Description
A stunning dessert without too much effort, this chocolate tart with cashew butter and blood orange is the perfect balance of sweet, nutty, and creamy! Rich dark chocolate and nutty cashew butter create the perfect blend of flavors while blood orange lends a subtle citrus note. Add blood orange slices and edible flowers to make this vegan tart that feel even more luxurious and special.
Ingredients
for the crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup melted vegan butter, plus a little extra for greasing the pan
for the filling
- 1/4 cup virgin coconut oil, room temperature
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons blood orange zest, from 2 blood oranges
- 3 tablespoons blood orange juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 heaped cup cashew butter
- pinch of sea salt
for the topping:
- 6 ounces vegan dark chocolate (I used this one)
- 3 tablespoons virgin coconut oil
- blood orange slices, optional for decoration
- edible flowers, optional for decoration
Instructions
Pre-heat your oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9-inch fluted tart pan with a removable bottom with vegan butter. You can simply use your fingers to spread it around or use a pastry brush. If you don’t have this pan, you can easily use a 9-inch pie pan. Set your greased pan aside.
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted vegan butter. Mix until it looks like wet sand and begins to clump together. Dump this mixture into your prepared pan and press it into an even layer across the bottom and up the sides of the pan. Make sure to press tightly as this will ensure your crust is less crumbly. You can do this with a measuring cup, spatula, or your hands. Bake the crust in your preheated oven for 12-14 minutes or until it is just turning golden around the edges. Allow the crust to cool slightly while you make the filling.
Add the room temperature coconut oil and powdered sugar to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Alternately, you can do this with a large bowl and a whisk. Blend this mixture until very smooth, then add the blood orange zest and juice along with the vanilla. Mix these in, then add the cashew butter and sea salt. Blend until very smooth and creamy. Pour the filling mixture into the baked crust (it’s okay if the crust is still warm!) and smooth out the top. Set the filled tart aside while you make the topping.
Add an inch or two of water to a small pot and set it on the stove over medium-high heat. Once it comes to a simmer, set a bowl on top of the pot. You want to make sure the bottom of the bowl is not touching the water. Roughly chop or break up your chocolate and add it to the bowl along with the remaining coconut oil. Stir regularly until the chocolate has completely melted and is smooth. Pour the chocolate over the filling, making sure it covers the filling in a relatively even layer.
Chill the tart for 6 hours to allow everything to set and the flavors to develop. When you’re ready to serve the tart, allow it to sit out at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before slicing it. If you want, you can decorate the top of the tart with edible flowers, blood orange slices, and blood orange rind.
Store leftovers in the fridge and enjoy within 4-5 days. Allow to come to room temperature for 15-20 minutes before slicing and enjoying for the best texture.
Notes
- You can easily make your own graham cracker crumbs. Put your preferred graham crackers into a blender and pulse until broken down into crumbs.
- You can make this recipe gluten free by using a gluten free graham cracker.
- Make sure to choose a dark chocolate that you like to eat on its own rather than a boring baking chocolate.
- Don’t skip out on the chilling time! It ensures everything sets properly and lets the flavors develop. Plus, it makes the tart easier to cut.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Chilling Time: 6 hours
- Cook Time: 12-14 minutes
- Category: dessert