The best examples of vegan fruit tart ideas: 3 delicious recipes you’ll actually make

Let’s skip the theory and start with real examples. These three tarts cover different moods: classic bakery, rich and decadent, and bright and tropical. They’re the best examples of vegan fruit tart ideas: 3 delicious recipes you can rotate through all year.

Example of a classic vegan custard fruit tart (with vanilla bean & berries)

Think glossy fruit in perfect circles on top of silky vanilla cream and a crisp, buttery crust. This is the vegan answer to a French pâtisserie-style fruit tart.

Why this is a standout example of a vegan fruit tart

This tart shows how far plant-based baking has come. Instead of eggs, we use cornstarch and plant milk to build a thick, sliceable custard. Instead of butter, we lean on coconut oil or vegan butter for a flaky crust. It’s one of the best examples of how you can keep the structure and flavor of the original dessert while swapping every animal product.

Ingredients (9-inch tart pan)

Crust

• 1 1/2 cups (180 g) all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup (40 g) powdered sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
• 1/2 cup (110 g) cold vegan butter or refined coconut oil, cubed
• 2–3 tablespoons ice-cold water

Vanilla custard filling

• 2 cups (480 ml) unsweetened oat or soy milk
• 1/3 cup (70 g) sugar
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons vegan butter
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract (or 1 vanilla bean, scraped)
• Pinch of turmeric for color (optional)

Fruit topping
Pick 3–4 fruits for color and texture contrast. Examples include:

• Sliced strawberries
• Blueberries
• Kiwi rounds
• Raspberries
• Thin mango slices

Step-by-step: crust

1. Stir together flour, powdered sugar, and salt in a bowl.
2. Cut in the cold vegan butter or coconut oil with a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
3. Add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, just until the dough holds together when pressed.
4. Press the dough evenly into the bottom and sides of a 9-inch tart pan. Dock the base with a fork.
5. Chill 20–30 minutes, then bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18–22 minutes, until lightly golden. Cool completely.

Step-by-step: custard & assembly

1. In a saucepan, whisk sugar and cornstarch. Slowly add plant milk, whisking to avoid lumps.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thick bubbles form and the mixture coats the back of a spoon.
3. Take off the heat. Stir in vegan butter, vanilla, and a pinch of turmeric if you want a deeper yellow color.
4. Pour the warm custard into the cooled crust. Smooth the top. Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent a skin.
5. Chill at least 2 hours until fully set.
6. Just before serving, arrange fruit on top in circles or sections. If you want a glossy finish, warm a spoonful of apricot jam with a splash of water and gently brush over the fruit.

This is the example of a vegan fruit tart I recommend when you want something showy for a birthday or dinner party. It slices cleanly, looks dramatic, and nobody misses the dairy.

No-bake chocolate ganache & mixed berry tart: another example of vegan fruit tart ideas

When it’s 90°F outside and turning on the oven feels wrong, this no-bake tart saves the day. The crust is date-and-nut based; the filling is a dark chocolate ganache made with coconut milk. Fresh berries pile on top.

Why this recipe is one of the best examples

This recipe is a great example of vegan fruit tart ideas: 3 delicious recipes doesn’t have to mean three identical crusts and fillings. Here, every layer works without heat, and the texture is closer to a fancy chocolate truffle with fruit.

Ingredients (8–9 inch tart pan)

Crust

• 1 1/2 cups (180 g) raw almonds or walnuts
• 1 cup (150 g) soft Medjool dates, pitted
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• Pinch of salt

Chocolate filling

• 1 1/2 cups (255 g) dark chocolate chips (dairy-free, 60–70% cacao)
• 1 cup (240 ml) full-fat coconut milk from a can
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Topping examples include

• Raspberries
• Blackberries
• Blueberries
• Pitted cherries

Step-by-step: crust

1. In a food processor, pulse nuts until finely ground.
2. Add dates, cocoa powder, and salt. Blend until the mixture clumps together when pressed.
3. Press firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a tart pan. Chill while you make the filling.

Step-by-step: filling & assembly

1. Heat coconut milk in a small pot until just steaming, not boiling.
2. Pour over chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Let sit 2–3 minutes, then whisk until smooth.
3. Stir in vanilla and salt.
4. Pour the ganache into the chilled crust. Tap gently to release air bubbles.
5. Chill at least 2 hours, or until set and sliceable.
6. Top generously with mixed berries right before serving.

For anyone easing into plant-based baking, this is one of the best examples of a vegan fruit tart that feels luxurious but is almost impossible to mess up. It also leans into the 2024 trend of lower-oven, energy-saving desserts as more home cooks look for no-bake and minimal-bake recipes.

If you’re watching added sugars, you can reduce the chocolate chips slightly and rely more on the natural sweetness of the dates and fruit. For general guidance on added sugars and health, you can check current information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Tropical coconut-lime tart with mango & pineapple: a sunny example of vegan fruit tart ideas

This tart is what happens when a fruit salad goes on vacation. Coconut, lime, mango, pineapple, and kiwi come together in a bright, refreshing dessert that’s perfect for summer barbecues or winter days when you need something sunny.

