Introduction
Alright, envision this: it’s been one of those weeks where your plants are thriving, your inbox is not, and your craving for something sweet is starting to rival your love for avocado toast.
Enter the vegan lemon tart—a zesty little hero that’s here to save your taste buds and your sanity. It’s the kind of treat that feels fancy but doesn’t require a culinary degree or a small loan to make.
Think tangy, creamy, and just a bit cheeky, wrapped up in a gluten-free crust that’s as light as your weekend mood.
So go ahead, give your oven a little love and prepare for a dessert that’s all kinds of sunshine without any of the dairy drama.
Because who said plant-based couldn’t be downright delicious?
Ingredients
- 230g/8oz Gluten Free Plain Flour
- 60g/2oz dairy-free margarine – Pure Sunflower Spread (sunshine in a tub)
- 60g/2oz vegetable shortening
- 2 tbsp caster sugar
- ½ tsp xantham gum
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (zesty zing!)
- 1 – 2 tbsp cold water
- The zest of 1 lemon
- 3 tbsp agar agar flakes
- 150g caster sugar
- 160ml lemon juice
- 3 tbsp cornflour
- The zest of 2 lemons
- 60ml oat cream (creamy dream)
These ingredients are a cheerfully gluten-free and dairy-free dream team, proving you don’t need cows or gluten to whip up a tart that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance.
Plus, the lemon zest and juice pack such a punch, it’s like a citrus party in every bite—vegan vibes included!
How to Make It
Alright, let’s get that lemon tart party started! To whip up the gluten-free pastry, toss 230g of gluten-free plain flour, a tiny half teaspoon of xanthan gum, 60g each of dairy-free margarine (we’re talking Pure Sunflower Spread here) and vegetable shortening into your trusty food processor.
Pulse it all until it looks like coarse breadcrumbs—think sandy beach vibes, but without the sunburn. Then, zest up one lemon (the little yellow powerhouse) and add it along with 2 tablespoons of caster sugar before giving it another whirl. The lemon zest is the secret weapon here, packing a punch of fresh zing that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance.
Now, pour in a tablespoon of lemon juice and about 1 to 2 tablespoons of cold water, pulsing as you go. You want the dough to start coming together shyly, like it’s warming up to you but still a bit reserved. If it looks a little dry, coax it along with that extra splash of water.
Once it starts behaving like dough and not a crumbly mess, dump it into a big bowl and use your fingers to gently pull it together. No need to get aggressive here—this dough’s delicate, just like your favorite vegan snacks. Press it into a deep 8-inch tart tin with a removable base, making sure you get the sides too, because no one likes a sad, half-covered tart crust.
With your crust chilling out, it’s time to tackle the filling, but before that, let the pastry have a quick rest in the fridge to firm up. This tart is about to get serious, so make sure your ingredients are ready to mingle.
Keep your oat cream handy—it’s the creamy hero that ties this lemon dream together. And hey, if you’re feeling fancy, a little extra lemon zest on top never hurt anyone. Ready to fill that tart shell with zesty goodness? Stay tuned!
Bonus Tips
- Sneak in a splash of coconut extract to turn your lemon tart into a tropical vacation for your taste buds—no plane ticket needed!
- For that extra zing, sprinkle a pinch of chili powder on top; it’s like a little sass in every bite (because life’s too short for boring desserts).
- Swap oat cream for cashew cream if you want your tart to feel fancy and make your blender proud.
Why You’ll Love It
This lemon tart is like a sunny day in dessert form—bright, zesty, and totally dairy-free, so your taste buds can throw a party without any animal drama.
It’s the kind of recipe that lets you look like a kitchen wizard without needing a magic wand or a PhD in baking.
Plus, it’s flexible enough to handle whatever plant-based tweaks you fancy, whether you’re team oat cream or a fan of funky nut milks.
Trust me, this tart will have you wondering why you ever settled for boring old pies.
Nutritional Info
These are estimated values:
Calories: 320
Protein: 4 g
Carbohydrates: 38 g
Fat: 18 g
Nutrition estimates are provided for vibe-check purposes only — they aren’t legally binding promises of eternal health or six-pack abs.
