This is a decadent dessert perfect for special occasions. The filling is made with avocados to give it a thick, velvety smooth texture. It has a rich chocolate flavor that goes perfectly with the sweet vanilla creme and slightly tart raspberry coulis. It is also delicious on its own and can be served like chocolate mousse. This recipe is gluten-free, vegan, and made without refined sugar. It takes approximately one-and-a-half to two hours to prepare.
Serves 8-12
Crust
- 1 cup dried, shredded coconut
- 1 cup raw macadamia nuts
- 4 pitted dates
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp coconut oil
Filling
- 2 avocados
- 6 dates, soaked for one hour in a little water
- 1 Tbsp coconut oil
- 1 1/2 Tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 Tbsp honey
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 cup carob powder*
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
*Carob powder can be found at most health food stores in the baking or bulk sections. It has a sweet flavor somewhat similar to chocolate. It is used in this recipe to enhance the flavor of the cocoa powder, which can sometimes be bitter on its own.
Vanilla Crème
- 1 1/2 cups raw cashews, soaked for 30 minutes in a little water
- 6 pitted dates, soaked for 30 minutes in a little water
- 1 Tbsp coconut oil
- 2 Tbsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
Raspberry Coulis
- 1 pint raspberries, fresh or frozen
- 2 Tbsp orange juice
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 2-3 Tbsp honey
Start by soaking the dates for the vanilla crème and filling and the cashews for the vanilla crème in separate bowls. Add just enough water to cover the ingredients. Blend the ingredients for the crust in a food processor until they are smooth and can be pressed together into a dough. Press the mixture into a 9″ x 1.125″ tart pan with a removable bottom; making sure it evenly covers the bottom and all sides of the pan. Set the crust aside in the refrigerator.
Retrieve the dates and cashews for the vanilla crème from the soaking water, making sure to reserve the date soaking water. Place all ingredients for the vanilla crème in the food processor and blend, adding 1 Tbsp of the date soaking water at a time until the mixture is the consistency of smooth frosting. Set aside.
Blend all ingredients for the raspberry coulis in a blender or food processor until smooth and then set aside.
Drain the dates for the filling and add to the food processor with the rest of the ingredients for the filling. Blend until smooth, scraping down the sides occasionally to ensure that everything is well mixed. Spoon the filling into the crust. Starting at the center, push it out to the edges with a rubber spatula so that it forms one even layer. Refrigerate for 1-2 hours until it is set (longer is also fine).
Serve the tart chilled, with a dollop of vanilla crème and a drizzle of the raspberry coulis.
Dr. Cori Burke 