These Chocolate Ganache Tarts with Coconut Macaroon Crust are Paleo, gluten-free + refined sugar-free, but you’d never guess from the decadent vegan chocolate ganache or sweet and chewy crust.

I’m an early riser. Like, my eyes were open before the clock hit 5 a.m. this morning kind of early. And even though waking up so early ensures I start getting drowsy around 8 or 9 p.m., there’s a certain calm energy in the air during those hours before most of the world has woken up.
Here in wintery Washington, the sun doesn’t rise until well after 7 a.m., leaving me a few hours of time before the sun (or clouds, more likely around here) comes out and cars start buzzing around. I haven’t always woken up quite this early, though I’ve always been a morning person. Since I started working from home, those pre-dawn hours have become my time to organize myself.

I read the news, jot recipes down in my notebook, and plan my day. Those drowsy morning hours spent quietly curled in my bed trying not to wake up my roommate end up being some of the most productive work hours I have all day. It was a few days ago curled up in my bed around 5:30 a.m. that I dreamt up this recipe. By 6 a.m., I had written the recipe, visualized the photoshoot, and I was ready to start testing.
I can get down with coconut macaroons! I’ve wanted to make a coconut macaroon-style crust for a heck of a long time. Now that it’s finally happened, all I can wonder is why did I wait so long? If you’re a fan of macaroons, particularly ones that have been dipped and drizzled with chocolate, these baby tarts just may be your new fave.

The crust is the same recipe you would use for a coconut macaroon. However, I made it refined sugar-free by using honey as the sweetener. You’ll press it into the tart pan and bake until golden brown. The edges will get crunchy and sweet, while the inside stays nice and chewy. After you’ve baked the crust, you’ll add a vegan chocolate ganache made with coconut cream to the tart and garnish with toasted coconut flakes. Voila!
The tart has to cool for about an hour to let the chocolate set. Then, you’re really to dig in! The chocolate ganache filling is so rich and decadent. The dark chocolate pairs so well with the sweetness of the crust. If you’re not into mini-tarts or don’t have mini tart pans, you can also make this as one regular-sized tart. Enjoy!
Want more chocolate coconut dessert recipes?
- Dark Chocolate, Coconut & Macadamia Nut Tart
- Double Chocolate Macaroons
- Toasted Coconut Butter Cups
- Dark Chocolate Coconut Almond Butter

Chocolate Ganache Tarts with Coconut Macaroon Crust (GF + Paleo)
Ingredients
For the coconut crust
- 2 egg whites, room temperature
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups shredded coconut
For the chocolate filling
- 1 cup canned coconut milk or coconut cream
- 10 oz. dark chocolate, chopped
- ¼ cup flaked coconut, toasted, to garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F. Lightly grease 3 mini tart pans or one larger (8” to 10″) tart pan.
- In a stand mixer or bowl and electric mixer, whip egg whites and salt until stiff peaks form. Add in the honey and vanilla extract, and then fold in the coconut until completely combined.
- Press the coconut mixture into the tart pan(s), including on the sides of the pan. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown. Make the chocolate filling while the crust cools.
- Place the dark chocolate in a bowl. Microwave the canned coconut milk for 1 minute in a microwaveable bowl or measuring cup, or until bubbling. Pour over the dark chocolate. Let stand for 2 minutes; whisk until smooth.
- Divide the chocolate filling between the tart pans and shake gently to even the chocolate out. Garnish with toasted coconut. Let cool in the refrigerator for 2 hours before serving.


Yum! These look amazing! I can’t believe they are Paleo! SO happy I found your blog!
5am??? I can’t even imagine waking up that early so kudos to you Rachel! lol! Seriously thou’, you had me at dark chocolate with this recipe and so happy you woke up early to make them. I love coconut macaroons and it’s genius using them as a crust. My Hubby dislikes coconut so the great news is, when I make these, they are all mine!!! Yay me! :)
My roommate isn’t a big coconut fan either, so I got devour most of these myself too :) thanks for the love, Karrie!
Mmm those look delicious! Chocolate coconut is such a great flavor combo, I imagine it works great in here :)
You didn’t say it was Vegan or VEGETARIAN.
Hi Anne, because of the egg whites, this recipe is not vegan. It is vegetarian though!
these tarts are BEAUTIFUL!!!! I cannot believe that they’re paleo!
I will be making this dessert on friday, i bought bakers chocloate for the ganache to go with the coconut milk. Do you think it will be sweet enough? It was hard to find a chocolate with no other ingrediants in my town.
Thanks
Hi Bobby. By bakers chocolate, do you mean unsweetened? If so, the filling will definitely be much too bitter without any other sweetener. I would add maple syrup or honey about a tablespoon at a time, tasting it, until you reach your desired sweetness. Hope this helps. Enjoy!
Thanks so much, i will try the honey, what type of chocolate do u suggest for the next time i make it, i’ m sure i will make it more than once.
Hi Bobbi! I like to use a chocolate that’s around 60-70% cocoa – it depends how dark you like your chocolate.
These were so good! I’m on the hunt for some healthy-ish treats I can send to school with my kiddos when they have to bring snacks. They have to be nut free. While my daughter didn’t like the coconut in these, my son and I thought they were awesome! And super easy to make. Thanks for the great recipes. I’ve already spied quite a few that I need to try out!
I’m so glad you liked them, Aly! Hope you find some more recipes you like :) thanks for sharing how they turned out for you.
This looks amazing! But is there a sub for the coconut cream?
Hi Mindy, thanks! Sure – you can sub in heavy cream for the coconut cream.
Thank you for your response! Is the dark chocolate sweetened or unsweetened?
Hi Mindy, I use about a 60 or 70% dark chocolate, so it’s lightly sweetened – I wouldn’t recommend unsweetened. It would be far too bitter!
This was so delicious! I’ll be making this again. I filled the extra coconut crust with home made lemon curd, topped with frozen raspberries. Divine.
Your lemon curd twist sounds incredible – I’ll have to try that! So glad you enjoyed the recipe.
Made this twice…Yummy!! but the “crust” isnt thick enough to stup on the sides. Any suggestions? Still great as bars!
Sorry for the trouble Kaye – that hasn’t happened to me! Are you using finely shredded coconut?