If you’re searching for an absolutely decadent dessert that feels like a treat straight from your favorite patisserie (but is secretly a breeze to make at home), let’s talk about this Chocolate Covered Strawberry Ganache Tart. This show-stopper combines the rich, velvety depth of dark chocolate with the juicy freshness of strawberries and just the right amount of crispiness from an Oreo crust. It’s the answer to your weeknight sweet tooth—requiring minimal hands-on time, no special skills, and really, it’s a joy to assemble. Perfect for busy evenings when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of textures—the silky ganache, crunchy base, glossy chocolate-dipped strawberries, and billowy whipped cream—is pure delight in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This tart looks impressive, but comes together with simple steps, a few bowls, and less than 20 minutes of prep.
- Simple Ingredients, Luxurious Results: Good-quality chocolate and fresh berries work their magic here—no complicated components needed.
- Perfect Make-Ahead Dessert: You can prep this tart in advance, making it ideal for entertaining or just planning ahead for dessert cravings.
- Irresistible Flavors and Textures: The contrast between the crisp crust, creamy ganache, juicy strawberries, and airy whipped cream makes each forkful a taste adventure.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s break down what you need and why each component is a must:
- Oreos (or Gluten-Free Alternative): For that deeply chocolatey, slightly salty crunch. Oreos give the best easy crust, but any chocolate cookie can work in a pinch.
- Butter: Holds the crust together and adds richness.
- Quality Dark Chocolate (for ganache and strawberries): Don’t skimp here! Deep, robust chocolate makes all the difference. Choose at least 60% cocoa for best flavor and texture.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: Creaminess for the ganache and luxurious texture in whipped topping.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and complexity to the chocolate filling.
- Sea Salt: Enhances all the chocolate notes and balances sweetness.
- Eggs: Help the ganache set to the perfect consistency—think silky, sliceable, but just a little wobbly.
- Fresh Strawberries: The tart, juicy, sweet pop you crave with dark chocolate.
- Sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream—just enough to complement, not overwhelm.
- Optional: Use extra chocolate for a shiny drizzle over the tart.
Note: Fresh, dry strawberries are a must—pat them dry to avoid chocolate slipping off or soggy results.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Variations
There are so many ways to tailor this tart to your own tastes or whatever you have on hand:
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free chocolate cookies for the crust—delicious and effortless swap!
- Raspberry or Mixed Berry: Strawberries are classic, but raspberries or a berry mix bring their zingy twist.
- Milk or White Chocolate: Try milk chocolate for a sweeter, creamier ganache or use white chocolate for a different, but equally luscious layer.
- Add Nuts: Sprinkle finely chopped toasted hazelnuts or almonds between the crust and ganache for a nutty surprise.
- Liqueur Kick: Stir a tablespoon of Chambord or orange liqueur into the ganache for a grown-up dessert.
How to Make Chocolate Covered Strawberry Ganache Tart
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Crust
Heat the oven to 350°F. Pulse Oreos and melted butter in a food processor until you have a thick, even crumb. Press firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 10-inch tart pan (the kind with a removable bottom is a lifesaver for easy serving). Pop it into the oven as you prep the filling.
Step 2: Make the Ganache Filling
Warm the cream until steaming, then pour over finely chopped chocolate. Stir until it turns into a beautifully smooth, glossy pool. Whisk in vanilla, a little flaky sea salt (trust me—it sings!), and gently beaten eggs. Keep whisking until fully combined.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Pour the silky chocolate mixture over your crust. Bake for about 35 minutes—you’re looking for set edges and a center that still has a little jiggle. The tart will finish setting as it cools.
Step 4: Cool and Prep Strawberries
Let your tart cool for at least 15 minutes. Meanwhile, melt more chocolate gently in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds. Slice the tops off the strawberries so they sit flat, then dip the cut sides in the melted chocolate and arrange them, cut side down, in the tart’s center.
Step 5: Finish and Decorate
Drizzle any leftover melted chocolate over the tart for that extra touch. Let it all cool to room temperature. Whip cream with sugar until you have soft peaks—the perfect soft cloud to top each slice.
Step 6: Serve
Slice the tart (small wedges are plenty—it’s rich!) and crown each piece with a generous spoonful of whipped cream. Enjoy every luscious bite.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use room temperature eggs: so the ganache won’t seize or turn grainy.
- For clean slices, chill the tart until slightly firmer: then use a sharp, hot knife for slicing.
- Don’t overbake: The center should wobble like a soft custard when you shake the tart gently.
- Pat strawberries dry so the chocolate sticks and doesn’t slide off: this makes for a gorgeous finish!
- High-quality chocolate makes all the difference in flavor: Use what you’d enjoy eating on its own.
How to Serve
This tart deserves a bit of a moment. It’s at its absolute best at room temperature, where the ganache is perfectly creamy and the crust just crisp. Slice into small wedges—it’s rich!—and dollop with freshly whipped cream.