What makes this a standout example of a vegan fruit tart

Here, the filling is coconut yogurt and coconut cream set with a little cornstarch, which fits the current plant-based trend toward probiotic-rich, yogurt-based desserts. It’s also a fantastic example of how you can make vegan fruit tarts feel lighter and more refreshing compared to heavy cream pies.

Ingredients (9-inch tart pan)

Crust (press-in, lightly baked)

• 1 1/4 cups (150 g) graham cracker crumbs (check they’re vegan)
• 1/2 cup (45 g) unsweetened shredded coconut
• 1/4 cup (50 g) sugar or coconut sugar
• 5 tablespoons melted vegan butter or coconut oil

Coconut-lime filling

• 1 cup (240 ml) thick coconut yogurt
• 1 cup (240 ml) coconut cream (scoop the thick part from a chilled can)
• 1/3 cup (70 g) sugar or maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• Zest of 2 limes
• 2–3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Tropical fruit topping examples include

• Sliced mango
• Pineapple tidbits
• Kiwi slices
• Passion fruit pulp (if available)
• Toasted coconut flakes

Step-by-step: crust

1. Stir graham crumbs, shredded coconut, and sugar in a bowl.
2. Add melted vegan butter or coconut oil and mix until everything is evenly moistened.
3. Press firmly into the tart pan. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes, just until lightly golden. Cool.

Step-by-step: filling & assembly

1. In a saucepan, whisk coconut yogurt, coconut cream, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thick and gently bubbling.
3. Remove from heat and stir in lime zest, lime juice, and vanilla.
4. Pour into the cooled crust and smooth the top.
5. Chill at least 3 hours, or overnight, until fully set.
6. Top with ribbons of mango, chunks of pineapple, kiwi slices, and a sprinkle of toasted coconut.

This tart is one of my favorite examples of vegan fruit tart ideas: 3 delicious recipes doesn’t have to mean three heavy, wintery desserts. It’s bright, tangy, and just rich enough.

More examples of vegan fruit tart ideas you can mix and match

Once you’ve tried these three recipes, you can start building your own combinations. Some real examples of flavor ideas home bakers are loving in 2024–2025:

• Peach & basil tart with a shortbread crust and cashew cream filling
• Fig, walnut & orange tart for late summer and early fall
• Apple-pear spiced tart with a cinnamon-oat crust
• Grapefruit & blood orange tart using a lightly sweetened tofu–citrus filling
• Strawberry–rhubarb tart with almond cream and a simple glaze
• Plum & cardamom tart with a coconut sugar crust

These are all real examples of vegan fruit tart ideas: 3 delicious recipes can be your foundation, but there’s no reason to stop at three once you’re comfortable with the basic formulas.

Basic formula for building your own vegan fruit tart

Think of each tart as three building blocks:

• Crust – cookie crumb, nut-date, or classic pastry
• Creamy layer – custard, ganache, yogurt blend, or cashew cream
• Fruit – fresh, roasted, macerated, or lightly glazed

If you keep that structure in mind, it becomes very easy to create a new example of a vegan fruit tart every time you have different fruit in the fridge.

For guidance on general plant-based eating patterns and health, resources like the National Institutes of Health and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health offer research-backed overviews.

FAQ: real examples of vegan fruit tart questions

What are some easy examples of vegan fruit tart ideas for beginners?

Start with a no-bake nut-and-date crust, a simple coconut milk chocolate ganache, and fresh berries on top. Or try a store-bought vegan pie crust filled with vanilla oat-milk pudding and sliced strawberries. These are gentle entry points and perfect examples of vegan fruit tart ideas: 3 delicious recipes in this guide will give you a strong starting lineup.

Can I make a gluten-free example of a vegan fruit tart?

Yes. Swap the flour crust for a nut-and-date crust or use certified gluten-free oats and nuts ground together with dates. Many of the best examples of vegan fruit tart ideas work beautifully with gluten-free bases because the structure comes from nuts and sticky dates instead of wheat.

What fruits work best for vegan tarts?

Firmer fruits that slice well and don’t release too much liquid are ideal. Examples include berries, kiwi, mango, peaches, nectarines, grapes, figs, and thinly sliced apples or pears. For juicier fruits like oranges or pineapple, pat them dry before topping your tart.

How far in advance can I make these examples of vegan fruit tart ideas: 3 delicious recipes?

You can usually make the crust and filling 1 day ahead and add the fruit the day you serve. The custard and chocolate tarts keep well for about 2–3 days in the fridge. The tropical tart is best within 24 hours once topped, because the fruit can soften.

Is vegan custard safe to eat for people avoiding eggs and dairy?

Vegan custard is typically made from plant milk, starch, and flavorings, so it contains no eggs or dairy. For people with allergies, always double-check labels on plant milks and vegan butters. For broader information on food allergies and intolerances, sites like Mayo Clinic and NIH offer detailed guidance.

Bringing it all together

These three recipes are some of the best examples of vegan fruit tart ideas: 3 delicious recipes that cover different skill levels, seasons, and cravings. You’ve got:

• A classic custard fruit tart for celebrations
• A no-bake chocolate–berry tart for hot days and last-minute desserts
• A tropical coconut-lime tart that feels light and bright

From here, use them as templates. Swap the fruit, change the crust, play with spices, and keep creating new examples of vegan fruit tart ideas that match whatever’s in season and whatever you’re in the mood to eat.