If you’re looking for a show-stopper dessert that’s jubilantly elegant yet blissfully simple to make, let me introduce you to the Chocolate Covered Strawberry Ganache Tart. Imagine a crisp graham cracker crust, luxuriously rich chocolate ganache, and sweet, glistening strawberries – all layered into one irresistible tart. This is the kind of treat that gets gasps of delight at celebrations, but is so easy to whip up that you might find yourself making it just because. Best of all, every bite tastes like a chocolate-dipped strawberry dream come true!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be fooled by the stunning result: each ingredient in this tart is easy to find and has a starring role. From the buttery crust to the fruity glaze, these basics come together to let the flavors and colors truly shine.
- Graham cracker crumbs: Bring a nutty crunch and familiar sweetness to the base—perfect for holding rich ganache.
- Granulated sugar: Adds subtle sweetness to balance the crust’s flavor.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Binds the crust and gives it an irresistible, golden richness.
- Heavy cream: The secret to an ultra-silky, creamy ganache that melts in your mouth.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate: This is where the tart gets its decadent, deep chocolate flavor—use a chocolate you absolutely love.
- Vanilla extract: Just a touch for subtle warmth and to enhance the chocolate’s aroma.
- Fresh strawberries (hulled and halved): Sweet, juicy, and visually stunning as the crown of your tart.
- Strawberry jam (warmed): Brushed on top, this jam makes the berries glossy and adds a pop of extra strawberry flavor.
- Pinch of salt: Essential for making all the flavors brighter and more balanced.
How to Make Chocolate Covered Strawberry Ganache Tart
Step 1: Prepare the Tart Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a medium bowl, then mix until the crumbs are evenly coated and resemble damp sand. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom and sides of a 9-inch tart pan. Bake for 8–10 minutes, just until the crust is set and slightly golden. Let it cool completely before you move on to the next step—it’s the sturdy foundation your tart deserves!
Step 2: Make the Chocolate Ganache
While the crust cools, warm the heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat just until it starts to simmer—don’t let it boil. Pour the hot cream over your chocolate and a generous pinch of salt in a heatproof bowl. Let it sit for two minutes to gently melt the chocolate, then stir in slow circles until you have a glossy, deeply chocolatey ganache. Add in your vanilla extract for that aromatic flourish!
Step 3: Assemble the Tart
Pour the silky ganache into your cooled graham crust, using a spatula to smooth it evenly to the edges. Now comes the truly fun part: arrange your halved strawberries on top, cut side down, creating a sunburst or spiral pattern. There’s no wrong way to decorate—just let your inner pastry artist shine.
Step 4: Add the Finishing Touch
Gently warm your strawberry jam (a few seconds in the microwave works perfectly), then use a pastry brush to lightly glaze the tops of the strawberries. This not only gives them a gorgeous, bakery-style sheen but also adds a delicious hint of extra berry flavor. Refrigerate your Chocolate Covered Strawberry Ganache Tart for at least 2 hours, or until the ganache is completely set, before slicing and serving chilled.
How to Serve Chocolate Covered Strawberry Ganache Tart
Garnishes
Your tart is dazzling on its own, but a few little extras make it even more festive. Try sprinkling dark chocolate curls, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a handful of edible flower petals around the edge for color and sparkle. A sprig of fresh mint adds brightness and a subtle contrast to the deep flavors underneath.
Side Dishes
This rich tart pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. If you’d like to round out the dessert course, offer some fresh berries or a citrus salad on the side—their tartness wonderfully balances the chocolate’s intensity.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to go beyond wedges? Cut the tart into elegant bars or mini squares for a chic dessert buffet. For a party, try making Chocolate Covered Strawberry Ganache Tart in individual tartlet pans—adorable, personalized, and sure to impress. Stack thin slices slightly overlapping, or serve with piped whipped cream rosettes for a five-star look.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow have leftovers, you’re in luck. Store your Chocolate Covered Strawberry Ganache Tart, covered lightly with plastic wrap, in the fridge for up to three days. The berries may soften slightly, but the ganache and crust hold up beautifully—meaning midnight snacks are definitely encouraged.
Freezing
You can freeze the un-garnished tart (crust and ganache) for up to a month. Tightly wrap the cooled, set tart in a double layer of plastic and foil. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge, then top with freshly cut strawberries and a glossy jam glaze for the best flavor and look.
Reheating
You won’t need to reheat this tart—it is best served chilled straight from the refrigerator. If you prefer a softer chocolate bite, just let slices sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving. The crust will regain a bit of crunch, and the chocolate will become lusciously creamy.
FAQs
Can I use milk or dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet?
Absolutely! Milk chocolate will give a sweeter, milkier finish, while dark chocolate delivers a more intense, almost bittersweet result. Adjust to your palate—just be sure to use the same amount.
What can I substitute for graham crackers?
No grahams? No problem! Try crushed digestive biscuits, vanilla wafers, or chocolate cookie crumbs for the base. Each brings a fun twist to your Chocolate Covered Strawberry Ganache Tart.
How do I keep the crust from getting too hard?
Press the crumb mixture firmly but not overly compact, and bake just until set (don’t overbake). The cooling time is important—let the crust come to room temperature so it’s crisp, not rock-hard.
Can I prepare the tart a day ahead?
Yes, it’s perfect for make-ahead entertaining! Assemble the Chocolate Covered Strawberry Ganache Tart the day before, cover, and refrigerate. Add the fresh berries and jam glaze the day you plan to serve for best presentation.
Are there any ways to make it fit a vegan diet?
For a vegan version, swap in plant-based butter and coconut cream for the ganache, and use dairy-free chocolate chips. The tart will still be luscious and crowd-pleasing!
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the joy on someone’s face when they take a bite of Chocolate Covered Strawberry Ganache Tart. It’s simple, sumptuous, and sensational no matter the season. Go ahead—treat yourself and those you love with this truly special dessert. You’ll be glad you did!
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Chocolate Covered Strawberry Ganache Tart Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the decadent flavors of this Chocolate Covered Strawberry Ganache Tart. A buttery graham cracker crust is filled with rich chocolate ganache and topped with fresh strawberries for a delightful dessert experience.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 1/4 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Ganache and Topping:
- 1 1/4 cups heavy cream
- 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
- 2 tablespoons strawberry jam, warmed
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Preheat oven to 350°F. Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press into tart pan and bake.
- Make the Ganache: Heat cream, pour over chocolate and salt. Stir in vanilla. Pour into crust.
- Top with Strawberries: Arrange halved strawberries on ganache. Brush with warmed jam.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate tart for at least 2 hours. Slice and enjoy!
Notes
- Enhance with sliced bananas or liqueur for variety.
- Try an Oreo crust for a more intense chocolate flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake (with baked crust)
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