Pairing Suggestions:
- An after-dinner espresso or hot latte pairs sublimely.
- If serving for a dinner party, add a bowl of extra berries on the side for lightness.
- Consider a light, bubbly prosecco or sparkling rosé for a festive touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover tart in the fridge, covered well. It keeps beautifully for up to 3 days. The whipped cream is best fresh but can last 1 day if stored separately.
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze the tart (without whipped cream or fresh strawberries) tightly wrapped for up to one month. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight and bring to room temperature before serving.
Reheating
No reheating needed! Serve this tart at room temperature. If you must warm it, a few seconds (seriously: seconds, not minutes) in the microwave will give you a meltier texture, but don’t overdo it.
FAQs
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Can I make the tart ahead of time?
Absolutely. This tart is a fantastic make-ahead dessert. Bake and assemble up to a day in advance. Just wait to add the whipped cream until serving, to keep everything fresh and lovely.
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Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark?
Definitely—just know the flavor will be milder and a bit sweeter. If you prefer a less intense chocolate taste or you’re making this for kids, milk chocolate is a delicious option.
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How do I prevent a soggy crust?
The key is to press the crumb mixture firmly, bake it briefly first, and use dry cookies—not cream-filled ones that are too moist. Chilling the crust before adding the ganache can also help.
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What if I don’t have a tart pan with a removable bottom?
A regular pie pan can work—just press the crust evenly and use parchment paper to help with lifting slices. The removable bottom just makes for easier, cleaner serving.
Final Thoughts
The Chocolate Covered Strawberry Ganache Tart is a beautifully rich, celebratory dessert that truly couldn’t be easier. It’s perfect for weeknights when you want something special, and ideal for impressing guests without stress. The balance of textures and flavors is just magical—and each bite is proof that great desserts don’t have to be complicated. Give it a try, enjoy the process, and don’t be surprised if it quickly becomes a favorite in your dessert repertoire!
PrintChocolate Covered Strawberry Ganache Tart Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This decadent Chocolate Covered Strawberry Ganache Tart features a buttery Oreo cookie crust, a silky dark chocolate ganache filling, and a topping of luscious chocolate-dipped strawberries with homemade whipped cream. Perfect as an impressive dessert for special occasions, this tart combines classic flavors with stunning presentation, all crafted with straightforward steps for baking enthusiasts.
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 14.3 oz. package Oreos or gluten-free alternative
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
For the Ganache Filling
- 12 oz. quality dark chocolate
- 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
For the Chocolate Covered Strawberries
- 6 oz. quality dark chocolate
- 1 quart fresh strawberries, washed and dried
For the Whipped Cream
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons sugar
Instructions
- Prep the Oven and Pan – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 10-inch round tart pan with a removable bottom for easy release.
- Make the Crust – Add the Oreos and melted butter to your food processor. Pulse until the mixture is smooth and starts to come together. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom and sides of the prepared tart pan to form the crust.
- Prepare the Ganache Filling – In a medium microwave-safe bowl, microwave the heavy cream for 2 minutes until hot. Add the 12 oz. dark chocolate to the hot cream and stir until fully melted and smooth. Stir in vanilla, sea salt, and lightly beaten eggs. Whisk until the mixture is silky and thoroughly combined.
- Fill and Bake – Pour the chocolate ganache filling into the prepared crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes, or until the edges of the ganache are set and the center is just slightly jiggly.
- Cool the Tart – Remove the baked tart from the oven and let it cool on a rack for 15 minutes.
- Prepare Chocolate Covered Strawberries – In a small bowl, microwave 6 oz. dark chocolate in 30-second intervals, stirring vigorously after each interval until smooth. Slice the tops off the strawberries to create a flat surface. Dip the sliced end of each strawberry in the melted chocolate, then arrange the dipped strawberries, cut side down, in the center of the tart.
- Finish with Chocolate Drizzle – Drizzle any remaining melted chocolate over the strawberries and tart for a beautiful finish. Allow the tart to cool completely to room temperature.
- Make Whipped Cream – In a medium bowl, combine the whipping cream and sugar. Using an electric beater, whisk until the cream reaches stiff peaks. Store unused whipped cream in an airtight container for up to 1 day.
- Serve – Slice the tart into small pieces and serve with a dollop of whipped cream on top. Enjoy!
Notes
- Serve the tart at room temperature for best texture, or refrigerate if preparing ahead of time.
- Use high-quality dark chocolate for an ultra-smooth and flavorful ganache.
- You can substitute gluten-free sandwich cookies for Oreos to make this dessert gluten-free.
- Extra whipped cream can be stored for up to 1 day in the refrigerator.
- Ensure strawberries are fully dry before dipping to help the chocolate adhere.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg