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Vegan Gingerbread Chocolate Tart Recipe

If you’re craving a dessert that’s both festive and indulgent, let me introduce you to this fan-freaking-tastic Vegan Gingerbread Chocolate Tart Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of cozy gingerbread spices and decadent chocolate ganache, all wrapped up in a crisp, buttery vegan crust. When I first tried this, I was blown away by how rich and comforting it felt, without any dairy or eggs. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll want to make it your go-to celebration treat.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Rich Flavor Combination: The warm gingerbread spices perfectly complement the deep, smooth chocolate filling.
  • Vegan and Allergy-Friendly: Made without dairy or eggs, and easy to adjust for gluten-free needs.
  • Textural Contrast: Crisp crust meets creamy ganache, plus crunchy cookie and juicy pomegranate toppings.
  • Make-Ahead Ease: You can prepare it a day in advance, making your holiday hosting so much smoother.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Vegan Gingerbread Chocolate Tart Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each plays a crucial role — from the molasses giving that authentic spiced-depth in the crust to the luscious coconut cream creating a silky ganache that sets just right.

Flat lay of plain flour in a small mound, a block of vegan butter with a smooth creamy texture, a small white ceramic bowl filled with thick dark molasses, a small white bowl holding ground ginger powder, a small white bowl with ground cinnamon, a small white bowl containing allspice powder, a small white bowl with ground nutmeg, a tiny pile of coarse sea salt crystals, a few strands of bright orange zest, chunks of dark chocolate neatly arranged, a small white bowl filled with thick coconut cream, a small white bowl of pure maple syrup, a small white bowl with fresh pomegranate seeds, a small sprig of fresh rosemary, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Vegan Gingerbread Chocolate Tart, gingerbread chocolate tart, vegan holiday desserts, dairy-free chocolate tart, festive vegan desserts
  • Plain flour: Use gluten-free all-purpose flour if needed to keep this tart inclusive.
  • Vegan butter: Block-style works best to create a tender, flaky crust; I love Violife for its great texture.
  • Molasses: Gives that classic gingerbread richness—swap half with maple syrup if you prefer a milder flavor.
  • Ground ginger, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg: These spices bring the cozy warmth that makes this tart truly festive.
  • Sea salt: A pinch balances sweetness and enhances the chocolate.
  • Orange zest (optional): Adds a lovely bright note to the crust—don’t skip it if you like a citrus twist.
  • Dark chocolate: The amount you use here controls the filling texture; more chocolate = firmer set, less = softer, almost mousse-like.
  • Coconut cream: The thick, creamy fat from canned coconut milk gives this filling its silky texture.
  • Pure maple syrup: Natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with the deep molasses notes and chocolate.
  • Vegan gingerbread cookies and pomegranate seeds (optional toppings): These elevate the tart to a show-stopper dessert.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how customizable this Vegan Gingerbread Chocolate Tart Recipe is! I’ve tried different nuances depending on the occasion and who’s coming over. Feel free to tweak it based on your pantry or mood—you really can’t go wrong.

  • Chocolate Type Swap: I’ve experimented with vegan milk chocolate for a sweeter, creamier filling, and it’s a hit with kids.
  • Add Nuts: Toasted pecans or walnuts in the crust add a lovely crunch and depth—my family goes crazy for this twist.
  • Spice Adjustments: Sometimes I bump up the ginger and cinnamon for a bolder spice profile, perfect for cold winter evenings.
  • Crust Shortcut: For busy days, I use the quick crust method by pressing dough straight into the pan—still delicious, though less flaky.

How to Make Vegan Gingerbread Chocolate Tart Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Tart Tin

First things first, preheat your oven to 160°C fan-forced (320°F) or 180°C conventional (356°F). Lightly grease your 9-inch round tart tin and dust it with flour to prevent sticking. If you want, line the base with parchment paper for an easy release later on. Trust me—this little step saves so much hassle when it’s time to serve.

Step 2: Make and Chill the Dough

Pop the flour, vegan butter, molasses, spices, and salt into your food processor. Give it a few quick pulses until it all clumps together into a rough dough. Don’t overprocess—you’re aiming for a loose dough that you can press into a ball. Flatten it into a disc, wrap it up, and chuck it in the fridge for 30 minutes. This chill time helps the dough relax and makes it way easier to roll out.

Step 3: Roll Out and Bake the Crust

Once chilled, roll your dough out so it’s about an inch larger than your tart tin’s diameter. Here’s where some gentle hands come in handy—I like to fold the dough over the rolling pin, then carefully drape it over my tin. Ease it into the edges without stretching. Trim the excess, leaving the edges a bit higher—this little lift makes your tart look darling.

