Vegan Lemon Tart

Ingredients:

For the crust:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend if needed)
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup coconut oil (melted, or vegan butter)
• 2 tablespoons cold water (more if needed)

For the filling:

• 1 cup canned coconut milk (full-fat, or any plant-based milk of choice)
• 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2-3 lemons)
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1/4 cup cornstarch (or arrowroot powder)
• 1/2 cup maple syrup (or agave nectar for a neutral sweetener)
• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric (for color, optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

For garnish:

• Fresh berries (such as raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries)
• Lemon slices (optional)
• Powdered sugar (optional)

Instructions:

1. Make the Tart Crust:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, powdered sugar, and salt.
3. Add the melted coconut oil (or vegan butter) and mix until the dough comes together. You may need to add 1-2 tablespoons of cold water to help form the dough.
4. Press the dough into a tart pan (with a removable bottom works best) and use your fingers to evenly spread it over the bottom and up the sides.
5. Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork to prevent it from puffing up during baking.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown. Let the crust cool completely before adding the filling.

2. Make the Lemon Filling:

1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the coconut milk, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, cornstarch, maple syrup, turmeric (for color), vanilla extract, and salt.
2. Place the saucepan over medium heat and whisk continuously until the mixture thickens, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Make sure it doesn’t boil over; it should come to a gentle simmer.
3. Once the mixture is thick and smooth, remove it from the heat.
4. Pour the lemon filling into the cooled tart crust, spreading it evenly.

3. Chill the Tart:

1. Allow the tart to cool to room temperature, then transfer it to the fridge.
2. Chill for at least 3-4 hours, or preferably overnight, so the filling can firm up and set completely.

4. Garnish and Serve:

1. Before serving, garnish the tart with fresh berries and a dusting of powdered sugar if desired.
2. Slice and enjoy!

Tips:

• For a smoother filling, you can strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove any lumps before pouring it into the crust.
• Adjust sweetness: If you prefer your tart sweeter or less sweet, adjust the amount of maple syrup or sweetener to taste.
• Crust variations: You can swap coconut oil for vegan butter or try a pre-made vegan pie crust if you want to save time.

This Vegan Lemon Tart is the perfect combination of tangy, sweet, and creamy—ideal for any occasion or as a refreshing end to a meal! Enjoy!