Free from refined sugar, soy, and gluten, this decadent raw vegan chocolate tart is a wonderfully easy and delicious alternative to the traditional holiday desserts. It's a real showstopper but is deceptively simple to make. In fact, the hardest part is waiting for it to freeze!
Wait a minute, how did the holiday season get here already? I can’t believe that all the festivities are only a few weeks away. How did that happen? Where did my year go?
One of the things about living in rural Eastern Europe at this time of year is that there’s no festive hype to get caught up in. We don’t watch TV*, we don’t go out much unless it’s to the market, for walks in the hills, or for a drive up into the mountains, so there’s not really been much to indicate that the festive season is upon us.
(*As in we do watch TV programmes, thanks to Netflix and BBC iPlayer - but not actual TV channels.)
In Ljubljana, though, from the beginning of December, it’s all very festive and magical, and mulled wine, roast chestnuts, and Lect (decorated honey bread) abound!
Ljubljana's Christmas market is truly magical!
Because we've spent several Christmases in Slovenia, we got used to seeing people out and about, gathering greenery and twigs for their homes. I really do love that sense of tradition over commercialism.
Beautiful, traditional Christmas decorations in Radovljica. No bling in sight!
While in Britain it may be traditional to have Christmas pudding, amato mio doesn’t like it (because he’s seriously misguided), so there’s little point in making it just for me. Instead, I make something we could both enjoy – something equally as rich and decadent. But also something that's easy and can be made ahead of time.
To be honest, this is one of the simplest tarts you could ever make; it's just a case of whizzing the crust ingredients together in a food processor, pressing the mixture into a pie dish, and pouring in the filling ingredients (which only take a few mins to whisk together). The whole lot then goes into the freezer for four hours to set.
In fact, waiting for it to freeze is the hardest part of making this raw chocolate tart!
Raw vegan chocolate tart
Is...
- dairy-free
- gluten-free
- soy-free
- refined sugar-free
- easy to make
- delicious
- creamy
- velvety-smooth
- satisfying
- healthy (yes, really!)
So what are you waiting for? Enjoy!
Would you enjoy this raw chocolate tart instead of a traditional holiday dessert?
📖 Recipe
Raw Vegan Chocolate Tart
Ingredients
Crust:
- 215 g raw cashews soaked overnight (or boiled for 15 mins)
- 100 g pitted dates
- 6 tablespoon chocolate PB2
- 3 tablespoon coconut oil
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
Filling:
- 300 g 60% dark chocolate
- 400 ml full-fat coconut milk (room temperature)
- 4 tablespoon agave nectar
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Begin by lining a pie dish with a couple of layers of cling film.
Crust:
- Whizz the cashews and dates in a food processor, until they are finely chopped.
- Add the other crust ingredients, and continue to process until the mixture comes together to form a ball of dough.
- Place the dough in the centre of the pie dish, and begin to work your way outward, flattening it to form an even crust along the bottom of the dish and up the sides. I find it’s easiest to do this with wet fingers; I’ve tried using a spoon but it has a tendency to stick to the dough, and lift chunks of it away.
- Place in the ‘fridge to rest while you prepare the filling.
Filling:
- Break the chocolate into pieces, and melt in a mixing bowl set on a large saucepan of simmering water.
- Once the chocolate has melted, whisk in the rest of the filling ingredients until everything is incorporated. You should have a milkshake-like consistency.
- Remove the dish from the ‘fridge, and pour in the filling.
- Cover with a sheet of tinfoil, then place in the freezer for four hours, until firm.
- Remove immediately before serving: using the cling film, carefully lift the pie from its dish, and put onto a plate, ready for cutting into 16 pieces.
- Keep any leftover portions in the freezer until needed.
Notes
- If you don’t have chocolate PB2, do feel free to sub ordinary peanut flour and 4-5 tablespoons of cocoa.
- If you're feeling really decadent, you could add melted dark chocolate to the crust, which is uber-yum, and grated milk chocolate (vegan, of course) over the top!
- 1 cup = US cup = 240 ml
- 1 tablespoon = US/UK = 15 ml
- 1 fl oz = US = 30 ml
Charlotte Oates
What a lovely alternative to a Christmas pudding. I'm not sure how I'd cope without the big Christmas build up, I love all the hype and excitement at this time if year. I do agree that it can all be a bit commercial sometimes though.
P.S. Love your cake slice, where did you find it?
Nico
I spent 15 years working in schools, and I have to admit that the atmosphere during the last couple of weeks of term was always lovely... and I did love the carol concerts. Still do, actually!
Petra
It looks soo rich and chocolaty! And it is still good for you, great recipe 🙂
Nico
I think the richness is the beauty of it, Petra - you just can't eat a huge amount of it in one go! It's a cunning waistline-saving pudding! x
Kirsty Hijacked By Twins
Oh wow Nico this looks and sounds absolutely amazing! I would love a huge slice please! Thank you for sharing with #CookBlogShare x
Nico
Tell you what, Kirsty - hop on a plane to Slovenia, and I'll make it for you! x
Alix @A Hedgehog in the Kitchen
Your tart sounds (+ looks!) amazing! I can't wait to give it a try in my own home kitchen. How fabulous that it's also vegan! Thanks so much for this yummy tart inspiration! I have pinned your recipe to several of my Pinterest boards. Merry Christmas! 🙂
Nico
Hi Alix, thank you for stopping by, and for leaving such a lovely comment! I'm so happy this tart has inspired you - I hope that when you get to make it, you love it as much as we do! xx
Midgie
Wow! this looks fab, we can't have christmas pudding in our house unless I make it because of the oranges but this looks like a perfect alternative! Definitely going to try it, love any thing that can be made in advance!