Then, use a fork to prick the bottom, so it doesn’t puff up during baking. Cover the tart with parchment and fill with baking beans or dried rice to weigh it down. Parbake for 12 minutes, remove the beans, and pop it back in for another 10-12 minutes until it’s golden and crisp. This method is my secret for a perfectly thin, crunchy crust that doesn’t get soggy.

Step 4: Whip Up the Chocolate Gingerbread Filling

Chop your dark chocolate finely and place it in a heatproof bowl. Gently warm the coconut cream on the stove until it’s just simmering (avoid boiling). Pour the hot coconut cream over the chocolate and let it sit for 5 minutes—you’ll see it start to melt slowly.

Whisk the mixture until silky smooth, then stir in the maple syrup, molasses, ground ginger, and a pinch of salt. This silky ganache captures that perfect balance of spicy and sweet you want in a vegan gingerbread chocolate tart.

Step 5: Set and Garnish

Pour the ganache into your cooled tart shell, then give the pan a gentle tap on your counter to release any trapped air bubbles. Let it cool on the counter for about 10 minutes before moving the whole tart to the fridge to set—4 hours is ideal, but overnight is even better if you’ve got the time.

Once set, delicately remove the tart from the tin and place it on a pretty platter. Top it with a handful of vegan gingerbread cookies and sprinkle on some pomegranate seeds for a festive pop of color and texture. If you’re feeling fancy, a sprig of fresh rosemary adds a lovely aromatic touch.

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Pro Tips for Making Vegan Gingerbread Chocolate Tart Recipe

  • Keep Ingredients Cold: I’ve found that working with chilled vegan butter and cold dough keeps the crust flaky instead of tough.
  • Chop Chocolate Finely: Smaller pieces melt more evenly in the hot coconut cream, preventing any graininess in your ganache.
  • Don’t Skip Parbaking: It makes all the difference in getting that crisp, non-soggy crust texture that I adore.
  • Slow Cooling: Cooling the tart gently at room temp before refrigeration stops cracks forming on the ganache surface.

How to Serve Vegan Gingerbread Chocolate Tart Recipe

A slice of rich, smooth dark chocolate tart with a crumbly golden crust at the bottom, topped with a gingerbread cookie shaped like a man with white icing details and a white star-shaped cookie also decorated with white icing. There are small red pomegranate seeds, a brown star anise, green rosemary sprigs, and tiny gold flakes scattered on top. The tart is placed on a white plate set on a white marbled surface. Some red juice spots are near the tart, and a piece of the tart is on a silver spoon close by. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Vegan Gingerbread Chocolate Tart, gingerbread chocolate tart, vegan holiday desserts, dairy-free chocolate tart, festive vegan desserts

Garnishes

I love topping this tart with homemade vegan gingerbread cookies—adds a nostalgic crunch and gorgeous height. Pomegranate seeds are my favorite because they bring a juicy burst that cuts through the richness. Fresh rosemary sprigs add a festive, earthy aroma and look stunning on the serving plate.

Side Dishes

Pair this rich tart with a crisp green salad for a fun contrast if you’re serving as part of a holiday meal. For drinks, a warm spiced chai, hot cocoa, or even a robust coffee blends beautifully with the tart’s flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to plate individual tart slices with a drizzle of vegan caramel sauce and a sprig of mint. Or try serving mini versions in tartlet tins topped with crushed gingerbread cookies and a dusting of cinnamon sugar for a crowd-pleasing display.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I typically keep leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. Keeping it chilled seals in the ganache’s silky texture. Just be sure to bring it to room temperature before serving to fully enjoy the flavors.

Freezing

You can freeze this tart whole or in slices—just wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil. When thawing, pop it in the fridge overnight to preserve texture. I’ve found ganache keeps beautifully after freezing without separation.

Reheating

Instead of microwaving, I prefer letting slices sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes to soften the ganache naturally. If you’re in a rush, a quick 10-second zap in the microwave works, but watch closely to avoid melting the crust.

FAQs

  1. Can I make this Vegan Gingerbread Chocolate Tart Recipe gluten-free?

    Absolutely! Just swap the plain flour for a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that’s suitable for baking. Make sure your vegan butter and other ingredients are also gluten-free to keep it safe for sensitive diets. The texture might be slightly different but still delicious.

  2. What type of chocolate works best in this recipe?

    I recommend using a good-quality dark vegan chocolate with at least 70% cocoa. This yields a rich, balanced flavor. You can experiment with vegan milk chocolate for a sweeter, creamier ganache but expect a softer set.

