Chocolate Strawberry Tartlets

Name: Chocolate Strawberry Tartlets
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 8 tartlets
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed; 1/4 cup powdered sugar; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 egg yolk; 2 tablespoons cold water; 8 ounces dark chocolate, chopped; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced; Mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Highlighted under: Basic Cooking

I absolutely adore these Chocolate Strawberry Tartlets! The combination of silky chocolate and fresh strawberries creates a delightful balance of flavors that I can't resist. Making these tartlets is easier than it seems, and they always impress at gatherings. These little delights are perfect for those moments when I want to treat myself or share something special with family and friends. Trust me, they will vanish in no time as everyone will be reaching for seconds!

Created by

Flora Kensington

Last updated on 2026-01-11T21:45:34.740Z

When I first decided to make these Chocolate Strawberry Tartlets, I wanted a dessert that would captivate everyone at my dinner party. After experimenting with different crusts and fillings, I discovered that using a buttery shortcrust pastry perfectly complements the rich chocolate ganache and the tartness of fresh strawberries. The first bite was an explosion of flavors, and I knew I had created something special.

Now, I always opt for high-quality dark chocolate in the filling for that extra layer of depth. It pairs exceptionally well with the sweetness of the strawberries. One detail I learned is to let the tartlets cool completely before topping them with strawberries, which keeps them stable and ensures a beautiful presentation. You’ll quickly see how these mini desserts steal the show!

        Why You Will Love These Tartlets
        Delicious chocolate filling that satisfies your sweet tooth
Fresh strawberries add a vibrant, fruity touch
Elegant presentation makes them perfect for entertaining

      

Mastering the Tartlet Shells

Creating the perfect tartlet shell is essential for achieving that delightful crunch that complements the creamy chocolate filling. Use cold butter straight from the refrigerator to maintain the dough's integrity. When mixing in the processor, you should stop as soon as the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Overworking the dough can lead to tough shells, compromising their texture. After chilling the dough, ensure it’s rolled out evenly for uniform baking, preventing unevenly cooked edges.

When pressing the dough into the tartlet pans, aim for a thickness of about 1/4 inch to ensure they hold their shape during baking. Make sure to prick the bottoms with a fork to allow steam to escape, which helps prevent bubbles. Baking at 350°F allows the edges to turn lightly golden, typically around 15 minutes. Keep an eye on them, as they can go from perfectly baked to burnt quickly due to their small size.

Creating the Chocolate Filling

The chocolate filling is what makes these tartlets truly indulgent. Using high-quality dark chocolate (preferably 60-70% cocoa) not only enhances the depth of flavor but also provides a silkier texture. Be sure to chop the chocolate into small, uniform pieces to ensure it melts evenly when combined with the hot cream. I find that letting the chocolate sit for a few minutes before stirring allows it to soften adequately, making it easier to achieve a smooth consistency.

Once mixed, allow the filling to cool slightly before pouring it into the tartlet shells. If it's too hot, it can cause the shells to become soggy. The ideal filling is glossy and smooth, giving it an elegant look when set. After filling, refrigeration is crucial for at least 30 minutes to ensure the chocolate ganache firms up perfectly, allowing you to neatly slice through the tartlets without any mess.

Presentation and Storage Tips

Presentation is key when serving these tartlets, as their elegant look enhances their appeal. Fresh strawberries not only add a pop of color but also a refreshing contrast to the rich chocolate. Slice the strawberries just before serving to prevent them from weeping and making the tartlets soggy. Garnishing with fresh mint leaves not only looks appealing but adds a hint of aromatic freshness to each bite.

If you need to make these tartlets ahead of time, consider storing the unfilled shells in an airtight container at room temperature. You can prepare the chocolate filling a day in advance and keep it in the refrigerator. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before pouring into the shells to ensure a smooth filling process. These tartlets are best enjoyed freshly assembled but can last for a day in the fridge if needed.

Ingredients

For the Tartlet Shells

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 egg yolk
2 tablespoons cold water

For the Chocolate Filling

8 ounces dark chocolate, chopped
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Topping

1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
Mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Tartlet Shells

In a food processor, combine flour, butter, powdered sugar, and salt. Pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add egg yolk and cold water, then pulse until it forms a dough. Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic, and chill for 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the dough and cut into circles to fit your tartlet pans. Press the dough into the pans and prick the bottoms with a fork. Bake for 15 minutes or until lightly golden. Let cool.

Make the Chocolate Filling

Place the chopped dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl. In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it simmers. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let it sit for a few minutes. Stir until smooth and creamy, then mix in the vanilla extract. Allow it to cool slightly before filling the tartlet shells.

Assemble the Tartlets

Once the tartlet shells have cooled, fill each with the chocolate ganache until just below the rim. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set. Before serving, top each tartlet with fresh strawberry slices and garnish with mint leaves if desired. Enjoy!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider adding a pinch of sea salt on top of the chocolate filling before it sets. This contrast enhances the sweetness of the strawberries.

Ingredient Alternatives

While the classic recipe calls for dark chocolate, feel free to experiment with different types such as milk chocolate or even white chocolate for a sweeter filling. If you're looking for a dairy-free option, a high-quality dark chocolate with no milk additives paired with coconut cream can work wonderfully. For those with gluten sensitivities, simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, which can yield similar results if used properly.

For a touch of flavor, you can infuse the heavy cream with a hint of espresso or orange zest before combining it with the chocolate. These subtle flavors elevate the tartlets, making them unique. Additionally, swapping fresh strawberries with seasonal fruits like raspberries or blueberries can introduce a new taste while maintaining that vibrant look.

Scaling the Recipe

If you're planning to host a gathering and want to serve more guests, this recipe can easily be scaled up. Doubling the quantities will ensure you have plenty of tartlets for everyone. Just be mindful of additional baking time if using larger tartlet pans or a different pan layout that requires longer baking. Conversely, if you need fewer tartlets, consider halving the recipe and adjusting the chilling times based on the decreased volume.

Another helpful tip is to experiment with mini versions of these tartlets. Using a mini muffin pan allows you to create bite-sized treats perfect for dessert platters. Each mini tartlet will require significantly reduced baking time, about 10–12 minutes, so keep a close eye on them for that perfect golden finish.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these tartlets in advance?

Yes, you can make the tartlet shells and chocolate filling a day in advance. Assemble just before serving to keep the strawberries fresh.

→ What can I substitute for dark chocolate?

You can use milk chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate if you prefer a sweeter filling.

→ How do I store leftover tartlets?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

→ Can I use other fruits for topping?

Absolutely! Raspberries, blueberries, or kiwi slices would work beautifully as alternatives.