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Vegan Fig Tart with Coconut-Cashew Cream (Gluten-Free)

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This Vegan Fig Tart is made with a coconut-cashew cream filling that is rich and creamy, lending a delightful textural contrast to the crunchy crust made with cornmeal and the juicy figs. This vegan and gluten-free tart is a must-make during fig season!
Prep 45 minutes
Cook 2 hours 30 minutes
Total 3 hours 15 minutes
5 from 10 votes

Fig season is one of my favorite times of the year, which is why I’m so excited to share this Vegan Fig Tart with Coconut-Cashew Cream with you!

I love fig season because figs are precious and elegant, like diamonds. Can you imagine if there was a diamond season? Ladiez would be going crazy. I mean, I would still be shopping for figs over diamonds, but I imagine a lot of other ladiez would be going crazy.

Anyhoo, I was searching Pinterest for fig-spiration (get it? I hope so, it was pretty obvious), and I came across this STUNNING fig tart from The Bojon Gourmet. Alanna is one of the most talented bloggers with a special gift for healthifying desserts, so I knew I wanted to make this gorgeous tart.

I have no doubt that Alannaโ€™s original recipe is to-die-for because I have tried several of her recipes and theyโ€™re wonderful, but here is my spin on it if youโ€™d like to try it out!

Full finished fig tart on blue-grey table.

Why youโ€™ll love this Fig Tart

Impressive and crowd pleasing. I shared this tart with friends and coworkers, and they devoured it in seconds. One of my friends asked me to send him the recipe so he could make it for his newly vegan girlfriend (SO CUTE).

Indulgent yet healthyish. My favorite type of dessert is one that tastes decadent but is actually healthy(ish). This recipe is naturally gluten-free and vegan, but it doesnโ€™t sacrifice on flavor or texture, and no one will be able to guess that itโ€™s vegan or gluten-free!

Texture magic. The buttery yet flaky and slightly crunchy crust pair so beautifully with the creamy, luscious filling, and then you add juicy figs into the mixโ€ฆitโ€™s truly a magical trio of textures!

Extremely beautiful. Figs are just so dang photogenic, and as you can tell from the below photo, the filling features alternating layers of cream filling and sliced figs, making for a beautiful layered look.

Fig tart cut into slices next to knife, figs and linen napkin on table.

Ingredients and Tips for this Fig Tart

My favorite part of this dessert is the unique crust. Itโ€™s made from a trio of naturally gluten-free floursโ€”almond flour, oat flour, and cornmeal. The result is a crumbly and slightly crunchy crust thatโ€™s so good you can eat it on its own. Itโ€™s like a cross between a flaky pie crust and a shortbread cookie, except imagine the shortbread cookie is part cornbread. Was that confusing at all?

The flours get mixed with some arrowroot powder, cold pieces of vegan butter, a bit of sugar, and vanilla and almond extract. While itโ€™s not exactly traditional to add extracts to crusts, I love it because it makes for a very flavorful crust. And the addition of the vegan butter gives this crust a but of a flaky pie crust-feel.

And the crust is actually very easy to make, even if it sounds a little intimidating. You just need to mix the ingredients in a bowl and use an electric mixer on low speed for a couple minutes until the dough comes together.

Then press the dough into the tart panโ€”I used a rectangular 14โ€x4โ€ tart pan, but you can easily use a 9-inch round tart pan. Since weโ€™re using alternative gluten-free flours, it helps to freeze the crust for 20-30 minutes to help set it. Otherwise, it can get crumbly during baking.

After freezing the tart, weโ€™ll pre-bake the crust before adding the filling, until itโ€™s lightly golden.

Cut fig tart slices on blue-grey table.

While the tart crust is freezing and baking, prepare the coconut-cashew cream filling. It is rich and creamy and lends an irresistible textural contrast to the crust. It features soaked raw cashews AND coconut cream, so you know itโ€™s going to be extra creamy!