Nico
Agreed- make as much in advance, and then enjoy the day. Even though we all love cooking, I'm sure we don't actually want to be stuck in the kitchen all day while the rest of the family get to play!
Hope you love this tart as much as we do, Midgie! xx
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
That sounds like one decadent holiday treat! Anything chocolate please!
Nico
I'm on a bit of a chocolate quest right now (as you may have noticed)! Do check back later for my chocolate liqueur recipe!
Cliona Keane
Oh wow...that looks AMAZING! So satisfying yet so healthy, the best combination there is in my opinion! I bet you'd be hard pressed to tell that this was a 'healthy' recipe which makes it perfect for serving up at parties or to the family...they'll be none the wiser! #CookBlogShare
Nico
Thank you, Cliona! I'm a big fan of healthy, indulgent food, and I have to admit to loving the look on unsuspecting people's faces when I tell them that it's vegan too! I'm kind of on a mission to prove that vegan food isn't all about twigs and leaves! LOL!
Sus // roughmeasures.com
I do love a good raw chocolate tart, this one looks divine! Your photos are lovely too!
Nico
Thank you, Sus! I first discovered raw chocolate tarts when I lived in a little village in Northern Thailand; there was a vegan café up the mountain from my place, which made the most divine raw chocolate and raspberry tart. I could have quite happily lived on it. Fortunately for my waistline, it was a 20 minute walk away (or a 10 minute bike ride)!
Mandy
Ljubljana looks so gorgeous! It's given me a serious hankering to visit Slovenia. My friends just returned from a two month road trip around Europe and declared it their favourite country. Also - healthy vegan chocolate tart? Yes please! Thanks for adding to #CookBlogShare this week X
Mandy
Why I have that little purple creature as my icon I have no idea!
Nico
The wee purple chap is used if you don't have a Gravatar!
Nico
It's my favourite too, Mandy... although it faces stiff competition from Croatia!
Ljubljana is my favourite capital city; not only is it beautiful, clean, and green, it just doesn't feel like a capital. It's friendly and welcoming, and entirely live-able. Unlike, say London, which is only viable if you earn shedloads of money.
And Chrimbo / New Year in Lju is perfect! We actually have three winter traditions here:
We went into the city last year, to see them, and discovered that they also had a retinue of giant mice and bears, and people in traditional Alpine costume. And a brass band! It was a wonderful experience.
I love this country soooo much!
Mel
Nico, your chocolate tart looks like the perfect treat! I would devour a slice or three with a cup of coffee! I love dates as a sugar substitute. They are so moreish and add such a lovely texture to any dessert. Love nuts too! #CookBlogShare
Nico
Thank you, Mel (and thanks for stopping by too!) - it really is fab, especially for anyone who prefers chocolate to pudding! And yes, dates as a sugar sub are great, and almost 35% less calorific too, plus they're around 7% fibre. And I'd rather eat a date than a teaspoon of sugar! x
Eb Gargano / easypeasyfoodie.com
Healthy chocolate tart! Where do I sign?? 😉 Love hearing about how much less commercialised it is in Slovenia and that picture of Ljubljana is just so gorgeous!! As are in fact all your photos - you are such a talented photographer. 🙂 Eb x
Nico
Awww, thank you Eb, I really do appreciate your kind words.
Yes, even in the heart of Ljubljana, although there are Christmas lights, and the advent fair, it's still quite low-key. Although I do have to admit to being surprised by the giant inflatable Santa outside the Mexican restaurant the other evening. I've not seen that before! But it's tucked away down a side alley, so it's unobtrusive enough.
Here in our village, there are a couple of houses which have put rope lights under their eaves but that's it. There are more pumpkins and corn cobs on people's doorsteps than anything else... but they've been there since the harvest! I expect there'll be a few more lights going up in the next couple of weeks but I don't suppose there'll be any excess. I actually rather like Christmas here! I'm looking forward to going to the ice kingdom in Mojstrana to see the nativity. We missed it last year, and only visited during the day but even then, it was still magical! http://www.mojstrana.com/sl/?subpageid=321
GiselleR
I seriously can't believe it's almost the end of the year either! It's only snowed a couple of times so far and no one in my neighbourhood really has any decorations up. If it wasn't for Christmas-y recipes like this tart and all the holiday posts I see on social media I'd probably still think it was the middle of October LOL
Nico
I know, I know. Where did the year go? Seems like only a few days ago it was summer!
Corina
It sounds amazing! I would have felt sorry for you not being able to eat Christmas pudding on Christmas day but if you're eating this I don't think you need my sympathy at all! Thanks so much for sharing with #CookOnceEatTwice!
Nico
No, no sympathy needed here! I'm visiting Britain at the weekend, so I may see if I can find a mini vegan Christmas pudding to bring back with me. Just for me. I haven't had it for years, and I do love it so!
Sophie
This is a lovely recipe but it isn't British at all, right? It is too healthy for that. Ha!
I am a real anglofile & go often to the Uk. ????
I love your tasty recipe a lot! I never used soaked cashews in a raw crust before,...that must be so Yummy!
Nicole
Hey, British food can be healthy, y'know! LOLOL!
In truth though, because I am half-British, when I make a recipe which consists of ingredients from all over the place, if it has no definite country of origin, I default to tagging it as British. Also, Britain is the only place I've lived in the world where you can buy almost any ingredient you can think of!
Sophie33
Aaaah! I didn't know that.