Almonds, cashews, maple, and coconut form the base for this über-lemony tart topped with coconut cream and summer berries. Naturally vegan, gluten-free, and refined sugar-free.
Today, June 10th, is a special day – my mom's birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MOM! I wish I could serve you up a big slice of this tart, because I know you'll love it. A classy lady needs a classy dessert on her birthday. You're the one who introduced me to the wonders of healthy desserts 15 years ago – who knew I'd be making them in lieu of traditional butter-flour-sugary desserts years later? They are every bit as delicious – creamy, decadent, and just sweet enough. Thanks for teaching me so much about health and wellness. I'm lucky to have a mom like you.
I've been on a cashew kick lately, whipping up all manner of yummy things from the soaked nuts, which puree into creamy oblivion in a few minutes. (And to make things even better, I have a shiny new fancy blender to make them in.) I've been appreciating the little tropical nuts even more after seeing this photo by my friend living in Mexico – amazing!
This tart was inspired by these no-bake matcha mint grashopper pies which I enjoyed with Emma when she came over to make spring rolls a couple months ago, an armful of meyer lemons from her tree in tow. Around that time, Dana posted these tantalizing lemon bars, and the whole thing left me with a crazy craving for creamy, lemon goodness.
Additionally, I needed redemption.
Several weeks ago, Sarah and I styled a lemon tart for NYT, a classic recipe by Amanda Hesser. The tart must have been cursed. First, I made the whole thing and managed to leave out 5 whole eggs from the recipe (#professional). The resulting tart was thin, incredibly tart, but oddly enough still edible. We made the tart again and this time it was perfect. We spent ages cutting and arranging slices just so and setting it up for its beauty shot...
only to drop a piece of equipment on it mid-shoot!
Determined to make a non-cursed lemon tart, I pulsed almonds with coconut and maple syrup and pressed the mixture into a tart pan to form a stupid-easy crust that's chewy like a macaroon. Soaked cashews get blended with maple syrup, loads of zest and juice from floral meyer lemons, coconut oil, and a bit of ground chia seed to thicken it up like a lemon curd.
After a good chill in the fridge to firm it up, on go a smear of whipped coconut cream and a mess of fresh berries. Any berry will do – just raspberries, or a mix of ALL the berries, or anything in between.
The resulting tart has a nubby crust, silky soft filling that sings with citrus, and lots of fresh berries for a bright finish. The juicy berries set off the creamy filling just so. Though in winter months, this could be simply adorned with candied lemon slices or a shower of toasted coconut shreds. I'm also dreaming of a chocolate version topped with roasted cherries...
I will certainly be serving up one of these in a few weeks when my family comes together to celebrate Mom's birthday properly. So happy, happy birthday, Mom! Here's to a fun and delicious year ahead. Love you.
More Raw Vegan Desserts:
- Vegan No-Bake Chocolate Cream Tart
- Raw, Vegan Chocolate Cheesecake
- Rawish, Vegan Pumpkin Pie
- Vegan Ice Cream Sandwiches
- Hazelnut Ganache No-Bake Brownies
- Vegan Grasshopper Pies in Jars
More Tart Recipes:
- Gluten-Free Lemon Tart
- Gluten Free Lime Curd Tart
- Gluten Free Vegan Chocolate Tart with Tahini & Caramel
- Baked Raspberry Mascarpone Tart {gluten-free}
- Gluten-Free Pear Custard Tart + Mulled Wine Poached Pears
- Vegan Key Lime Pie (Paleo, No-Bake)
More Healthy Lemon Recipes:
- Paleo Coconut Flour Lemon Cake with Paleo Cream Cheese Frosting
- Gluten-Free Lemon Bars
- Lemon Buttermilk Pie
- Gluten-Free Lemon Ricotta Pancakes
*Bojon appétit! For more Bojon Gourmet in your life, follow along on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest, purchase my gluten-free cookbook Alternative Baker, or subscribe to receive new posts via email. And if you make this coconut cream tart recipe, I’d love to know. Leave a comment and rating below, and tag your Instagram snaps @The_Bojon_Gourmet and #bojongourmet.*