For the coconut cream, you have two options. First, you can just buy canned coconut cream (affiliate link) at many grocery stores these days, or at Asian supermarkets or online. Or, you can scoop out the white solidified cream from a can of full-fat coconut milk (you cannot use โ€œliteโ€ coconut milk).

For cans of full-fat coconut milk, I recommend lightly shaking the can. If it sounds very sloshy, the cream has been integrated with the liquid part, so you will need to refrigerate the can for at least 24 hours to get the cream to solidify. Some brands of coconut milk are better than others at having solidified coconut cream. Iโ€™ve had better results with Thai Kitchen brand instead of, for instance, the Whole Foods 365 brand. Or, you can purchase canned coconut cream.

The coconut-cashew cream gets lightly sweetened with agave nectar (though you could use maple syrup), flavored with cinnamon and ginger, and brightened up with some lemon juice and orange zest. The orange zest is really quite the standout ingredient here, and brings a delightfully unique pop of flavor, so donโ€™t skip it!

The filling ingredients get blended in a food processor, so itโ€™s very easy to make!

Once the tart crust has cooled, youโ€™ll spread a layer of the coconut-cashew cream (about 1/3 of the cream) on top of the crust, followed by a layer of sliced figs. Pop that in the fridge for 20 minutes or so to help set the filling, then repeat the process twice more: a layer of cream, followed by sliced figs, then chill for 20 minutes, ending with a layer of figs. Finally, freeze the tart for at least 2 hours to fully set it.

The result, when you slice the tart, are beautiful alternating layers of cream and figs!

Side close up view of slices of fig tart on blue-grey table.

Substitutes for this Fig Tart with Coconut-Cashew Cream

Flours. I have not tried any other combination of flours than this one, but I suspect that you could use just oat flour and cornmeal, if you donโ€™t have almond flour. I donโ€™t recommend skipping the cornmeal because thatโ€™s where the beautiful slightly crunchy texture comes in!

Vegan Butter. I think the vegan butter adds a nice rich flavor to this crust and subtly evokes the taste of pie crust. That said, if you donโ€™t like using vegan butter, you can try solid coconut oil (I recommend refined coconut oil so that you donโ€™t get a strong coconutty taste).

Arrowroot Powder. If you donโ€™t have arrowroot powder (which helps bring some structure to this crust), you can use cornstarch or tapioca flour/starch.

Almond Extract. I love the flavor combo of figs and the subtle notes of cherry from almond extract, but if you donโ€™t typically keep almond extract at home, just substitute with more vanilla extract.

Coconut Cream. Itโ€™s an essential ingredient in this recipe, but if you are allergic to coconut, then you could just use more raw soaked cashews.

Agave Nectar. I use it here because of its neutral taste and more neutral color, but if you donโ€™t mind a slightly more robust flavor and slightly darker color for the filling, feel free to use maple syrup.

Figs. Okay, so this is a fig tartโ€ฆso itโ€™s the best with figs. But, I know fig seasons are short, so if you canโ€™t get your hands on figs, stone fruit like peaches, plums, or nectarines would make an excellent substitute!

If you give this Fig Tart with Coconut-Cashew Cream recipe a try, be sure to tag me on Instagram with your recreations and please comment with your feedback below!

Slices of fig tart next to knife and figs on table.

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Vegan Fig Tart with Coconut-Cashew Cream (Gluten-Free)

5 from 10 votes
This Vegan Fig Tart is made with a coconut-cashew cream filling that is rich and creamy, lending a delightful textural contrast to the crunchy crust made with cornmeal and the juicy figs. This vegan and gluten-free tart is a must-make during fig season!
Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Baking
Diet Vegan
Serving size: 8 to 10

Ingredients

Crust

  • Coconut oil or nonstick cooking spray for greasing the pan
  • 1/2 cup gluten-free oat flour
  • 1/2 cup fine cornmeal or corn flour
  • 1/2 cup blanched almond flour or almond meal
  • 2 tablespoons arrowroot powder (can substitute cornstarch or tapioca starch)
  • 1/4 cup organic cane sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 6 tablespoons cold vegan butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (or more vanilla extract)

