These Chocolate Date Caramel Tarts are a decadent treat that won’t leave you feeling guilty. These tarts are gluten-free, grain-free, vegan, and Paleo!
Busy, busy, busy. I really don’t know how else to sum up my life right now.
Of course, I’m having the absolute time of my life, traveling to new and exotic cities every weekend, eating way too much delicious food (if there is such a thing), spending time with my best friends, and completely exhausting myself in the process. But hey, I’m only here for a limited amount of time, and I plan on making the most of it!
The side effect of my busy/exhausted life is far too few posts for you guys, and for that, I repeatedly apologize. I do hope you’re all enjoying my travel posts though!
I have baked a total of one time since I’ve been here, and it was boxed cake mix with a can of frosting (though we did sprinkle Reese’s on top…). #foodbloggershame, but my friends and I had to have chocolate cake on Valentine’s Day to go with our wine and movie. I’m seriously missing my kitchen and the ability to make the recipes that I dream up/drool over on Pinterest everyday. I never realized just how much I would miss baking and cooking and just having a full kitchen at my disposal (one that wasn’t full of gross dirty dishes…*glaring at my hallmates*).
But, I guess one of the perks of going home will be that I’ll have my kitchen back! So despite how much I know I’m going to miss London, that’ll be a comfort I’ll cherish so much more. Cause when I get back, I’ll be able to make more things like this yummy tart!
This recipe is from Gourmande in the Kitchen, who is a serious genius when it comes to making absolutely stunning and healthy (usually vegan and gluten/grain free, sometimes paleo) desserts and food. Like this tart…date caramel?! So so smart, and I can attest, so delicious.
You do have to be a date fan. I personally love the particular sweetness and flavor that dates give, but I know some people don’t love it. The crust here is so easy, and has a shortbread like texture that I love. The walnuts, which are folded into the caramel and sprinkled on top, give a wonderful crunch, but can be left out if you don’t love walnuts, or subbed for your favorite kind of nut (pecans would be delicious!).
The ganache is smooth and not nearly as bad for you as pure chocolate would be, but if you’re not paleo and not overly concerned with your calorie intake, a melted dark chocolate ganache with traditional cream would be luscious and amazing here as well. The sprinkle of sea salt on top ties the whole thing together, and I don’t recommend skipping it (but hey, I’m also a major fan of salty/sweet). I also did a little swirly drizzle of honey, but that’s also totally optional.
I did make my tarts into little babies, partially because they’re adorable, partially because I couldn’t find the bottom to my 9-inch tart pan. Oops. Use what you have! If you don’t have a tart pan, use a pie tin. It’ll just be in pie form. Do what works. It’ll still taste delicious! Girl Scout’s honor (did I mention how upset I am over missing Girl Scout Cookie season?!).
I have a Berlin/Amsterdam recap coming soon! But for now, enjoy these tarts :)
Chocolate Date Caramel Tart (Gluten Free, Vegan,
Ingredients
For the crust
- 2 cups 250 grams almond flour
- 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- ¼ cup extra virgin unrefined coconut oil melted
For the date walnut filling
- 160 g about 10 Medjool dates soaked in ½ cup of warm water
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin unrefined coconut oil melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 cup 112 grams toasted walnuts, chopped (divided use)
For the ganache
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup 60 grams extra virgin unrefined coconut oil
- 1/2 cup 50 grams unsweetened cocoa powder
Instructions
For the crust
- Grease four 4.75 inch tart pans* with removable bottoms (or a 9 inch tart pan with a removable bottom).
- Place almond flour and salt into a large bowl. Add maple syrup and melted coconut oil and blend together with a fork until it resembles coarse meal, about two minutes.
- Divide evenly among the pans. Press firmly and evenly into the bottom and sides of each tart pan with your fingers. Prick with the tines of a fork.
- Let the dough firm and chill in the fridge for at least 20 minutes before baking.
- Preheat oven to 350 F. Bake for 8-13 minutes, or until golden but not dark. Remove from oven and set aside to cool while making filling.
Make date caramel filling
- In a food processor puree the soaked, pitted dates along with the soaking liquid, melted coconut oil, salt and vanilla extract until thick and smooth. The texture should be slightly whipped. Small pieces of the date skin may remain. Stir in ¾ cup of the chopped toasted walnuts. Divide the mixture among the cooled tart shells and spread mixture into an even layer.
- Set in the fridge while making the cocoa ganache.
Make the ganache
- In the food processor, blend together maple syrup and melted coconut oil until well combined.
- Add in cocoa powder and process until smooth scraping down the sides as needed.
- Pour over date walnut base and spread out evenly over the top. Sprinkle with extra sea salt and the remaining chopped toasted walnuts. If desired, drizzle with a small amount of maple syrup or honey (I used honey, not vegan).
- Return pan to fridge to set and firm for at least one hour before serving.
Recipe Notes
*I got my tart pans from Amazon, they are available here
Recipe barely adapted from Gourmande in the Kitchen
Amanda @ Once Upon a Recipe says
Oh my goodness, I can’t get over these! I want to make them and eat them NOW!
jade says
These look divine! I will absolutely be giving them a go on the weekend – cannot wait!
