These Lemon Coconut Tarts are an indulgent treat made with wholesome, all-natural ingredients, along with our incredible Lifeway Kefir to offer you a boost of probiotics for great gut health and more benefits, too. The tropical citrus and coconut flavors in the rich filling melt in your mouth while the crust gives each bite a satisfying crunch made with no highly processed flours of any kind. The ingredients include raw cashews for heart-healthy fats and plant-based protein along with almonds and dates, which both offer antioxidants, magnesium, and B vitamins to protect cells in the body from oxidative stress and inflammation.
For a beautiful presentation, each tart is garnished with a slice of grapefruit (or a slice of orange for a variety of bright colors) to also provide vitamin C and potassium, along with fiber. A sprinkling of sesame seeds finishes things off and offers a boost of healthy fats, and some extra protein too. You’re going to want to keep this recipe on hand for holidays, get-togethers, or just for a fun weekend treat!
Cultured Dairy: The Nutrition Benefits You Actually Need to Know
With increasing research linking the correlation between probiotics, gut health, and immunity, it’s no secret that the integrity of our gut is vital to our health. Although additional factors such as stress, antibiotic usage, and individual health conditions can contribute to the condition of our gut, a focus on healthy food choices is one of the easiest ways to support the microbiome.
Several studies have shown a strong association between the gut-brain-microbiota. Probiotics introduced to the gut have been found to support immunity, improve allergies, and improve digestion.
Studies have shown that reduced diversity of healthy gut bacteria during early years is associated with an increase in food allergies during school-age years. In addition, kefir made from whole fat milk helps absorb key nutrients such as Vitamins A, D, E, and K. Vitamin K is important because it helps your bones absorb calcium. It’s important to know that kefir contains a special trio: vitamin D, K, and calcium – all three crucial elements to support bone health. Our Farmer Cheese is also a great source of all these nutrients, just in a different format for all the cheese lovers out there.
Servings: 5-6 servingsIngredients
Crust
- 1 cup raw almonds
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup pitted dates
- 1 tsp. extra-virgin coconut oil
- 1 tsp. lemon juice
- Pinch sea salt
Cream Filling:
- 1 cup Lemon Whole Milk Kefir
- 2 tbsp. extra-virgin coconut oil
- 1/4 cup raw coconut sugar
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 3/4 cup raw soaked cashews
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- Pinch sea salt
- Garnishes: Sliced orange and red grapefruit pieces; Black sesame seeds (You can use regular sesame seeds if you can not find these, or even raw pumpkin or sunflower seeds.)
Directions
- Prep: Before you get started, soak the raw cashews covered in boiling water. Cover with a towel/cloth for 45 minutes at room temp to help soften them for better results and to help achieve a creamier, softer texture. Drain and rinse well before use after 45 minutes.
- To make the crust: blend the almonds, oats, and salt into a flour texture in a food processor, then add the pitted dates, coconut oil, and lemon juice to process into a thick dough; it's fine if it's crumbly, but the mixture should hold its shape when pressing. Press the dough into the tart pans, making sure to press them down well enough so they hold together.
- To make the "cream" filling: Blend all ingredients until smooth. Adjust according to taste preferences; some may wish to add a pinch more salt or sugar. Pour evenly into the prepared tart crusts, and leave in the fridge to set overnight.
- Garnish with orange slices and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Enjoy!
