Name: Vegan Fruit Tart Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 2 h 45 min
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 1½ cups oats; ¾ cup walnuts; ¼ cup vegetable oil; 3 tablespoons maple syrup; ¼ teaspoon salt; 2 cups unsweetened plant-based milk; ⅔ cup sugar; 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract; ¼ cup cornstarch; ½ teaspoon nutmeg; ¼ teaspoon salt; 3 cups sliced nectarines, strawberries, and kiwi; ¼ cup apricot preserves (warmed)

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 228 reviews

If you are looking for a dessert that beautifully combines freshness, creaminess, and a touch of natural sweetness, you will absolutely adore this Vegan Fruit Tart Recipe. It’s a luscious treat that brings together a crisp oat-and-walnut crust, silky plant-based custard, and vibrant seasonal fruit in a stunning presentation. Whether you’re vegan or just someone who appreciates wholesome and colorful desserts, this tart will quickly become one of your favorites. The best part is how simple, nourishing ingredients come together to create something that feels both indulgent and light.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A single-layer dessert tart sits centered on a round tart pan with a golden, crumbly crust forming a textured edge. The filling is smooth and creamy with a light caramel color and subtle swirls on its glossy surface. The tart is placed on a wooden board, surrounded by fresh fruit slices: red strawberries with green leaves at the top, yellow peach wedges on the right and bottom left, and green kiwi pieces on the bottom left and right. A small white bowl containing orange fruit jam is positioned near the bottom right corner. The whole setup rests on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting your ingredients ready for this Vegan Fruit Tart Recipe is easier than you might think, and each one plays an essential role. From the wholesome oats that form the crust to the silky custard made with plant milk, every element contributes to the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color.

1½ cups oats: Ground into oat flour, they provide a hearty, naturally gluten-free base for the crust.
¾ cup walnuts: Adds a rich, nutty texture and depth of flavor to the crust.
¼ cup vegetable oil: Helps bind the crust ingredients and keeps it tender.
3 tablespoons maple syrup: Offers natural sweetness with a subtle, caramel-like note.
¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavors, balancing the sweetness.
2 cups unsweetened plant-based milk: Forms the creamy base of the custard without any dairy.
⅔ cup sugar: Sweetens the custard perfectly without overpowering the fresh fruit.
1½ teaspoons vanilla extract: Adds warm, aromatic depth to the custard.
¼ cup cornstarch: Thickens the custard to a smooth, luscious consistency.
½ teaspoon nutmeg: Introduces a delicate, warming spice to the custard.
¼ teaspoon salt: Balances and enhances the custard’s flavors.
3 cups sliced nectarines, strawberries, and kiwi: Fresh, colorful fruits that bring vibrancy and a burst of natural sweetness.
¼ cup apricot preserves (warmed): Creates a beautiful, glossy finish on the fruit and adds a subtle fruity shine.

How to Make Vegan Fruit Tart Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C) and lightly oiling your tart pan to prevent sticking. In a food processor, pulse the oats until they transform into a fine flour—this creates the perfect base texture. Add the walnuts next and pulse a few times until they are finely chopped but still retain some texture. Next, add the vegetable oil, maple syrup, and salt. Pulse again until the mixture becomes sticky enough to hold together when pressed. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom and sides of the tart pan, forming a sturdy yet crumbly crust. Bake for about 10 to 15 minutes until it turns a lovely golden shade. Once out of the oven, set aside to cool while you prepare the custard.

Step 2: Make the Custard

While the crust is cooling, it’s time to whip up the custard that will bring luscious creaminess to your Vegan Fruit Tart Recipe. In a cold saucepan, whisk together the plant-based milk, sugar, vanilla extract, cornstarch, nutmeg, and salt until everything is completely smooth with no lumps. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir constantly with a spatula to prevent sticking and clumping. After about seven minutes, you’ll notice the mixture thickening and bubbling gently—this indicates it’s ready. Remove from heat and let the velvety custard cool just a bit before assembling.

