Ease of Preparation: Easy
Time of Preparation: 1.5 hours, plus 1 hour chilling time
Yield: 4 servings
This is a dessert that vegans and non-vegans alike can enjoy! Sweetened with agave and cool coconut, these adorable key lime tartlets are filled with all the buttery richness of lime-spiked avocado! A lighter take on pie, that vegans can enjoy? Yes, please!
Ingredients:
Condensed Coconut Cream:
- 1 14-ounce (410 ml) can full-fat coconut milk
- ¾ cup (180 ml) agave syrup
Crust:
- 1 cup (240 ml) finely ground graham cracker crumbs (from about 10 squares)
- ½ cup (120 ml) finely ground almonds (or other nut, or more cookie, or other crumb, coconut, etc.)
- 3 tablespoons (45 ml) sugar
- ¼ teaspoon (1.25 ml) salt
- ½ cup (120 ml) hard white coconut oil, melted
Whipped Coconut Milk:
- 1 14-ounce (410 ml) can full fat coconut milk
- ½ cup (120 ml) icing sugar
- ½ teaspoon (1.25 ml) xanthan gum
Filling:
- 2 cups (470 ml) smashed ripe avocado
- ½ cup + 2 tablespoons (190 ml) freshly squeezed key lime juice
- ½ cup (120 ml) Condensed Coconut Cream
- 4 teaspoons (20 ml) key lime zest (from about 2 limes)
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon (.75 ml) salt
- Sliced limes, to garnish (optional)
Method:
For the Condensed Coconut Milk:
Pour the coconut milk into a small saucepan, and heat over medium-high heat until boiling, about 3 minutes. Whisk regularly to prevent burning.
Reduce the heat, bringing the coconut milk to a gentle simmer, then add the agave syrup, whisking until it is completely dissolved.
Simmer for 30-45 minutes, stirring often, or until the liquid is reduced by half.
Remove from the heat and allow to cool completely before using.
For the Crust:
Pre-heat the oven to 350 F (175 C).
In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker, almond meal, sugar, and salt.
Add the coconut oil and stir until the crumbs are evenly coated.
Press the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom and up the sides of 4 4-inch tart shells.
Bake the crusts until lightly browned, about 8 minutes.
Remove the pie crusts from the oven and cool on a rack in the dish for 15 minutes, and then refrigerate until well chilled, about 1 hour.
For the Whipped Coconut Cream:
Chill your coconut milk in the refrigerator overnight, being sure not to shake or tip the can to encourage separation of the cream and liquid.
The next day, chill a large mixing bowl 10 minutes before whipping.
Remove the coconut cream or milk from the fridge without tipping or shaking and remove the lid. Scrape out the top, thickened cream and leave the liquid behind (reserve for use in smoothies).
By hand, whisk together the coconut milk, icing sugar, and xanthan gum until thick and sticky. Keep everything very cold for best results.
Transfer to blender and blend on high speed until light and aerated. Refrigerate until ready to use.
For the Filling:
Make the filling just before serving to prevent oxidation or separation.
In a blender, blend the avocado, lime juice, Condensed Coconut Milk, lime zest, vanilla, and salt, until smooth and silky.
To Serve:
Remove the crusts from the refrigerator and release from the tart pans (use a blowtorch if needed).
Spoon the filling into the crusts about ¼ inch (6 mm) from the top.
Transfer whipped cream to a piping bag, pipe over half of the top of the tarts.
Garnish with lime slices, serve immediately.