  3. Can I make the crust without molasses?

    If you don’t have molasses, you can replace it with pure maple syrup or even brown sugar for a different but still tasty flavor. Just keep in mind molasses gives that classic deep gingerbread taste.

  4. How long does it take to set the tart?

    The chocolate ganache needs at least four hours in the fridge to fully set, but overnight chilling gives the best texture and flavor development. Plan ahead when you can!

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Gingerbread Chocolate Tart Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen during holiday seasons. It’s the kind of dessert that sparks joy with every bite—rich yet comforting, familiar yet fresh. I love sharing it with friends and family, knowing it’s a treat everyone can enjoy, no matter their diet. So don’t hesitate—grab your apron and make this tart your next show-stopping dessert. You’ll be glad you did!

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Vegan Gingerbread Chocolate Tart Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 77 reviews
  • Author: Bertha
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 24 minutes
  • Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Vegan
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

This Vegan Gingerbread Chocolate Tart combines a crisp, spiced gingerbread crust with a smooth, rich dark chocolate and coconut cream ganache filling. Perfect for holiday gatherings or any special occasion, this dairy-free and vegan dessert is beautifully topped with crunchy vegan gingerbread cookies and optional pomegranate seeds for a burst of freshness.


Ingredients

Crust

  • 150 g (1 ¼ cups) plain flour (use gluten-free all-purpose flour if required)
  • 100 g (3.5 oz) vegan butter, block style (use nut-free brand if needed, e.g. Violife)
  • 60 g (3 tablespoons) molasses (or half molasses and half maple syrup for subtler flavor)
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon allspice
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon orange zest (optional)

Filling

  • 250 g (8.8 oz) dark chocolate (use 170 g for a softer, mousse-like consistency)
  • 350 g (12.4 oz) coconut cream (or chilled full-fat coconut milk cream)
  • 60 g (3 tablespoons) pure maple syrup
  • 20 g (1 tablespoon) molasses
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • Pinch sea salt

Toppings

  • ¼ batch vegan gingerbread cookies
  • 2 tablespoons pomegranate seeds (optional)


Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare tart tin: Preheat your oven to fan-forced 160°C/320°F or conventional 180°C/356°F. Lightly grease the base and sides of a 9″ round tart tin with oil or vegan butter and dust lightly with flour. Optionally, line the base with parchment paper.
  2. Mix and chill the dough: Combine flour, vegan butter, molasses, spices, and salt in a food processor. Blitz until the mixture forms a loose dough, then gather it into a ball and flatten into a disc. Wrap in clingfilm or place in an airtight container and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  3. Roll out the dough: Roll the chilled dough so it extends about an inch larger than your tart tin. Carefully lift and fit the dough into the tin, pressing gently to line the sides. Trim the edges to rise slightly above the tin’s sides and prick the base several times with a fork.
  4. Blind bake the crust: Cut parchment paper into a circle slightly larger than the tart shell, place over the dough, and fill with dried beans, rice, lentils, or baking beads. Bake for 12 minutes, then remove the weights and parchment paper. Return the tart shell to the oven and bake another 10-12 minutes until crisp and lightly browned.
  5. Prepare the filling: Finely chop the dark chocolate and place in a heatproof bowl. Heat coconut cream in a saucepan until it simmers (do not boil), then pour over the chocolate. Let sit for 5 minutes before whisking smooth. Stir in maple syrup, molasses, ground ginger, and a pinch of sea salt until fully combined.
  6. Fill and chill the tart: Pour the chocolate ganache into the baked tart shell, gently tap the tin to release air bubbles. Let it cool at room temperature for about 10 minutes, then transfer to the refrigerator to set for at least 4 hours or ideally overnight.
  7. Make the vegan gingerbread cookies: Prepare cookies as desired to garnish the tart.
  8. Garnish and serve: Once set, carefully remove the tart from the tin and place on a serving dish. Decorate with vegan gingerbread cookies, pomegranate seeds, and fresh rosemary if desired. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

  • Use vegan butter suitable for dietary needs, such as a nut-free brand like Violife.
  • Molasses can be replaced partially or entirely with maple syrup for a milder sweetness.
  • Adjust the amount of dark chocolate to change filling texture: 250g for more set but creamy, 170g for softer and mousse-like consistency.
  • Coconut cream can be substituted with chilled full-fat coconut milk cream from the top of cans.
  • For a quicker crust method, press dough directly into the tart tin, prick with a fork, bake for 12-16 minutes until golden, and cool before filling.
  • The pomegranate seeds and orange zest are optional but add freshness and a bright contrast to the rich tart.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of tart)
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 90 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg

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