Step 3: Assemble the Tart

Pour the warm custard into the cooled crust and smooth out the surface with a spatula. This custard layer acts like a creamy canvas for your fruit. Arrange the sliced nectarines, strawberries, and kiwi on top in whatever pattern inspires you — rows, circles, or a vibrant mosaic all work beautifully. For the finishing touch and to give the fruit a gorgeous shine, brush it lightly with warmed apricot preserves. This also seals in the freshness of the fruit beautifully. Finally, refrigerate the entire tart for at least two hours to let the custard set and the flavors meld together perfectly.

How to Serve Vegan Fruit Tart Recipe

A round tart with a rough, golden brown crust filled with a creamy beige layer. On top, there is a colorful mix of sliced fruits arranged in overlapping layers: yellow peach slices, greenish-yellow kiwi rounds, and bright red strawberry halves with green caps. The tart is placed on a wooden board with extra peach slices and whole strawberries scattered around. The background shows a white marbled texture lightly visible around the wooden board. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra pop of color and flavor, sprinkle some toasted coconut flakes or chopped pistachios over the fruit just before serving. Fresh mint leaves also add a refreshing herbal contrast that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the tart. These little touches not only make your Vegan Fruit Tart Recipe look picture-perfect but lend delightful texture and aroma as well.

Side Dishes

This fruit tart shines best as a sweet ending to a light meal but pairs wonderfully with a cup of freshly brewed herbal tea or a glass of chilled sparkling water with lemon. For brunch, consider serving alongside a vibrant green salad or a bowl of seasonal berries to keep things fresh and balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

Beyond the classic whole tart presentation, slice your Vegan Fruit Tart Recipe into individual portions and place each on a delicate dessert plate with a dollop of coconut whipped cream or a drizzle of dark chocolate sauce. For gatherings, you can use mini tart pans to make individual-sized tarts—this adds a fun and elegant touch that guests will adore!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers, no worries. Cover your tart tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep wonderfully for up to 3 days without losing its freshness or flavor. Just be sure to keep it chilled to maintain the custard’s creamy texture.

Freezing

Freezing this Vegan Fruit Tart Recipe is not ideal because the fresh fruit and custard could lose their texture and mouthfeel upon thawing. However, if you must freeze it, wrap the tart tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving, but note the crust may be less crisp and the fruit less vibrant.

Reheating

This tart is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t recommended. The custard and fresh fruit shine brightest when cool. If you prefer it slightly warmer, allow it to sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving.

FAQs

Can I use gluten-free oats for the crust?

Absolutely! Using certified gluten-free oats is a great option for those with gluten sensitivities. Just make sure your food processor grinds the oats finely for the best crust texture.

What kind of plant-based milk works best?

Unsweetened almond, oat, or soy milk all work wonderfully in this recipe. Just avoid flavored or sweetened varieties to keep the custard balanced and not too sweet.

Can I substitute the walnuts with another nut?

Yes, you can swap walnuts for pecans or almonds if you prefer. Just keep them finely chopped to maintain the right crust texture and flavor.

Is it possible to make this tart ahead for a party?

Definitely! You can make the entire tart a day ahead and refrigerate it. The flavors tend to meld beautifully overnight, making it even more delicious on day two.

What can I use if I don’t have apricot preserves?

You can substitute with other light fruit jams like peach or apple preserves. Just warm them gently before brushing on the fruit to maintain that shiny, delicious finish.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Fruit Tart Recipe is truly a joy to make and even greater to share. Its combination of wholesome ingredients and vibrant presentation makes it a perfect dessert for any occasion—from casual family dinners to special celebrations. I encourage you to give it a try and discover how easy it is to impress yourself and your loved ones with something both nourishing and scrumptious. You might just find this becoming your go-to fruity delight for years to come!

Vegan Fruit Tart Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need