Vegan Lemon Tart Recipe

This vegan lemon tart features a zesty lemon custard filling set in a buttery pastry crust, perfect for a refreshing dessert. Below is a detailed recipe to guide you through the process.

Ingredients

For the Pastry:

• 250 g (2 cups) plain (all-purpose) flour
• 50 g (⅓ cup + 1 Tbsp) icing (powdered) sugar
• ¼ tsp salt
• 150 g (5 ⅓ oz / ½ cup + 2 Tbsp) vegan block butter, cold and diced
• 1 Tbsp cold vodka (optional)
• Ice water as needed

For the Filling:

• Finely grated zest of 2 lemons
• 250 ml (1 cup) fresh lemon juice (about 5-6 lemons)
• 225 g (8 oz) firm silken tofu
• 180 g (¾ cup) coconut cream
• 50 g (5 packed Tbsp) cornflour (cornstarch)
• 200 g (1 cup) caster or granulated sugar
• 50 g (1 ¾ oz / scant ¼ cup) vegan block butter, melted
• A pinch of ground turmeric (optional, for color)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pastry

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, icing sugar, and salt.
2. Add the cold diced vegan butter and rub it in with your fingers or blend in a food processor until it resembles fine breadcrumbs.
3. Mix in the cold vodka and add ice water gradually until the dough comes together.
4. Cover the pastry and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Blind Bake the Pastry

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. Roll out the chilled pastry on a floured surface to fit a 25cm (10-inch) tart tin.
3. Transfer the pastry to the tin, trim excess, and prick the base with a fork.
4. Freeze for about 20 minutes.
5. Line with foil and fill with baking beans or dried rice. Bake for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and beans and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until golden.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

1. In a blender, combine lemon juice, silken tofu, coconut cream, cornflour, sugar, melted butter, and turmeric. Blend until smooth.
2. Stir in lemon zest.

Step 4: Bake the Tart

1. Pour the filling into the baked pastry shell.
2. Bake at 180°C (350°F) for about 30-40 minutes until set but still slightly wobbly in the center.
3. Allow to cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating for at least four hours to set.

Step 5: Serve

1. Once chilled, slice and serve your vegan lemon tart as is or with a dollop of vegan whipped cream or fresh berries on top.

Enjoy this delightful vegan treat that balances sweetness with zesty lemon flavor!