Also, I can attest to the awesomeness of Gourmande in the Kitchen, everything i have ever made from her has been incredible. Yay to both of you. X
Becky @ A Calculated Whisk says
Gorgeous! I just pinned these to three different boards because I want to make them so badly and they’re good for ALL THE SPECIAL DIETS :)
Kathi @ Deliciously Yum! says
These look absolutely amazing! The ganache looks to die for – at first I thought it was Nutella, ha! I love reading your travel posts – I’m living vicariously through you :)
Averie @ Averie Cooks says
So pretty! It’s just glistening & wonderful :) pinned
Kayle (The Cooking Actress) says
I hope you’re having SO MUCH FUN!!! and omg these tarts are STUNNINGGG, so yummy!
Ashley says
Enjoy the time you have there!! Your kitchen will be waiting for you when you return : ) And these tarts look awesome – I really like dates so I have a feeling I would enjoy these!
Jaclyn says
Gorgeous photos Rachel! These look incredible!
Norma | Allspice and Nutmeg says
Oh this looks fantastic! I do love dates so this is for me.
Karen @ The Food Charlatan says
Wow Rachel this looks so unique and lovely! What a fun idea combining dates and chocolate. It’s beautiful. It sounds like you are having so much fun in the UK and Germany! That’s awesome!
Chelsea @chelseasmessyapron says
Date-walnut filling? That sounds perfect! These tarts look absolutely gorgeous! And there is definitely no such thing as eating way too much delicious food ;)
Stephanie @ Girl Versus Dough says
Date caramel?? I’M SO IN.
Amy says
These look heavenly! Can’t wait to try them out! I’ll sneak in some Baby Brain Orgsnics for more protein & omega 3s!
Marie @ Little Kitchie says
These are dreamy!! Date caramel sounds incredible!
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
These tarts are seriously absolutely stunning!!!
Mimi @ Culinary Couture says
These look phenomenal! Bookmarking stat!
[email protected] says
I LOVE the dates in these tarts! What a fun use of one of the best foods on the planet! Off to pin! ;)
Beth @ bethcakes says
These tarts look so rich and delicious! I love that you used smaller tart pans. They’re so cute! I’m not sure that I’ve ever eaten a date, but that wouldn’t stop me from digging in to one of these tarts! :)
Rachel Conners says
Thanks!! And you need to try dates…some people don’t like them, but I feel like most do. I LOVE them and eat them plain. So good! They’re also a delicious smoothie addition :)
Georgia @ The Comfort of Cooking says
These tarts are simply gorgeous, Rachel! What a fun chocolaty dessert for a little weeknight treat or to cap off a fancy dinner party. Love ’em!
Pamela @ Brooklyn Farm Girl says
Your life sounds like tons of fun right now! Travel, adventures, and these chocolate tarts… live it up girl.
Lindsay @ Life, Love and Sugar says
So pretty! I love the mini form! Pinning. So glad you’re having a blast too!
Beeta says
Love dates so I’m sure this is amazing! Looks beautiful, Rachel!
Kira - The HealthAble Old Soul says
It looks delicious! I love how you use dates for a sweetener creating a quality dessert!
Layla @ Brunch Time Baker says
It’s as if these tarts are right in front of me, I just want to dive right into the screen and eat em! They look delicious! I love incorporating dates into my food!
Elizabeth @ SugarHero.com says
I’m a date fanatic, but I almost always eat them plain instead of baking with them. I guess I’ve just never seen a date recipe that I love…until now! You had me at “date caramel.” :) Thanks for sharing, and happy travels!
Jess says
These look amazing, Rachel! You cannot beat a good chocolate tart- thanks for sharing!
Jessica @ Jessiker Bakes says
These tarts sound delish. So glad you’re enjoying yourself :).
Taylor @ Food Faith Fitness says
These tarts are GORGEOUS girl! I LOVE that you used almond flour crust and dates for the center…my favorite! And, there’s chocolate?
Life complete.
Pinned!
Helen @ Scrummy Lane says
These are so pretty and look really decadent. I could hardly believe it when I looked down the ingredients list and saw how healthy they are! I particularly like the sound of the lovely almond crust. Gorgeous!
Charmaine (The Party Diy) says
These are just the cutest tarts
Consuelo @ Honey & Figs says
These look amazing Rachel! I’d love to make them this weekend – do you know if butter would work well in place of coconut oil? My local store doesn’t carry it and they’d have to order for me and stuff :–(
Enjoy the rest of your time in Europe! Cannot wait for the Amsterdam post :)
Rachel Conners says
Hi Consuelo! I don’t see a reason why butter wouldn’t work – should be just fine! Let me know how you like them :)
Aysegul - Ice says
This looks amazing. Great photography and recipe.
PINNED! :)
Laura @ Laura's Culinary Adventures says
It looks like you’re having so much fun! This tart looks so delicious, especially since I’m a huge date fan!
The Wimpy Vegetarian says
These are gorgeous!!! Pinned!
[email protected] says
These tarts have got to be the prettiest things I’ve ever seen! I love how the filling is made with Medjool dates—my favorite! And of course, that chocolate ganache is absolutely gorgeous.
Thanks for stopping by my blog and I look forward to getting to know you better! :)
Chris @ Shared Appetite says
Wow these little tarts look amazing!! I can’t believe they are gluten-free and vegan! They look so creamy and decadent!
Amanda @ MoveLoveEat says
Yum these look awesome, I am going to give them a go when we get some more coconut oil :)
Lisa | Mummy Made.It says
I love this dessert. So beautiful and without the nasties!