Delightful Chocolate Strawberry Crostini

Name: Delightful Chocolate Strawberry Crostini
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 French baguette, sliced into ½-inch rounds; ½ cup dark chocolate, chopped; ¼ cup heavy cream; 1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced; 1 tablespoon powdered sugar (optional); Mint leaves for garnish (optional)

I absolutely love making Delightful Chocolate Strawberry Crostini for gatherings. The combination of toasted bread, smooth chocolate, and the fresh burst of strawberries creates a unique dessert that always impresses guests. Each bite is a delightful balance of flavors and textures that transport me to a delightful afternoon in a Parisian café. It's quick and easy to prepare, making it my go-to dessert for last-minute plans or simply to indulge in on a cozy evening at home.

Created by

Noah

Last updated on 2026-01-08T13:02:31.767Z

When I first tried making chocolate crostini, I was amazed by how a few simple ingredients could come together to create something so exquisite. The rich chocolate spread paired seamlessly with ripe strawberries, bringing an elevated elegance to this dish. I often play with different toppings, but this classic combination remains a favorite.

One tip I've found invaluable is to lightly toast the bread until it just starts to turn golden brown. This extra step adds a wonderful crunch that complements the creamy chocolate and juicy strawberries perfectly. Trust me, you won’t want to skip it!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        A crispy base contrasts beautifully with creamy chocolate and sweet strawberries.
Fresh ingredients come together for a delightful balance of flavors and textures.
An easy yet sophisticated dessert that’s perfect for impressing guests.

      

Selecting the Perfect Baguette

Choosing the right baguette is crucial for achieving that optimal crispy base. Look for a French baguette that has a golden-brown crust and a soft interior. It's best to buy it fresh on the same day you plan to make the crostini, as this will ensure that the bread retains its crunch. If you have leftovers, you can store them in a paper bag to keep the crust from getting too soft until you're ready to toast.

If you can't find a French baguette, a ciabatta or even a sourdough round could serve as a great alternative. Just remember to slice them into similar thicknesses to ensure even toasting. Keeping thickness consistent allows all the crostini to have that crunchy bite while still supporting the creamy ganache and fruits.

Enhancing the Chocolate Ganache

The ganache's consistency is key to a successful crostini. If you want a thicker ganache, use a higher chocolate-to-cream ratio, perhaps 2:1, but if you prefer it to be smoother, stick to the original ratio of 1:2. Make sure to use high-quality dark chocolate, as it will give you a richer flavor profile. Look for chocolate that contains at least 60% cocoa solids for the best balance between sweetness and depth.

Once you've poured the hot cream over the chopped chocolate, let it sit for about a minute before stirring. This resting time allows the chocolate to begin melting without overheating, ensuring a silky smooth ganache that spreads effortlessly over the crostini. Plus, avoid increasing the heat while melting; doing so can cause the chocolate to seize, which will ruin the texture.

Serving and Pairing Ideas

Serving the crostini immediately after assembly is essential to maintain the crunchiness of the baguette. If you need to prepare them in advance, consider making the ganache and prepping the strawberries, then assemble them just before serving. This way, each bite remains crisp while delivering that delicious texture contrast with the ganache.

For a delightful twist, you can pair the chocolate strawberry crostini with a glass of dessert wine or serve them alongside a fresh fruit salad. You might even consider drizzling a bit of balsamic glaze over the finished crostini for a touch of acidity that complements the sweetness of the strawberries beautifully.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients for your delightful crostini:

Ingredients

1 French baguette, sliced into ½-inch rounds
½ cup dark chocolate, chopped
¼ cup heavy cream
1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced
1 tablespoon powdered sugar (optional)
Mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Make sure to have everything ready before you begin assembling your crostini!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your delightful chocolate strawberry crostini:

Prepare the Bread

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet and lightly brush them with olive oil. Toast in the preheated oven for about 5 minutes or until they are golden brown and crisp.

Make the Chocolate Ganache

In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it starts to simmer. Remove from heat and add the chopped dark chocolate. Stir until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is smooth.

Assemble the Crostini

Spread a generous layer of the chocolate ganache over each toasted baguette slice. Top with sliced strawberries and, if desired, a sprinkle of powdered sugar.

Serve

Garnish with mint leaves for a pop of color and serve immediately. Enjoy the delightful combination of flavors!

Your delicious crostini is now ready to enjoy with family and friends!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, consider drizzling some caramel sauce over the assembled crostini just before serving.

Make-Ahead Tips

If you're planning for a gathering, consider making the chocolate ganache up to a day in advance. Allow it to cool to room temperature, then cover it tightly in the refrigerator. When you're ready to serve, simply reheat the ganache gently in a bowl set over simmering water until it's spreadable again. This saves you time on the day of the event and ensures that everything is as fresh as possible.

The strawberries can also be prepped ahead. Rinse and slice them, then place them in a single layer on a paper towel to absorb excess moisture. Cover them loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate them until you're ready to assemble the crostini. This keeps them fresh and prevents sogginess.

Flavor Variations

While chocolate and strawberries are a classic pairing, don't hesitate to play with flavors based on seasonal fruits or preferences. Substitute the strawberries with raspberries for a tart twist or use sliced bananas for a tropical feel. Each fruit will bring its unique flavor, enhancing the overall experience of the crostini.

For a more decadent dessert, consider adding a sprinkle of sea salt atop the chocolate ganache after plating or fine shavings of orange zest for that citrusy punch. You can also experiment with flavored chocolates, such as sea salt caramel or espresso, to add another layer of complexity to the dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

One common mistake is not toasting the bread long enough. To achieve that perfect crunch, you want the baguette slices to be golden brown. Keep an eye on them while they toast, as under-toasting can lead to sogginess once the ganache is added. On the other hand, if toasted too long, the bread can become overly hard and difficult to bite into.

Another mistake is overcooking the cream for the ganache. Always remove it from the heat just as it starts to simmer to ensure it doesn’t scald. If you find your chocolate mixture is too thick after cooling, add a splash of warm cream to loosen it up, stirring until you reach your desired consistency.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use white chocolate instead of dark chocolate?

Yes! Feel free to substitute with white chocolate for a sweeter variant.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover crostini components separately in an airtight container, and assemble just before serving.

→ Can I add other fruits?

Absolutely! Other fruits like bananas or raspberries would complement the chocolate beautifully.

→ Is this recipe suitable for kids?

Definitely! Kids will love helping to assemble the crostini, and it's a great way to enjoy fruit.