Strawberry S’mores Tart Recipe: The Ultimate Summer Dessert with Homemade Crust

Step into a world of nostalgic flavors with a fresh, fruity twist! This incredible Strawberry S’mores Tart takes your favorite campfire treat and elevates it into an elegant yet simple dessert. Featuring a rich, decadent chocolate marshmallow filling nestled in a buttery, homemade graham cracker crust, and crowned with vibrant fresh strawberries, it’s a truly unforgettable experience. Perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or simply satisfying your sweet cravings, this tart brings together gooey, crunchy, and refreshing elements in every single bite.

Every year, as soon as the warmer weather arrives, my dad and I embark on a cherished tradition: heading to our favorite local farm to pick an abundance of fresh, ripe strawberries. We love this particular farm so much that he patiently waits until I’m home for the weekend, ensuring we can share this delightful ritual together. There’s something truly special about hand-picking your own fruit – the vibrant red berries glistening in the sun, the sweet aroma filling the air, and the satisfying feeling of a basket overflowing with nature’s candy.

As we make our way back to the car, armed with several overflowing baskets, my mind immediately starts buzzing with all the wonderful creations we can make. I excitedly ramble through a mental list: from batches of homemade strawberry jam to a towering strawberry layer cake, classic strawberry shortcake, refreshing strawberry ice cream, and comforting strawberry pie. The possibilities seem endless, but amidst all these delicious ideas, one particular dessert always stands out as an absolute favorite: this exquisite Strawberry S’mores Tart.

Why This Strawberry S’mores Tart is a Must-Try

My deep love for traditional s’mores is no secret. The irresistible combination of gooey, toasted marshmallows, rich and slightly messy melted chocolate, and the satisfying crunch of graham crackers creates a symphony of textures and flavors that is truly unparalleled. This tart captures all those beloved elements, but with the added brilliance of fresh, ripe strawberries. The fruit introduces a bright, slightly tart counterpoint to the sweetness of the chocolate and marshmallow, making the entire dessert feel incredibly summery and light. It’s a sophisticated take on a classic, perfect for any occasion where you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

While some s’mores purists might scoff at the idea of adding fresh fruit, I wholeheartedly believe the strawberries are what truly make this tart sing. Yes, the marshmallow fluff isn’t flame-toasted in the traditional campfire sense, but it still delivers that unmistakable gooey sweetness. And let’s be honest, who can resist the delightful pairing of chocolate and strawberries? It’s a classic combination for a reason! The vibrant freshness of the strawberries cuts through the richness of the chocolate and marshmallow, adding an essential layer of flavor and a beautiful visual appeal that makes each slice feel like a special treat.

Crafting the Perfect Chocolate Ganache Filling

The heart of this chocolate marshmallow tart lies in its luscious chocolate filling, which is essentially a perfectly crafted ganache. For those unfamiliar, ganache is a luxurious French culinary staple made by simply combining high-quality chocolate with hot heavy cream. The cream gently melts the chocolate, creating a smooth, glossy, and incredibly rich mixture. Depending on the ratio of chocolate to cream, ganache can be used as a pourable glaze, a whipped frosting, or, as in this case, a firm yet yielding filling.

To ensure our Strawberry S’mores Tart can be sliced cleanly and elegantly, I’ve opted for a 2:1 ratio of chocolate to cream. This means using twice as much chocolate as heavy cream, resulting in a ganache that sets beautifully firm when chilled, allowing for perfect slices without any mess. Using a good quality semi-sweet chocolate is key here, as its flavor will truly shine through. Dark chocolate lovers could certainly lean towards a higher cocoa content, while milk chocolate would offer a sweeter, creamier profile – choose what best suits your palate!

Customizing Your S’mores Tart: Fruit Variations

While the combination of strawberries and chocolate is undeniably divine, this S’mores Tart recipe is incredibly versatile. If strawberries aren’t your favorite, or if you simply want to experiment with other flavors, feel free to substitute them with other fruits. Raspberries offer a similar tartness and vibrant color, creating a beautiful contrast. Cherries, especially dark sweet cherries, pair wonderfully with chocolate, adding a rich, deep fruit note. For something entirely different, sliced bananas create a classic, comforting pairing with chocolate and marshmallow. You could even get creative with blueberries, sliced peaches, or a mix of berries!

