This beautiful tart takes inspiration from Neapolitan ice cream, and a few delicious twists make it dairy-free, gluten-free and vegan-friendly.
Remember Neapolitan ice cream? While the combination of strawberry, vanilla, and chocolate ice cream in a single carton may not be the trendiest flavor out there, it definitely has some advantages. Its trifecta of flavors is a boon for the indecisive, and it can be a hedge if you’re buying for a crowd and aren’t sure of individual tastes. But its true glory is a perfect scoop that can combine its three beautiful layers. And it’s those layers that are Neapolitan’s superpower and what inspires this gorgeous frozen tart.
The chocolaty date crust, vanilla-scented cashew cream filling, and juicy red berries are absolutely delicious. This frozen tart has an amazing interplay of flavors that’s both comforting and transporting—just like Neapolitan ice cream. And, we have to admit, this just might be the most picture-perfect frozen tart out there!
Putting this dessert together is easy, but remember to plan ahead for a few of the steps. Cashews turn into a perfectly delicious, silky filling, but to get that result, you’ll need to soak them first so they blend irresistibly smoothly. And to get the perfectly set frozen texture, you’ll want to be patient enough to chill it for a few hours. But the payoff? Sheer bliss!
Is This Neapolitan No-Bake Chocolate Tart Healthy?
Although it should be enjoyed in moderation, this recipe for chocolate tart is fairly healthy. It’s lower in calories and saturated fat than most versions of this dessert and relies on nutrient-dense ingredients. It contains plenty of cashews, a good source of healthy fats and a fair amount of protein. It contains dates and strawberries, both of which provide natural sweetness, fiber, and antioxidants. The tart is also a good choice for those with a variety of dietary restrictions or preferences. The dish has very little refined sugar, and if you opt for chocolate chips that are sweetened with coconut sugar, the recipe is Paleo. It’s gluten-free, grain-free, and dairy-free, and it’s also vegan if you use agave syrup in place of honey. All in all, it’s an excellent choice if you’d like to enjoy a beautiful, delicious dessert that skews just a bit healthier than most.
All About Cashew Cream
Rich cashew nuts turn out to make an amazingly delicious plant-based alternative to cream. Although popular in vegan desserts, cashew cream can also enrich savory sauces and has a long history in Indian cooking. If you haven’t tried it, do! It’s rich, naturally sweet, and amazingly silky. It’s not just a substitute for other ingredients but a wonderful food in its own right.
Making cashew cream at its simplest takes just two ingredients—cashews and water. But there are a few tips for making sure that it comes out just right. First, choose raw instead of toasted cashews, which have a nuttier, more intense flavor (and sometimes salt) that can be overpowering in recipes like this tart. Then don’t skimp on the all-important step of soaking the nuts. This ensures the cream comes out smooth, not grainy. And finally, make sure to purée the nuts thoroughly. You can do this in a blender with added liquid (a high-speed one is preferred, but a regular blender can work if you scrape down the sides frequently) or in a food processor. And about that scraping, be sure you do it frequently during the blending process. And finally, taste the filling to ensure it’s absolutely smooth, not grainy. This can take a while, but your patience will be worth it!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Keep the tart wrapped first in plastic wrap and then very securely in an airtight layer of foil. It should freeze well for 2 to 3 months. You can keep it longer, but the texture of the tart will begin to deteriorate over time.
Serving Suggestions
Can’t get enough cashew cream? You’re not alone! Look for a good dose of it in our recipes for Berry Cashew Cream No-Bake Bars and Mint Chocolate Cashew Cream No-Bake Bars. And pistachios in place of cashews make a similar irresistible filling you can go nuts for in this Raw Vegan Tart With Chocolate And Pistachios, while almonds do the job in a No-Bake Chocolate Tart With Almond Cream And Raspberries.
Ingredients
For The Crust:
- 1 cup raw cashews (140 grams)
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2/3 cup packed pitted dates halved (110 grams)
- 1 teaspoon water
For The Tart:
- 1 cup raw cashews soaked in water overnight
- 1/4 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
- 2 tablespoons honey (or agave syrup for vegan)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons dairy-free mini chocolate chips roughly chopped
- 1 cup strawberries thinly sliced
Instructions
- Line the bottom of an 8-inch tart pan with a removable bottom with parchment paper. Set aside.
- Place the cashews and cocoa in a large food processor and blend until crushed. Add in the dates and blend until well mixed and crumbly. With the food processor running, add the water and blend until a ball begins to form.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and press out very firmly, leaving a thick ridge for the crust. Give yourself some time, as it takes a bit of effort to get the crust even. Place it in the freezer.
- Drain the water from the cashews and place them into a small food processor (about 3-cup capacity). Add in the almond milk, honey, vanilla, and salt. Use the "chop" setting if your processor has one and process for 1 to 2 minutes, stopping to scrape down the sides as necessary. Then, use the "purée" setting if your processor has one for 5 to 7 minutes, stopping to scrape down the sides,. Process until the mixture is totally smooth. This does take some time, but it will get there!
- Transfer the cream to a bowl and stir in the chopped chocolate chips. Pour into the prepared crust. Lay the strawberries into the cream, gently pressing them into it.
- Cover with foil and freeze until the cashew cream is totally firm, about 3 to 4 hours or up to overnight.
- Let the tart sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing. DEVOUR.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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