while enjoying the richness of chocolate. Trust me, once you try making these, you'll find yourself wanting to share them with everyone around you!

Created by

Anna

Last updated on 2026-01-08T13:30:31.886Z

When I first decided to make these Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Tartlets, I wanted to create something that would impress my friends at our brunch. I spent a weekend experimenting with different chocolate types, and I discovered that dark chocolate really elevates the tart's flavors while balancing the sweetness of the strawberries. I also found that chilling the tartlets before serving gives the chocolate a glossy finish, making them look even more appetizing!

One tip that I swear by is adding a pinch of sea salt on top of the melted chocolate. It not only enhances the chocolate flavor but also balances the sweetness of the strawberries. The first time I tried it, everyone raved about the flavor contrast, and I’ve made it a staple since. If you enjoy both chocolate and strawberries, this recipe will certainly become a favorite!

        Why You'll Love These Tartlets
        The perfect balance of rich chocolate and fresh strawberries
Crispy crust that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling
Easy to customize with nuts or other fruits for variety

      

Understanding the Tartlet Crust

The tartlet crust is essential for creating a delicious and appealing base for the chocolate filling. Combining all-purpose flour and powdered sugar contributes to a tender texture, while the chilled butter ensures that the crust turns crisp when baked. Be sure to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs; this way, you'll prevent overworking the dough, which can lead to a tough crust. Pressing the dough evenly into the tartlet pans is crucial for achieving uniform cooking and presentation.

Chilling the formed crusts for 15 minutes before baking is a critical step. This allows the butter to firm up, preventing the dough from shrinking during baking. When ready, the crust should have a lightly golden color, approximately 10-12 minutes in the preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). If you notice the edges browning too quickly, consider covering them with small strips of aluminum foil to ensure even baking without burning.

Creating the Perfect Chocolate Filling

For the chocolate filling, quality chocolate is key. I recommend using a dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content to achieve a rich flavor that beautifully contrasts with the sweet strawberries. When heating the heavy cream, stir occasionally and watch for small bubbles forming around the edges; once it simmers, quickly remove it from heat to prevent boiling, which can affect the texture of the ganache. The goal is a smooth, glossy filling that sets nicely in the crust.

After adding the chopped chocolate to the hot cream, allow it to sit for a moment before stirring. This step helps the chocolate melt evenly, creating a fabulous ganache that you can pour into the crusts. If the ganache seems too thick when cooled, gently reheat the mixture over low heat with a splash more cream until the desired consistency is reached. This filling is versatile; you can add a splash of liqueur or a sprinkle of sea salt for depth.

Ingredients

For the tartlet crust

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup powdered sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
1 egg yolk
1/4 teaspoon salt

For the filling

8 ounces dark chocolate, chopped
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Fresh strawberries, halved for topping

Instructions

Steps

Make the crust

In a mixing bowl, combine flour, powdered sugar, butter, egg yolk, and salt. Mix until it resembles coarse crumbs. Press the dough into tartlet pans. Chill for 15 minutes.

Bake the crusts

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the chilled crusts for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden. Let them cool completely.

Prepare the filling

In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream until just simmering. Remove from heat and add the chopped dark chocolate, stirring until smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Assemble the tartlets

Pour the chocolate filling into the cooled tartlet crusts. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes until set.

Garnish and serve

Top with halved fresh strawberries and a sprinkle of sea salt if desired. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Enjoy Your Tartlets!

Pro Tips

Use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor. For a variation, try adding orange zest to the chocolate filling for a citrus twist.

Serving and Storage Tips

After assembling the tartlets and chilling them for at least 30 minutes, they become easy to slice and serve. To create a visually stunning presentation, consider arranging the halved strawberries in a circular pattern on top of the chocolate filling. For a subtle flavor enhancement, a light dusting of sea salt can elevate the sweet taste of the strawberries and chocolate, creating an irresistible contrast.

If you have leftovers, these tartlets can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Cover them loosely with plastic wrap to avoid moisture buildup that could make the crust soggy. I find they taste best when served chilled, allowing the chocolate to remain firm while the strawberries maintain their freshness.

Variations and Customizations

These tartlets provide a versatile canvas for other flavors and ingredients. For a nutty twist, consider folding in finely chopped nuts, such as hazelnuts or almonds, into the chocolate filling. If you're looking to add a fruity variation, substitute some halved strawberries with other berries or slices of ripe banana for a different flavor profile. The tartlets can also be drizzled with white chocolate for a decorative touch and an additional sweetness.

If you're catering to dietary preferences, gluten-free all-purpose flour can be used in place of regular flour for the crust without compromising texture. Additionally, coconut cream can be a great substitute for heavy cream. Be sure to chill the coconut cream before use, and you may want to blend it to ensure it reaches a smooth consistency before stirring in the melted chocolate.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of chocolate?

Yes! Milk chocolate or white chocolate can be used, though keep in mind that they will change the flavor profile.

→ How long do they last?

Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, the tartlets will last for about 2-3 days.

→ Can I make these in advance?

Definitely! You can make the crusts and filling a day ahead, just assemble them before serving.

→ What can I substitute for strawberries?

You can use any type of berry or even sliced bananas, just ensure they are fresh for the best results.