And if you prefer your s’mores experience without any fruit at all, simply omit the strawberries. The tart will still be a magnificent ode to the classic campfire treat, with its rich chocolate, gooey marshmallow, and crunchy graham cracker base. The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability, allowing you to tailor it to your personal preferences or what fresh produce is in season.

The “Almost No-Bake” Advantage: Homemade Graham Cracker Crust

This Strawberry S’mores Tart is wonderfully convenient, being an “almost no-bake” dessert. The only element that requires a brief stint in the oven is the homemade graham cracker crust. I chose to bake the crust for a specific and important reason: when you introduce fresh, juicy strawberries, an unbaked graham cracker crust can sometimes become a little soggy. A quick bake ensures the crust is perfectly crisp and firm, providing the ideal foundation to hold the luscious layers of fruit, chocolate ganache, and marshmallow cream without losing its structural integrity.

For the best results, I highly recommend using a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom (affiliate link). This design makes serving incredibly easy; once chilled, you can simply push the bottom up, lifting the tart out of the fluted sides for a beautiful presentation. However, don’t fret if you don’t own one! A standard 9-inch pie plate will work just as well. While it won’t have the same elegant fluted edges, the deliciousness inside will remain absolutely unchanged.

Tips for Perfect Slicing and Storage

Given the rich chocolate ganache filling, it’s essential to keep this easy S’mores tart refrigerated until you’re ready to slice and serve it. Chocolate can melt and soften at room temperature, which would compromise the tart’s structure and make for a messy experience. Store it covered loosely with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For optimal enjoyment, remove it from the fridge about 15-20 minutes before serving to allow the ganache to soften slightly, bringing out its full flavor and creamy texture.

Having trouble achieving those perfectly clean slices that make every dessert look professional? Here’s a simple trick: dip a sharp knife into hot water, wipe it completely dry with a clean towel, then make your slice. Reheat and dry the knife between each cut. The warm blade will glide effortlessly through the chocolate and marshmallow, resulting in beautifully neat portions every single time. This tip is especially useful for any dessert with a firm chocolate layer or a sticky topping!

Strawberry S’mores Tart Recipe

Yield:
8 servings

Prep Time:
20 minutes

Cook Time:
10 minutes

Chill Time:
30 minutes

Total Time:
1 hour

Inspired by everyone’s favorite campfire treat, this Strawberry S’mores Tart features a decadent chocolate marshmallow filling and a crisp homemade graham cracker crust, all topped with fresh, juicy strawberries. An easy and impressive dessert for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup (4 ounces or 8 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted
• 8 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped (high quality recommended)
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
• 3/4 cup sliced fresh strawberries
• 1/3 cup marshmallow cream (such as Marshmallow Fluff)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Have a 9-inch tart pan (preferably with a removable bottom) ready.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Mix thoroughly until the crumbs are evenly moistened. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of your prepared tart pan. Bake for 10 minutes. Once baked, turn off the oven and allow the crust to cool completely on a wire rack. This step is crucial for a crisp base.
3. While the crust cools, prepare the chocolate ganache filling. Place the chopped semisweet chocolate in a heatproof bowl. In a medium saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it’s hot and just simmering around the edges, but do not let it boil. Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate and let it sit undisturbed for 1 minute to allow the chocolate to melt. After 1 minute, gently stir the mixture with a whisk or spatula until it is completely smooth, glossy, and well combined.
4. Arrange the sliced fresh strawberries in a single, even layer over the cooled graham cracker crust. Carefully pour the smooth chocolate ganache mixture over the strawberries, spreading it evenly to cover all the fruit and fill the crust.
5. For the marshmallow topping, place the marshmallow cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 15 seconds on high, or until it becomes soft and easy to stir. Drop spoonfuls of the warmed marshmallow cream over the chocolate layer. Using a knife or a skewer, gently swirl the marshmallow cream into the chocolate to create a beautiful, marbled effect.
6. Refrigerate the tart for at least 30 minutes, or until the chocolate ganache has firmed up and the tart is set. This chilling time is essential for easy slicing.

Did you make this recipe?

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Source: Inspired by Pillsbury Farmer’s Market Cookbook, July 2000