A Chocolate Berry Tart is one of those desserts that tastes as luxurious as it looks. A crisp, buttery pastry forms the foundation, with a smooth and creamy chocolate mousse filling that melts in the mouth. But what truly elevates this tart to another level is the generous topping of fresh raspberries and strawberries, their natural tartness providing the perfect contrast to the rich chocolate.
This delightful combination of chocolate and berries has long been a favourite in the world of desserts, and it’s easy to see why. The deep cocoa notes of the mousse complement the bright, slightly acidic berries, creating a balance of flavours that is both indulgent and refreshing. The tart itself makes a stunning centrepiece for any occasion, whether served as the grand finale to a dinner party or as an afternoon treat with a cup of coffee.
While raspberries and strawberries are classic choices, there are many other fruits that pair beautifully with chocolate mousse. Blackberries, with their bold and slightly tangy flavour, offer a deeper fruitiness that enhances the richness of the chocolate. Blueberries, on the other hand, provide a milder sweetness, their small bursts of juice adding a delightful textural contrast.
For something a little different, cherries make an excellent topping, particularly when they are at their peak ripeness. Their natural sweetness and slight hint of tartness echo the classic combination of chocolate and cherries seen in Black Forest cakes. If you’re feeling adventurous, passion fruit can add a tropical twist, its bright acidity cutting through the chocolate’s intensity for a refreshingly vibrant flavour.
Another interesting choice is figs. Their natural honey-like sweetness and delicate texture create an unexpected yet sophisticated pairing with chocolate mousse. Similarly, poached pears or thinly sliced oranges offer a fragrant citrus element that brings out the depth of the cocoa while adding a refreshing contrast.
Whether you stick to the tried-and-true berries or experiment with different fruit pairings, a Chocolate Berry Tart is always a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The combination of rich chocolate and fresh fruit is timeless, offering a dessert that is as elegant as it is satisfying. So next time you’re looking for a show-stopping treat, why not let this delicious Chocolate Berry Tart take centre stage?
Chocolate Berry Tart
Equipment
- baking beans
Ingredients
For the tart base:
- 250 g plain flour
- 125 g unsalted butter cold and cubed
- 50 g icing sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 tbsp cold water
For the chocolate mousse filling:
- 200 g dark chocolate 70% cocoa chopped
- 300 ml double cream
- 2 tbsp icing sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the topping:
- 100 g fresh raspberries
- 100 g fresh strawberries hulled and sliced
Instructions
- In a bowl, rub the butter into the flour until it resembles breadcrumbs.250 g plain flour, 125 g unsalted butter
- Stir in the icing sugar, then add the egg yolk and cold water. Mix until the dough comes together.50 g icing sugar, 1 egg yolk, 2 tbsp cold water
- Wrap in cling film and chill for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan).
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface and press it into a rectangular tart tin. Prick the base with a fork, line with baking paper, and fill with baking beans.
- Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the paper and beans and bake for a further 5 minutes. Cool completely.
- Melt the chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a pan of simmering water. Allow to cool slightly.200 g dark chocolate
- In a separate bowl, whip the double cream, icing sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.300 ml double cream, 2 tbsp icing sugar, 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Gently fold in the melted chocolate until smooth.
- Pour the mousse into the cooled pastry shell, smoothing the top. Chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours to set.
- Just before serving, arrange the raspberries and strawberries on top of the tart.100 g fresh raspberries, 100 g fresh strawberries
- Slice and enjoy!