Filling

  • 1 cup raw cashews, soaked in boiling water for 1 hour
  • 1/3 cup canned coconut cream (or, scoop the thick, solid portion from a can of full-fat coconut milk)*
  • 1/2 cup agave nectar (or maple syrup)
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1/8 tsp sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1/2 cup melted coconut oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest
  • 20-25 fresh figs, trimmed and sliced very thinly

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350ยบF/175ยบC.
  • For the crust: In a medium bowl, whisk together the oat flour, corn flour, almond flour, arrowroot powder, sugar and sea salt. Scatter the vegan butter pieces on the top and add the vanilla extract and almond extract. Using an electric handheld mixer, mix on low speed just until the dough comes together in clumps, about 2-4 minutes. Alternatively, you can do this step in a stand mixer with a paddle attachment.
  • Grease a rectangular (14โ€x4โ€) tart pan with a removable bottom (or a 9-inch round tart pan with a removable bottom) with coconut oil or cooking spray. Add the crust mixture into the tart pan with and press evenly into the pan, starting with the sides and then the bottom. Freeze the crust until it is firm, about 20-30 minutes.
  • Place the tart pan on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven until it is golden-brown, about 20-25 minutes. Cool completely before adding the filling.
  • To make the filling: Drain the soaked cashews and add them to a high-speed blender or food processor. Add the coconut cream and blend until the mixture resembles ricotta cheese. Add the remaining filling ingredients except for the figs and blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.
  • Pour a little less than half of the coconut-cashew cream into the tart shell, using a rubber spatula to smooth out the surface. Chill the tart in the fridge to slightly set, about 20 minutes.
  • Then top the cream with a layer of sliced figs. Pour the remaining coconut-cashew cream on top of the layer of figs and chill for another 20 minutes. Finally, top the second layer of cream with the last layer of sliced figs. Chill the tart until it is firm enough to slice, at least 2 hours, or overnight.

Notes

*If you shake your can of coconut milk and it sounds very sloshy, the cream has been integrated with the liquid part. You will need to refrigerate the can for at least 24 hours to get the cream to solidify. Some brands of coconut milk are better than others at having solidified coconut cream. Iโ€™ve had better results with Thai Kitchen brand instead of, for instance, the Whole Foods 365 brand. Or, you can purchase canned coconut cream.
Note: This recipe was adapted from Ginger Fig Tart with Chestnut-Almond Crust via The Bojon Gourmet
Originally published: October 7, 2018. Updated: September 27, 2020.

Calories: 461kcal | Carbohydrates: 50g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 1g | Sodium: 102mg | Potassium: 402mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 30g | Vitamin A: 464IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 59mg | Iron: 2mg

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5 from 10 votes (7 ratings without comment)

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31 comments on Vegan Fig Tart with Coconut-Cashew Cream (Gluten-Free)

  1. Marin

    5 stars
    I made this in September in perfect timing for fig season & it was delicious! I allowed it to sit for 3 hours before serving but it was not nearly stiff enough. Found that it was MUCH firmer the next day. Would recommend an overnight setting.

    1. Kaitlin @ Rainbow Plant Life

      Thanks for the lovely feedback, Marin!

  2. Aadya

    Can I freeze the leftovers?

    1. Kaitlin @ Rainbow Plant Life

      Hi Aadya, yes! We suggest slicing before freezing and you can defrost in the fridge overnight.

  3. Jackie

    Hi! Can the half cup of coconut oil in the filling be replaced or omitted? My diet tends to limit oil and I worry that large of a serving will take away from this dessert for me. I have a ton of figs and Iโ€™m excited to use them!

    1. Kaitlin @ Rainbow Plant Life

      Hi Jackie, we havenโ€™t tried this, but silken tofu might be a nice substitute for the coconut oil and we have used it in similar no-bake โ€œcreamโ€ tarts. Just be sure to drain the tofu well so itโ€™s not watery.

