For the first installment of my “no-bake week”, I give you the No-Bake Chocolate Strawberry Tart.

The base is a perfect chocolate whipped cream filling that we will call “chocolate mousse” (even though it is technically not a mousse). It is simply melted chocolate mixed with whipped cream, and the result is a dense, chocolatey layer that is not too sweet. Topped with fresh strawberries on a crunchy Oreo crust, this is the easiest, most impressive no-bake dessert you will make all summer.

If you have been looking for a chocolate strawberry tart or a chocolate strawberry pie that does not require turning on the oven, you have found it. This one comes together quickly, looks stunning, and slices beautifully.

What is the difference between a tart and a pie?

Great question, and one worth answering since this recipe lands right in the middle. A pie typically has sloped sides and can have a top crust, while a tart has straight, shallow sides and is always open-faced. Tarts also tend to have a firmer, more structured crust. This chocolate and strawberry tart uses a tart pan with a removable bottom, which gives you those clean straight edges and makes slicing much easier than a traditional pie. That said, if you only have a pie dish at home, this recipe works there too and becomes a very delicious chocolate pie with strawberries.

Chocolate strawberry tart key ingredients

Oreos — Just Oreos and butter for the crust. Two ingredients, zero fuss. The Oreo base gives you a deep chocolate flavor and a satisfying crunch that holds up against the creamy filling.

Chocolate — Use good quality chocolate here since it is the star of the filling. Semi-sweet or dark both work depending on how rich you want to go.

Heavy cream — You will use heavy cream two ways: melted into the chocolate for the base of the filling, and whipped to fold in for lightness. The result is somewhere between a ganache and a mousse, dense and creamy without being too heavy.

Fresh strawberries — Use the best strawberries you can find. Since they sit on top raw, their quality really comes through. Ripe, in-season strawberries make this chocolate and strawberry tart look and taste like it came from a bakery.

How to make a no-bake chocolate strawberry tart

Start with the crust. Crush your Oreos (filling and all) into fine crumbs, mix with melted butter, and press firmly into your tart pan. The key word here is firmly. Really pack it in using the bottom of a measuring cup so it holds its shape when sliced. Pop it in the fridge to set while you make the filling.

For the chocolate mousse filling, melt your chocolate and let it cool slightly, then fold it into freshly whipped cream. Work gently here so you keep as much air in the mixture as possible. Pour it into your chilled crust, smooth the top, and refrigerate until fully set. Once set, arrange your strawberries on top and serve. That is genuinely the whole thing.

What pan should I use?

I use a Wilton 6-inch tart pan with a removable bottom. This size fits almost all of the filling from the recipe, and the leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to two weeks (treat yourself). It also serves about 10 people, which makes it a great option for a dinner party or small gathering. If you want to fill a larger tart pan, double the recipe.

Tips for the perfect chocolate strawberry tart

Press the crust in tight. A loosely packed crust will crumble when you slice. Use the bottom of a flat measuring cup and really go for it.
Let the chocolate cool before folding. If it is too hot when it hits the whipped cream, it will deflate everything and you will lose the lightness in the filling.
Chill fully before slicing. The filling needs time to set completely or you will get messy slices. A few hours in the fridge is ideal; overnight is even better.
Add strawberries right before serving. They look best fresh and can get a little weepy if they sit on top too long.

FAQs about chocolate strawberry tart

Can I use a pie dish instead of a tart pan?
This recipe was made with a 10-inch tart pan, any other pan will give a different look, different set time, and require different amounts of ingredients. The tart pan is needed for the removable bottom, if you would like to use a larger tart pan, you may need to double the recipe.

Can I use frozen strawberries?
Fresh strawberries are strongly recommended for the topping since frozen will release a lot of liquid as they thaw. You can use frozen in a cooked strawberry sauce on top if you want a saucier finish, but for the classic look, go fresh.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, and it is actually better the next day. Make the tart and refrigerate it fully set, then add the strawberries right before you serve.

Can I use a different fruit?
Absolutely, since this is really a no-bake chocolate tart and the berries are on top, substituting the fruit won’t affect the recipe. Try raspberries, sliced bananas, or even cherries! Strawberries are classic but the filling plays well with most fruit.

How to store chocolate strawberry tart

Store the tart covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, make sure to wait to top with sliced berries to just before serving. If you have leftover filling, it keeps in the fridge for up to two weeks and is extremely good eaten with a spoon. I am not saying I have done this. I am also not saying I have not.

More no-bake desserts you will love

Love this no-bake dessert idea? Check out some more summer no-bake favorites like my No-Bake S’mores Icebox Cake, Parent Trap Ice Cream Cake, or one of my favs- Coffee Ice Cream Cake !