Delightful Chocolate Strawberry Crostini

Name: Delightful Chocolate Strawberry Crostini
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 10 servings
Ingredients: 1 French baguette, sliced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1/2 cup dark chocolate spread; 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced; Sea salt (optional)

Highlighted under: Classic Baking Recipes

I love sharing my delightful chocolate strawberry crostini for special occasions. The combination of creamy chocolate and fresh strawberries on crispy bread is simply irresistible. Each bite balances sweetness and crunch, making it the perfect appetizer or dessert for gatherings. It’s an easy recipe that looks gourmet, allowing me to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. With just a few ingredients, I can create a colorful, delicious treat that always garners compliments and leaves everyone wanting more.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-08T15:38:34.785Z

When I first tried making chocolate strawberry crostini, I was amazed at the simplicity and the elegance of the dish. The contrasting textures of the crunchy toasted bread with the smooth chocolate spread are simply divine. I often add a sprinkle of sea salt on top to enhance the sweetness of the strawberries—this tiny addition really takes the flavor to the next level!

Over the years, I've experimented with different types of chocolate spreads, but a rich dark chocolate works best for this recipe since it provides the perfect balance to the fresh strawberries. Whenever I serve these crostini, they disappear in minutes, proving that great taste can come from a few simple ingredients.

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Rich chocolate flavor paired with fresh strawberries
Crispy crostini that perfectly contrasts with creamy toppings
Quick and effortless to prepare, perfect for gatherings

      

Perfecting Your Crostini

Achieving the ideal crostini texture is crucial for this recipe's success. When slicing the French baguette, aim for pieces that are about half an inch thick. This thickness ensures a good balance between crunch and softness. For even baking, use a baking sheet lined with parchment paper; this will help the crostini develop golden edges without sticking.

Preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) is essential for proper crisping. Once you brush the baguette slices with olive oil, watch them closely as they bake. They should take about 5 minutes to become golden, but each oven varies slightly. Keep an eye out for a light golden hue and a fragrant toasty smell, which indicate they are ready to come out.

Choosing the Right Ingredients

The choice of chocolate spread plays a significant role in the overall flavor of the crostini. A dark chocolate spread with at least 60% cocoa will provide a rich, deep flavor that beautifully complements the fresh strawberries. If you're looking for a dairy-free option, there are excellent vegan chocolate spreads available that can substitute seamlessly.

Fresh strawberries are crucial for their sweetness and vibrant flavor. When selecting strawberries, look for firm, brightly colored berries without blemishes. If strawberries are out of season or not accessible, you can substitute them with thinly sliced raspberries or figs, which will add a different fruity profile but still keep that lovely fresh element.

Serving Suggestions and Storage

To serve the crostini, arrange them in a visually appealing manner on a platter. You can sprinkle extra sea salt or even a drizzle of balsamic reduction over the top for an added touch of gourmet flair. These bites can be made ahead of time; just prepare the crostini and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Add the chocolate spread and strawberries right before serving to maintain their freshness.

If you're looking to make extra servings for a larger gathering, scaling the recipe is simple. Just remember to bake the crostini in batches to avoid crowding the pan, which can hinder even cooking. If you have leftovers, store them in the fridge, but keep in mind that they are best enjoyed fresh. Reheating them briefly in the oven can help regain some of their crispy texture.

Ingredients

For the Crostini

1 French baguette, sliced
2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Topping

1/2 cup dark chocolate spread
1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
Sea salt (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Crostini

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet, brush lightly with olive oil, and bake for about 5 minutes, or until they are golden and crispy.

Spread the Chocolate

Once the crostini are cool enough to handle, spread a generous layer of dark chocolate spread on each piece.

Add Strawberries

Top each crostini with a few slices of fresh strawberries. If desired, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the strawberries to enhance the flavors.

Serve

Arrange the crostini on a serving platter and enjoy immediately, or chill briefly before serving for a refreshing treat.

Pro Tips

Feel free to customize the toppings! Add a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of chopped nuts for extra texture and flavor.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your crostini are not as crispy as you'd like, they may need additional baking time. Every oven is different, so don't hesitate to add another 2-3 minutes in increments until they reach the desired crunch. Remember to flip the crostini halfway through baking for an even finish.

Sometimes the chocolate spread can be too thick, making it difficult to spread smoothly. If this happens, warming the spread slightly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds can make it easier to work with, allowing for a more even application on the crostini.

Flavor Variations

For added flavor depth, consider incorporating a layer of cream cheese or mascarpone beneath the chocolate spread. This creamy base not only enhances the texture but adds a tangy contrast that beautifully balances the chocolate sweetness and the strawberries' tartness.

If you're feeling adventurous, try infusing the chocolate spread with a hint of spice. A pinch of cinnamon or a few drops of orange zest can elevate the crostini's flavors and provide a unique twist that your guests will rave about.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other fruits for the topping?

Absolutely! While strawberries are delicious, you can also try raspberries, blueberries, or even sliced bananas.

→ How long can I store leftover crostini?

The crostini are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store the assembled crostini in the fridge for up to 2 hours.

→ What type of chocolate spread works best?

A dark chocolate spread gives the best balance of richness and sweetness, but feel free to use milk chocolate or a nut-based chocolate spread if you prefer.

→ Can I make crostini ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the crostini ahead and store them in an airtight container. Just add toppings right before serving.