No-Bake Lemon Berry Coconut Cream Tart {vegan, gluten-free, refined sugar-free}
Print Recipe Pin RecipeIngredients
Crust:
- 1 ½ cups sliced almonds (160 g) (or 1 1/8 cups whole almonds)
- ½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut (40 g)
- pinch fine sea salt
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup (30 ml)
Filling:
- 1 ¾ cups raw cashews, soaked in cool water for 4-12 hours (or covered in boiling water and soaked 1-2 hours) (230 g)
- 2 tablespoons finely ground white chia seed (10 g)
- ½ cup + 2 tablespoons light maple syrup (preferably grade A amber) (145 ml)
- zest from 3 large lemons (preferably meyer; 2 tablespoons lightly packed)
- ¾ cup meyer lemon juice (from 3-5 large meyer lemons)
- 1/8 teaspoon ground turmeric (optional, for color)
- pinch fine sea salt
- ¼ cup cool water (60 ml)
- ¾ cup melted and cooled extra-virgin coconut oil (180)
Topping:
- 2 small cans unsweetened coconut cream, chilled at least 2 hours (5.4 ounce / 160 ml each)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (10 ml)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-3 cups mixed summer berries, large berries halved or quartered
Instructions
Crust:
- In the bowl of a food processor, process the almonds, coconut, and salt until finely ground. Drizzle in the maple syrup and pulse until the mixture clumps together. Use moistened fingers to press the crust into the sides, then the bottom, of a 9” tart pan with a loose bottom. Chill.
Filling:
- Rinse and drain the cashews and place them in the bowl of a blender with the ground chia, maple syrup, lemon zest and juice, turmeric, and salt. Blend on low, gradually increasing to high, gradually adding the water. Blend on high for 2-3 minutes until silky-smooth, scraping down the sides of the blender as needed. Add the melted coconut oil and blend until just combined; don't over process or the mixture could become grainy. Pour the filling into the chilled crust, and chill until firm, about 4 hours (or cover and chill overnight).
Topping:
- Without tilting or shaking the cans, remove the coconut cream from the refrigerator, open the cans, and scrape the firm top part into the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whip attachment, discarding the liquid. Add the maple syrup and vanilla extract and whip until the mixture holds soft peaks. When the tart filling is firm, remove from the refrigerator and top with the coconut cream and berries. Optionally chill again to firm the coconut cream, 30 minutes or up to several hours.
- Carefully remove the sides of the tart pan and place the tart on a platter or cutting board. Use a large, sharp chef’s knife to slice the tart into slender wedges, wiping the knife clean between cuts. The tart keeps well, refrigerated airtight, for up to 3 days.
Notes
Nutrition
Eliza says
Can't wait to try this recipe! I'm wondering if it would work to make this in a square pan and serve the pieces as lemon bars at a picnic... Do you think it would travel well?
Alanna says
Yes! Someone made them this way and posted the pic on Instagram, so it should work well! They need to stay chilled, so here's what I would try: make, chill, and cut them ahead of time, then put each square in a muffin cup and put them in single layers in tupperwares that will fit in a cooler. When you're ready to serve, top each with a dollop of whipped coconut cream (also stored in a jar in the cooler) and some berries. :)
Eliza says
Thanks, Alanna, that's what I'll do! This will be fun.
astrid says
Hi! I'm Astrid and I am fascinated by this cake, it is so delicious and beautiful!
So I want to make it but I don't have white kia seed, are needed?
:)
Alanna says
Hi Astrid! The chia seed helps the tart filling gel and set. But you could probably add a bit more coconut oil (maybe 2-4 T??) to help it set. It will have a more dense, cheesecake like texture. :)
astrid says
Hi Alanna, yesterday in the evening I finished to make the topping. Now I have to shot some photos and to try them with my family.
Thank you for the recipe, I'm getting closer now with vegan way of life and food as well! I'm very happy because I am satisfied to make this cake healthy and amazing!!
Sorry for my bad english!!
