Easy Vegan Fruit Tart That Looks and Tastes Amazing

If you’re craving an elegant dessert that’s both vegan and stunning to look at, this vegan fruit tart is exactly what you need. It combines a buttery, flaky sweet tart crust, a luscious dairy-free custard, and rows of fresh, colorful fruit glazed with apricot jam for that perfect shiny finish.

Whether you’re making it for a summer gathering or a special event, it’s surprisingly simple to make, even if you’re new to baking. In this guide, I’ll walk you through every step with tips and tricks to ensure it turns out perfectly every time — no dairy, no eggs, just pure deliciousness.

Ingredients for Vegan Fruit Tart

Here’s what you’ll need to make this classic, yet 100% plant-based fruit tart. All these ingredients are easy to find at most supermarkets or health food stores.

How to Make a Vegan Fruit Tart Step-by-Step

1. Make the Sweet Tart Crust
   • Cream the vegan butter, sugar, and salt together until smooth and fluffy.
   • Add the applesauce and mix well.
   • Gradually add flour and mix until the dough just comes together; somewhat clumpy is okay.
   • Press the dough into a 9.5-inch tart pan, trim the edges, then freeze for 30 minutes to prevent shrinkage.
   • Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 23–26 minutes or until lightly golden.
   • Cool completely.
2. Prepare the Vegan Custard
   • Whisk oat milk and cornstarch in a saucepan until smooth.
   • Add sugar, heat over medium, whisking constantly until thickened and simmering, about 5 minutes.
   • Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
   • Pour custard into the cooled crust, cover with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the custard surface to avoid a skin forming.
   • Refrigerate for at least 2-4 hours or overnight.
3. Assemble the Tart
   • Gently remove the tart ring and place the tart on a serving plate.
   • Arrange sliced fresh fruit in rows or patterns atop the custard.
   • Warm apricot jam with a splash of water until smooth, strain if necessary.
   • Lightly brush the glaze over the fruit to give a shiny finish.
   • Chill until ready to serve, then slice and enjoy!

Baker’s Tips for Vegan Fruit Tart Success

• Prevent crust shrinkage: Freezing the raw tart crust before baking chills the fat and flour, helping it hold its shape instead of contracting in the oven.
• Avoid a soggy crust: Make sure the crust is fully cooled before pouring in the custard. Brushing a thin glaze of apricot jam on the crust before filling can also create a moisture barrier.
• Perfect custard texture: Whisk continuously while heating your custard to avoid lumps and to achieve a creamy thickness. Don’t overheat to prevent separation.
• Fruit selection: Choose firm but juicy fruits like berries, kiwi, and mango. Avoid high water-content fruits like melons or citrus that can cause the custard to water down.
• Glazing the fruit: The glaze not only adds shine but also seals the fruit, extending the tart’s freshness.
• Customization: Try adding a pinch of lemon zest or a splash of almond extract in the custard for extra flavor variation.

Following these tips will ensure your vegan fruit tart looks as good as it tastes!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

• Vegan Butter: Choose a high-quality vegan butter with a rich, creamy flavor; brands like Earth Balance or Miyoko’s work well to mimic traditional butter’s texture.
• Applesauce: Acts as a binder and adds moisture without eggs. Unsweetened is best to control sweetness.
• Flour: All-purpose flour works best for the crust to give that tender yet sturdy texture needed.
• Oat Milk: Provides creaminess and mild sweetness. Full-fat oat milk is preferred; alternatives like soy or cashew milk can be used but may slightly alter flavor or texture.
• Cornstarch: Thickens the custard smoothly; arrowroot or tapioca starch are excellent substitutes.
• Apricot Jam: For the glaze, preserves work better than jelly due to texture; alternatives include apple or red currant preserves, strained to remove chunks.

Experimenting with these ingredients lets you tweak the recipe to your pantry and taste preferences.

How to Store Your Vegan Fruit Tart

• Refrigeration: Once assembled, cover the tart loosely with plastic wrap or place in an airtight container and refrigerate. It stays fresh for up to 2-3 days.
• Avoid sogginess: Store the tart without the fruit topping if you plan to keep it longer; add fresh fruit just before serving.
• Freezing: You can freeze the baked crust before filling for up to 1 month. Wrap well in plastic and foil and thaw before use.
• Serving: Let refrigerated tart sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before slicing to enhance flavor and texture.

Proper storage keeps your vegan fruit tart tasting fresh and looking beautiful.

Frequently Asked Questions About Vegan Fruit Tarts

What fruits are best for a vegan fruit tart?

Soft but firm fruits that hold their shape and complement custard well work best: strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, kiwi, mango, nectarines, and peaches. Avoid watery fruits like melon or citrus, and fruits that brown fast like apples and bananas.

Can I make mini vegan fruit tarts?

Absolutely! Prepare the components the same way but divide and bake in small 4-inch tart pans for personal-sized tarts. Baking times may be reduced to 15-20 minutes.

Is it possible to make the crust gluten-free?

A gluten-free crust isn’t tested in this exact recipe, but you can try gluten-free flour blends or alternative crusts such as almond oat crusts from vegan cheesecake recipes.

Can I make the tart ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the crust, custard, and even glaze the fruit up to a day ahead. Keep refrigerated and assemble fruit fresh for best appearance.

How long does the tart last?

Eat within 2-3 days for peak freshness. After that, custard texture and fruit quality may decline.

More Vegan Desserts You’ll Love

If you enjoyed this vegan fruit tart, check out other elegant, plant-based desserts you can easily make:

• Vegan Creme Brulee with a caramelized sugar crust
• Vegan Pain au Chocolat featuring flaky, buttery layers
• Vegan Strawberry Cheesecake with a nutty crust

These recipes are perfect companions when you want to impress guests or treat yourself to dairy-free elegance.

Conclusion

This vegan fruit tart is a beautiful, delicious way to enjoy a timeless French dessert without dairy or eggs. With a flaky crust, creamy custard, and bright fresh fruit, it’s perfect for summer celebrations or anytime you want something special.

By following the step-by-step instructions and using the tips and substitutions shared, you can create a stunning, foolproof tart that everyone will rave about. Don’t be intimidated by making custard or baking a crust — this recipe breaks it down into simple steps designed for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike.

Treat yourself and your friends to a slice of vegan elegance today!