I’m sharing these Strawberry Nutella Tarts because they’ve become my go-to dessert when I need something impressive without the fuss. The combination of silky Nutella with tangy cream cheese creates this irresistible base that cradles fresh strawberries perfectly. There’s something magical about how the rich chocolate-hazelnut flavor plays against the bright, juicy berries. Want to know my secret for getting that velvety texture that makes guests think you spent hours in the kitchen? The trick is simpler than you might imagine.
Why You’ll Love these Strawberry Nutella Tarts
Every single bite of these Strawberry Nutella Tarts delivers pure bliss to your taste buds. The creamy Nutella filling, whipped to perfection with cream cheese, creates a velvety texture that melts in your mouth.
And those fresh strawberries on top? They add just the right amount of tartness to balance the chocolate-hazelnut sweetness.
I’m obsessed with how simple these are to make. Ready-made graham cracker crusts mean less work for you, and more time enjoying these gorgeous mini desserts.
Perfect for impressing guests, or, let’s be honest, treating yourself on a random Tuesday night.
What Ingredients are in Strawberry Nutella Tarts?
These mini tarts combine the heavenly duo of chocolate-hazelnut and fresh strawberries into one perfectly portioned dessert.
- Mini graham cracker crusts (store-bought saves so much time)
- Nutella (the star of the show)
- Heavy cream (for whipping into fluffy clouds)
- Cream cheese (adds tanginess and structure)
- Powdered sugar (for sweetness without grittiness)
- Fresh strawberries (the crowning glory)
- Pinch of salt (optional, but helps balance sweetness)
When shopping for ingredients, quality matters most with the strawberries—look for bright red, firm berries without soft spots, and make sure they’re completely dry before placing them on your tarts to prevent soggy desserts.
How to Make these Strawberry Nutella Tarts
Step 1: Prepare the Graham Cracker Crusts
Take your store-bought mini graham cracker crusts and bake them according to the package directions.
These little shells will be the perfect vessel for our decadent filling, so make sure they’re properly baked and then set aside to cool completely.
Step 2: Whip the Heavy Cream
In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
This usually takes about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer, and you’ll know it’s ready when the cream stands up in firm peaks when you lift the beaters.
Using a quality stand mixer baking set will make this process much easier and give you consistent results every time.
Step 3: Make the Nutella Mixture
In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese, Nutella, powdered sugar, and a tiny pinch of salt until the mixture is completely smooth and well-combined.
The salt might seem strange, but it actually enhances the chocolate flavor and balances the sweetness.
Step 4: Combine the Cream and Nutella Mixture
Gently fold the whipped cream into the Nutella mixture using a rubber spatula.
Take your time with this step—we want to maintain all that wonderful airiness from the whipped cream while fully incorporating it into the Nutella base.
Step 5: Fill the Tart Shells
Transfer the mousse-like filling to a piping bag (or just use a spoon if you’re like me and can’t be bothered with extra dishes) and fill each cooled graham cracker crust with a generous amount of the Nutella cream mixture.
A swirl on top makes them look bakery-worthy.
Step 6: Add Fresh Strawberries
Wash, dry, and slice your fresh strawberries—and when I say dry, I mean really dry them well with paper towels.
Any moisture will make your beautiful tarts soggy. Arrange the slices decoratively on top of each tart.
Step 7: Chill Before Serving
Place the completed tarts in the refrigerator and let them chill for at least one hour.
This essential step allows the filling to set up properly and the flavors to meld together into something truly magical.
What to Serve with Strawberry Nutella Tarts
These adorable mini tarts make a show-stopping dessert on their own, but why stop there?
For a complete dessert experience, serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream (because honestly, is there such a thing as too much cream?). A steaming cup of espresso or cappuccino creates the perfect bitter counterpoint to all that sweetness.
For brunch gatherings, pair with a mimosa or prosecco to turn these into a celebratory treat.
If you’re hosting a dessert spread, these tarts sit beautifully next to fresh fruit skewers or tiny shortbread cookies for textural contrast.
They’re perfect for afternoon tea, dinner parties, or anytime you need a little chocolate-strawberry joy in your life.
Strawberry Nutella Tarts Substitutions and Variations
• Crust Options: Swap graham crackers for gingersnaps, vanilla wafers, or chocolate cookie crumbs.
For gluten-free, use gluten-free graham crackers or a simple nut crust made with ground almonds.
• Nutella Alternatives: Try cookie butter, almond butter, or peanut butter for a different flavor profile.
For dairy-free versions, use dairy-free chocolate hazelnut spread.
• Berry Swaps: When strawberries aren’t at their peak, substitute raspberries, blackberries, or sliced peaches.
In winter, try orange segments or pomegranate arils.
• Fancy Finishes: Dust with cocoa powder, add a mint leaf, or drizzle with white chocolate for extra flair.
A tiny sprinkle of flaky sea salt brings out the chocolate notes beautifully.
• Boozy Twist: For adults-only tarts, macerate the strawberries in a splash of Grand Marnier or add a teaspoon of Frangelico to the cream filling.
Who says dessert can’t be fun?
Leftovers and Storage for these Strawberry Nutella Tarts
These delightful tarts are best enjoyed fresh, but that doesn’t mean leftovers aren’t an option! Store any uneaten tarts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The graham cracker crust may soften slightly over time, which is actually quite lovely in its own way.
For the best texture, I recommend adding the strawberry topping just before serving if you know you’ll have leftovers. This prevents the berries from weeping moisture into your beautiful cream filling.
While freezing isn’t ideal (the texture of the filling changes upon thawing), you can freeze the tart shells and filling separately for up to a month.
Simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and assemble with fresh berries when ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
These Mini Strawberry Nutella Tarts bring together everything wonderful about dessert—crisp graham cracker crusts, velvety chocolate-hazelnut spread, and bright, fresh strawberries—in perfect little portions that feel special without requiring hours in the kitchen.
They’re my go-to for impromptu gatherings or when I need a dessert that looks impressive but comes together quickly. The combination of creamy filling and fresh berries makes them perfect for spring celebrations, summer dinner parties, or anytime you need a bit of sweetness in your day.
Sometimes the simplest combinations—chocolate, cream, and berries—are the ones that bring the most joy to our tables.