Craving a dessert that’s indulgent yet healthy? These key lime tartlets are the perfect treat. With all the tangy, creamy goodness of a classic key lime pie packed into bite-size portions, this recipe is a delightful way to satisfy your sweet tooth.
It’s also completely plant-based and made with wholesome ingredients, so you can enjoy it guilt-free.
Why This Healthy Recipe Is a Must-Try
These key lime tartlets are a showcase of how healthy food can be both delicious and satisfying. The crust is a combination of raw almonds, pecans, shredded coconut, and dates.
This mix delivers a naturally sweet, crunchy base that complements the creamy lime filling perfectly,
STOP BUYING GREENS: This Machine Grows $1000s Worth Automatically
✓ Set It & Forget It: Fully Automated Growing
✓ From Seed to Harvest in Days - No Experience Needed
✓ Grow Premium Microgreens Worth $50/lb Year-Round
Note: This is an affiliate link and we may earn a small commission if you purchase at no additional cost. This helps keep our website free to use.
Speaking of the filling, it’s made with soaked cashews, fresh lime juice, coconut oil, and a touch of maple syrup. The result? A silky, tangy center that’s bursting with flavor.
What makes these tartlets so special is their versatility. They’re naturally gluten-free, vegan, and free of processed sugar, making them suitable for a variety of diets.
Each bite offers a burst of flavor and texture that feels indulgent but is actually packed with nutrients.
Tips for Perfect Tartlets Every Time
- Fresh Limes Are Key: Freshly squeezed lime juice makes all the difference. It provides a vibrant and tangy flavor that enhances the filling. If you can find key limes, even better!
- Don’t Over-Process the Crust: When blending the crust ingredients, be careful not to over-process them. The goal is to achieve a slightly textured mixture that holds together but isn’t overly sticky.
- Chill for the Right Consistency: Allow the tartlets to chill for at least two hours before serving. This step helps the filling set properly and enhances the overall texture.
By following these tips, you’ll ensure your tartlets turn out perfectly every time.
Easy Substitutions for Any Diet
This recipe is already packed with wholesome, plant-based ingredients, but there’s always room for customization:
- Nut-Free Option: Swap out the almonds and pecans in the crust for sunflower seeds or oats to make it nut-free.
- Lower Sugar: Reduce the maple syrup or replace it with a sugar-free alternative like stevia or monk fruit.
- Allergen-Free Crust: Use gluten-free oats instead of nuts for an allergen-friendly option that’s still delicious.
With these simple adjustments, you can make this recipe fit your specific dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.
Serving Ideas & Storage Tips
These tartlets are best served chilled, making them a refreshing treat. For a little extra flair, garnish each one with whipped coconut cream and a sprinkle of lime zest.
This adds a pop of color and makes them look as good as they taste.
To store, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. They’re also freezer-friendly, so you can make a batch ahead of time and enjoy them anytime. Just thaw them in the fridge for a few hours before serving,
Why You’ll Fall in Love with These Tartlets
The combination of a nutty, crunchy crust and a creamy, tangy filling makes these tartlets a standout dessert. They’re fun to eat, easy to share, and packed with wholesome ingredients.
Every bite is a reminder that indulgence and wellness can go hand in hand. Make them today and enjoy a dessert that’s as good for your body as it is for your taste buds.
Healthy Key Lime Tartlets Recipe
Equipment
- 12-cavity mini tart pan or muffin pan with liners
- food processor
Ingredients
Crust:
- 1 cup raw almonds
- 1 cup raw pecans
- 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 4 Medjool dates pitted
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1/2 tablespoon melted coconut oil
Filling:
- 1 1/2 cups raw cashews soaked overnight and drained
- Zest and juice of 4–5 key limes about 2 1/2 tablespoons zest + 1/2 cup juice
- 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Whipped cream optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Blend the Crust Ingredients: Combine the almonds, pecans, shredded coconut, dates, maple syrup, and melted coconut oil in a food processor. Process the ingredients until they form a coarse, sticky mixture with small bits of texture. Be careful not to over-blend, as it may turn into a paste.
- Form the Crust: Press the prepared mixture into the cavities of a 12-cavity mini tart pan or a muffin pan lined with liners. Use your fingers to flatten the crust on the base and press it slightly up the sides to shape the tartlet shells.
- Prepare the Filling: After rinsing the food processor, blend the soaked cashews, lime zest, lime juice, coconut oil, maple syrup, water, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This should take about 2–3 minutes. Scrape down the sides as needed to ensure an even consistency.
- Assemble and Chill: Spoon the filling into the prepared crusts, spreading it evenly. Smooth the tops with the back of a spoon or spatula. Refrigerate the tartlets for about 2 hours, or until the filling is firm.
- Garnish and Serve: Top the tartlets with a sprinkle of lime zest before serving. For an optional touch, add a dollop of whipped cream on top for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
Nutrition
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.