Mini tartlets with a crisp pastry shell, filled with a silky chocolate ganache and topped with fresh strawberries. Elegant dessert perfect for parties or special occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Gorgeous presentation in individual tart portions.
The richness of chocolate is balanced by the freshness and brightness of strawberries.
You can make the shells ahead of time.
Highly customizable: different kinds of chocolate, pastry bases, or fruit toppings.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Pastry dough (shortcrust or sweet tart shell)
Unsalted butter
All‑purpose flour
Sugar (caster/granulated)
Egg(s) for binding the pastry shell (if making from scratch)
Salt
Lemon zest or vanilla extract (for the shell)
High‑quality chocolate (dark, milk, or a mix) for ganache filling Cooking Gorgeous+2Blue Jean Chef – Meredith Laurence+2
Heavy cream (or cream substitute)
Fresh strawberries
Optional: fruit glaze, extra chocolate drizzle Everyday Pie+1

Directions

Prepare the tartlet shells: roll out pastry, cut into small tartlet pans, press to shape, trim excess. Blind bake shells until golden and set. Let cool.
Make the ganache: heat the cream until hot but not boiling; pour over chopped chocolate; let sit a moment then stir until smooth. Add butter or flavouring if desired.
Pour ganache into cooled tartlet shells; smooth the tops. Chill until set.
Wash and slice strawberries. Arrange on top of the set ganache, or cook/stew strawberries slightly if recipe calls for cooked fruit.
Optionally, glaze the strawberries or drizzle additional melted chocolate over top. Chill briefly before serving.

Servings and timing

Makes about 8‑12 small tartlets (depending on size).
Prep time: ~ 30‑45 minutes (shell making, baking, chilling).
Chilling time: ~ 1‑2 hours for ganache to set properly.

Variations

Use different chocolates: dark for richer, milk for sweeter, or mix with white chocolate.
Try other fruits (raspberries, blueberries) if strawberries not available or out of season.
Make one large tart instead of mini tartlets.
Use gluten‑free pastry if needed.
Add flavor infusions like orange zest, almond extract, or a splash of liqueur.

Storage / reheating

Store in refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Cover well to avoid the tartlets absorbing odors.
Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Do not freeze strawberries on top; ganache and shell may freeze, but texture of fruit suffers.

FAQs

What type of chocolate gives the best ganache?

High quality chocolate with at least 60‑70% cocoa for dark; mix milk and dark chocolates if you prefer a less intense chocolate flavour. The better the chocolate, the smoother, richer the ganache.

Can I use ready‑made tartlet shells?

Yes—using pre‑made shells saves time. Just bake (or crisp) them if needed, cool, then fill with ganache.

How do I ensure the ganache sets properly?

Use the right ratio of chocolate to cream (often roughly 1 part cream to 2 parts chocolate by weight, depending on recipe). Cool the ganache in the fridge until firm before adding topping.

How far in advance can I make these?

You can bake tartlet shells a day ahead. Ganache can be prepared a few hours ahead. Add the strawberries just before serving to keep them fresh.

Can I substitute cream?

Yes — depending on dietary restrictions: use full‑fat coconut cream or a cream alternative. Texture may vary slightly.

What crusts besides pastry work?

You could use cookie crumbs, graham cracker crust, or gluten‑free pastry if needed.

How to prevent the pastry from becoming soggy?

Make sure the shell is fully cooled before filling. Brush the shell with a thin coating of melted chocolate (optional) to create a moisture barrier.

Can I add glaze to the strawberries?

Yes—a light fruit glaze or apricot jelly works well. Gently brush after placing fruit.

Is this dessert suitable for vegetarians?

Typically yes (no gelatin is needed), assuming no non‑vegetarian additives in chocolate.

How to reheat (if necessary)?

If you want the crust a little warmer, let the tartlets sit at room temperature for 10 minutes. Do not heat in oven once strawberries are added.

Conclusion

Chocolate Strawberry Tartlets deliver everything a great dessert should: richness, sweetness, elegance, and freshness. They look impressive, yet are surprisingly manageable to make. Perfect when you want to spoil guests or mark a special occasion.