Strawberry Chocolate Tart Squares

Name: Strawberry Chocolate Tart Squares
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 16 squares
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; ½ cup powdered sugar; ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed; 1 large egg yolk; 1 tablespoon ice water; 1 cup dark chocolate chips; ¾ cup heavy cream; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced; Mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Highlighted under: Sugar & Spice Desserts

I’ve always been captivated by the exquisite combination of strawberries and chocolate, and these Strawberry Chocolate Tart Squares truly elevate that classic pairing. The rich, velvety chocolate base contrasts beautifully with the tartness of fresh strawberries. Preparing these squares is simpler than it seems, making them perfect for any occasion! Whether it’s a summer gathering or a cozy weekend treat, I know these delightful squares will impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth.

Created by

Lina

Last updated on 2026-01-23T23:09:27.883Z

When I first crafted the recipe for these Strawberry Chocolate Tart Squares, I wanted to find a way to celebrate the flavors of summer while incorporating a touch of indulgence. The method I use to make the chocolate filling includes a careful melting process, ensuring a perfectly smooth consistency. This not only enhances the tart’s flavor but also creates a luxurious texture that keeps everyone coming back for more.

One of my favorite tips is to let the tart chill completely before slicing. This allows the layers to set properly, making it much easier to get clean cuts. Using fresh strawberries on top not only adds a pop of color but also a fresh zing that contrasts beautifully with the rich chocolate. Trust me, these squares are sure to become a staple in your dessert repertoire!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Decadent chocolate flavor combined with fresh strawberries
Smooth texture that contrasts wonderfully with the crunchy tart base
Perfect for parties, picnics, or simply indulging at home

Crafting the Perfect Crust

The crust of these Strawberry Chocolate Tart Squares is a delicate and crunchy base, crucial for the overall texture. When mixing the flour and powdered sugar with the cold butter, aim for a sandy consistency. This step ensures a flaky texture once baked. If the butter is too warm and soft, the crust can become greasy instead of light and crisp, so always start with cold cubes.

Pressing the dough into the tart pan should be done gently, ensuring even coverage across the bottom and up the sides. An even layer is vital for uniform baking; any thick spots might remain soggy. Chilling the crust for 15 minutes before baking firms it up, preventing shrinkage during the baking process and helping it hold its shape perfectly.

Understanding the Chocolate Filling

The filling of this tart is where rich chocolate flavors come alive. Using dark chocolate chips provides depth; however, you can opt for semi-sweet chocolate if you prefer a sweeter profile. Ensure the chocolate and cream mixture is stirred slowly over low heat. Rapid heating can lead to seized chocolate, which becomes grainy instead of silky. A good visual cue is to stop stirring when the mixture is glossy and well-combined.

Adding sugar and vanilla extract enhances the filling by balancing the bitterness of the dark chocolate. Make sure to mix thoroughly after removing it from the heat to avoid any undissolved sugar granules. Allowing the filling to chill adequately in the refrigerator is crucial; a minimum of thirty minutes should result in a firm yet creamy texture that's easy to cut into squares.

Serving and Storing Your Tart

Once the tart is assembled, the addition of fresh strawberries provides a refreshing burst of flavor and color. For the best presentation, slice the strawberries and arrange them just before serving; this will keep them looking fresh and vibrant. You can also layer the strawberries in a decorative pattern for an eye-catching finish. A sprig of mint can elevate the visual appeal and add a subtle herbal note.

Storing these tart squares is simple; cover them tightly or transfer them to an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to three days. However, for the best texture, I recommend serving them within 24 hours of assembly. If you're preparing ahead for an event, bake the crust and make the filling a day in advance, but wait to add the strawberries until serving time.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create your Strawberry Chocolate Tart Squares:

For the crust:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup powdered sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
1 large egg yolk
1 tablespoon ice water

For the filling:

1 cup dark chocolate chips
¾ cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the topping:

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

Instructions

Follow these steps to assemble your Strawberry Chocolate Tart Squares:

Make the crust

In a mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour and powdered sugar. Add cold butter and blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in egg yolk and ice water until a dough forms. Press the dough into a greased square tart pan and chill for 15 minutes.

Bake the crust

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the crust for 15 minutes or until lightly golden. Allow it to cool completely.

Prepare the filling

In a saucepan over low heat, combine dark chocolate chips and heavy cream, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and add the sugar and vanilla extract. Mix well until fully incorporated.

Assemble the tart

Pour the chocolate filling into the cooled crust and spread evenly. Chill the tart in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes until the filling is firm.

Add the strawberries

Once set, top the tart with sliced strawberries. Optionally, garnish with mint leaves before slicing into squares.

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, drizzle some melted chocolate over the top before serving. This will not only enhance the flavor but also make your tart visually stunning.

Ingredient Tips and Substitutions

For a gluten-free version of these tart squares, consider substituting the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. It's crucial to ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum, which mimics the elasticity of gluten, providing a suitable texture for the crust. Additionally, if you're not a fan of dark chocolate, feel free to swap it for milk chocolate, keeping in mind that you may want to reduce the sugar slightly due to the inherent sweetness in milk chocolate.

If strawberries are out of season, other fruits like raspberries or sliced peaches can work well as toppings. Their tartness will pair beautifully with the chocolate, offering a different yet equally delicious experience. Another creative twist is to infuse the cream with espresso or liqueur after removing it from the heat, adding another flavor dimension to the filling.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your crust turns out tough rather than crisp, it’s likely the dough was overworked. Always handle the dough gently when combining ingredients and pressing it into the pan. If you find your filling is too runny after chilling, this might indicate an insufficient chocolate-to-cream ratio. In future attempts, consider increasing the chocolate chips by a few tablespoons to achieve a firmer filling.

When cutting the tart into squares, use a sharp knife dipped in hot water; this will create clean cuts and prevent the chocolate from cracking. For a neater presentation, allow the tart to warm slightly at room temperature for a few minutes before slicing; this can make the filling a bit more tender without losing its form.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of fruit?

Absolutely! Raspberries or blueberries would work wonderfully in this recipe.

→ How long can I store these tart squares?

They can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I make the crust ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the crust a day in advance and store it wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator.

→ Is it possible to make this tart gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.