  4. Elizabeth

    5 stars
    I missed fig season by a week but my heart was set on trying it. I spread fig jam on the crust before pouring the cream, and layered thin slices of fresh red pears. It was more rustic than your version but loved by all who ate it. I look forward to trying it in fig season. Thank you for the great recipes!

    1. Kaitlin @ Rainbow Plant Life

      Elizabeth, So glad to hear you loved this recipe! You’re welcome for the recipes!

  5. Jacques Kruger

    5 stars
    DELICIOUS! Added some cardamom

    Made vegan honey to use as sweetener

    Recommend this recipe xx

    1. Support @ Rainbow Plant Life

      Wonderful! So fun you added vegan honey as well :) Cheers!

  6. Shivany

    Omg this was amazingggg, I burnt the crust a little cause 25 mins was a bit long.. but other than, it was perfectI even took a fancy ass picture : https://pin.it/3UfZQGp

  7. best place to buy gold

    You’re welcome! All of the flours thanks to share with us

  8. Natasha

    Do you leave the peel on the figs?

  9. Isabelle Zammit

    Hi Nisha, when you say "Chill the tart", do you mean pop it back in the freezer or is the fridge fine? Thanks!

    1. Nisha Vora

      Hi Isabelle, good question! Fridge is fine :)

  10. Abby

    Thank you Nisha!! How would one make this not GF?

    1. Nisha Vora

      Hi Abby! You’re welcome! All of the flours I used are naturally gluten-free (some oat flours may not be certified gluten-free due to cross-contamination but oats are naturally gluten free; corn flour and almond flour are also gluten-free). I have not tried making this crust with all-purpose flour or whole-wheat flour (gluten-containing flours), but since they have such different textures and baking properties, I am not sure a substitution would work as well. If you wanted to only use one or two of the flours listed, that should work fine (just be sure to proportionally increase the measurements of the flours you do use). Hope that helps.

  11. Noelle/Too precious For Processed

    Oh my Nisha, this tart sounds so delicious! I love the trio of flours you used for the crust. I can taste the outstanding flavor and texture now. Of course everything is better with cashew cream, one of my favorites! I can’t wait to make this beauty! Top notch photos as well :)

    1. Nisha Vora

      You are so sweet, Noelle! The crust was legitimately my favorite thing in the world! I hope you give it a go!

  12. Candace Alread

    Thank you for the AMAZING recipe! I made it for my mother’s birthday and it was such a hit! Certainly not as pretty as yours but no one seemed to care.

    1. Nisha Vora

      Hey Candace! That makes me so happy to hear that you made it for your mom’s birthday! Really glad to hear it was a hit!

  13. Renรฉe P.

    Iโ€™ve just been stalking your blog and getting so hungry. Your photography makes food look incredible!

    1. Nisha Vora

      Hehe you’re too kind! Glad you’re getting hungry :)

  14. Ela

    This fig tart looks incredible, Nisha! I love how creamy it is. Lots of love, Ela โค๏ธ

    1. Nisha Vora

      You are so sweet, Ela! Thank you! The filling was indeed super creamy and lush!

  15. Shivani

    I reaaaaaally want to make this but i think i’m too impatient to wait for all the layers…is there a way around that? or maybe you can deliver to me? hehe.

    1. Nisha Vora

      Aww yay, Shivani! I wish I could deliver it to you haha. The layers are so that you can see beautiful figs, but if you want, you can just add all of the coconut-cashew cream at once and top it with figs, then refrigerate. Will still be equally delicious!

  16. Tara Auburn

    This tart is so pretty, Nisha! Thank you for sharing the recipe with us. Do you think I could use more almond flour for the oat flour? I have trouble digesting them.

    1. Nisha Vora

      Thank you, Tara! I’m glad you like it. Yes, that would work just fine!

  17. Mara Daniels

    Well isnโ€™t this just stunning! I canโ€™t even describe how gorgeous those figs look! I am going to attempt to try this one out this weekend!

    1. Nisha Vora

      Aww Mara! How kind of you to say! Figs are so fun to photograph. I hope you enjoy the tart!

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