:)
miraspastry says
Love It!! I like the mix between the cashew , the lemon juice and the coconut, The taste of this pie should be incredible ! thank you for this recipe :)
Alana says
You continue to inspire. Gorgeous and I love the combo of cashew and coconut! Sounds divine, lady!
Alanna says
Aw, thanks my dear! <3
astrid says
Hi Alanna, here I am!
I have done the tart!!!
It is so delicious! *-*
this is my version: https://dolceamaradeliziosa.wordpress.com/2016/08/06/no-bake-orange-coconut-cream-tart-vegan-gluten-free-refined-sugar-free/
Next times I'll have to press in a better way the chia seed and use more coconut cream!!
:)
Alanna says
Yay! It looks beautiful!! Grazie mille!
terry haydock says
This is my second time making this delicious dessert. Raves from everyone who tried it and requests to share with others. Thanks for sharing, a new favourite in our family.
Alanna says
I'm so glad to hear it!
Christina says
I just put the filling in and I'm letting it chill. I don't have a whip attachment, and am only using hand blenders, will it still work. The filling is so good, I could have ate the whole bowl with a spoon! This is my first time using cashews this way. I am blown away. I couldn't find any finely ground white chia, so I just pulverized some black chia in a bag with a hammer like the lady I am...ha ha! I also added more maple, the texture still came out very smooth. I'm trying to decide if I want to candy some citrus for the topping, or use the blueberries I got. I also got some edible flowers, and was thinking about candying those and using them as well. I don't want to over do it, but I'm so excited to have a raw, vegan, and super healthy and sinfully delicious dessert my husband can eat....WE are watching his waste line. :)
Christina says
waist line lol
Melodee says
I made this today for my son's 30th birthday. We are vegan but I am not much of a baker. I am pleased to say it turned out perfect! I plan to make it again for my own birthday this summer. I couldn't find the meyers so used regular lemons with some tangerine mixed in as suggested. Seriously amazing! Thank you so much for sharing the recipe.
Eliza says
I made this tart for my sister in law's birthday! The fact that it was no game made it so easy for me!
The Bojon Gourmet says
I am so happy it worked for you Eliza! :D
Nanny says
¡Maravilloso! Eso es hacer arte en la cocina. ♥️
AMcLaren says
Could the tart be made ahead and frozen until the day of an event?
Alanna says
I haven't tested this out but I *think* it should work!
Lauren says
This looks AMAZING! Although I am slightly allergic to cashews. I see them used all the time to make vegan cheeses, custards and sauces and I was wondering if you know of a different nut or seed that might be a good alternative and yield a similar result.
Chana says
Hi! What can I use to substitute the cashews for the filling?
Alanna says
Hi Chana! Hm, I'm not sure. Why can't you use cashews? Is it an allergy or availability issue?
Sonia says
So you think you could swap the lemon with lime to make a lime tart? ( I’ve got a bunch to use up)
Also I only have black chia seeds, what would be the downfall of using that instead?
Alanna says
Yes, I think that would be DELICIOUS and I've been meaning to try it myself! The seeds will just show up a little more in the custard but they will still work to help it thicken. :)
Joanna says
Hi, do you think I could substitute melted miyoko's butter for the coconut oil in the filling? I was planning to make this with your shortbread crust and I wanted to de-emphasize the coconut flavor a little. Thanks!
Alanna says
That would probably work pretty well - the miyoko's butter is softer than coconut oil when chilled, so maybe add a little less water and omit the salt? Alternatively you could use refined coconut oil, which doesn't have any coconut flavor. I can imagine how delicious this would be with that shortbread crust - yum.
Clémentine says
Hello, this recipe looks amazing ! I'll definitely try it !
Just a curious question, where does your white cake stand come from ? It's gorgeous ! I have your picture of it in my Pinterest for years now !! :) Have a great day !
Alanna says
Aw thank you for the kind note! I believe I got the cake stand from Anthropologie many years ago. :)
Sara says
Hi! Can I use cashews for the crust too? It’s all I have.
Alanna says
I think that should work! Please let me know how you like it. :)