Celebrate the season with a festive treat that embodies the holiday spirit in every bite: Raw Vegan Mini Eggnog Tarts with Gingerbread Crust. These delectable tarts perfectly blend the warmth of cozy gingerbread with the nostalgic taste of eggnog. Quick to prepare, these raw vegan tarts are sure to be a crowd-pleaser no matter where you take them!

Find the full recipe and the health benefits of key ingredients like cashews and oats below. Infuse your festive dessert spread with both deliciousness and nutrition this season. Don’t miss out on this delightful and healthful holiday treat!

Raw Vegan Mini Eggnog Tarts with Gingerbread Crust

Raw | Vegan | Gluten-free

Prep time: 20 minutes | Chill time: 2 hours | Serving size: 24 mini tarts

Raw Vegan Gingerbread Crust

• 1 cup oats
• 1 cup raw cashews
• 1 tsp ginger powder
• ¼ tsp cinnamon
• 1/8 tsp nutmeg
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 3 tbsp maple syrup
• 3 tbsp coconut oil, melted
• 1 tbsp molasses
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Raw Vegan Mini Eggnog Tarts Filling

• 1 cup raw cashew, soaked and drained
• 3 tbsp coconut oil, melted
• 3 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp nutmeg
• ¼ tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp salt

Garnish

• Vegan whip cream

Directions

1. Make the Raw Vegan Gingerbread Crust by placing all of the oats, 1 cup raw cashews, ginger powder, ¼ tsp cinnamon, 1/8 tsp nutmeg and 1/8 tsp salt in a food processor and blend until smooth. Add 3 tbsp maple syrup, 3 tbsp melted coconut oil, molasses and ½ tsp vanilla extract and blend until smooth.
2. Press the Raw Vegan Gingerbread Crust mixture into the bottom of 24 mini baking cups with damp fingers (it is very sticky!) and freeze until the filling is ready.
3. Make the Raw Vegan Mini Eggnog Tart Filling by placing all of the filling ingredients into a food processor and blend until smooth.
4. Remove the chilled crust from the freezer and evenly divide the filling among the tarts. Place back in the freezer and chill for 2 hours to set.
5. Enjoy straight out of the freezer or place the tarts in the fridge for 30 minutes to soften. I like to garnish the tarts with vegan whip cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg. 

Health Benefits of Cashews

As vegan and plant-based products have become more mainstream, cashews seem to be showing up everywhere in the raw vegan culinary world. They’re having their moment, and it’s well-deserved! These versatile nuts, with their subtle flavour and extraordinary ability to transform into silky, creamy goodness, are gaining recognition as a superstar health food. Obviously, they were the natural choice for the base of these Raw Vegan Mini Eggnog Tarts.

Firstly, cashews are filled with vitamins and minerals and are packed with healthy fats and protein, making them a fantastic addition to any dessert recipe.  In general, many vegan dessert fillings rely on starches, which can leave you wanting in the nutrition department. But with cashews as your secret ingredient, you’ll be able to satisfy those cravings for something sweet with a nutritious and filling option!

Cashews are a rich source of Vitamin K, promoting bone health. Their high magnesium content plays a vital role in supporting your nerves and muscles. The selenium you’ll find in cashews acts as a guardian for your precious DNA, and the iron keeps your circulatory system functioning at its best. You can feel great indulging in your favourite flavours when you know that dessert also packs a nutritional punch!

Health Benefits of Oats

Oats play a leading role in the crust of this recipe, so I think they deserve a spotlight. Though oats aren’t just a classic baking staple; they offer impressive health benefits too.

One of the key health benefits of oats is their ability to support heart health. They are an excellent source of dietary fibre, which helps remove excess cholesterol from the body, preventing it from entering the bloodstream and clogging arteries. Oats also contain a special type of fibre called β-glucan, which has been shown in studies to further lower cholesterol levels, making them a heart-healthy choice.

Oats go beyond heart health though, they bring a wealth of nutritional goodness to any recipe. They contain unique compounds called progladins that help reduce inflammation, lower blood sugar levels, and improve overall skin health. Oats are also rich in selenium, a mineral known to decrease asthma symptoms, support the thyroid gland, and play a role in DNA repair. Additionally, oats provide essential nutrients like calcium and manganese, which contribute to the building and repair of healthy bones and connective tissue.

So, as you savour the nostalgic flavour of these Raw Vegan Mini Eggnog Tarts (with Gingerbread Crust might I add), remember that oats are not just a delicious addition; they are your healthful allies, promoting well-being and heart health in every bite. 

Get Your Team In The Holiday Spirit With My Elevated Gingerbread Cooking Class

Skip the typical gingerbread men and elevate your team’s holiday spirit with my Elevated Gingerbread Cooking Class! Designed for corporate teams, this festive experience will bring you together and infuse your office with a dash of holiday cheer. Learn to craft scrumptious Gingerbread Squares and choose between warming up with a cozy Gingerbread Hot Chocolate or spicing things up with a Gingerbread Hot Toddy Cocktail. As a special treat, every participant in my Holiday Cooking Classes or Lunch & Learns will receive my exclusive Healthy Holiday Desserts eBook. Inside, you’ll discover eight delectable holiday recipes that let you savour the season without the guilt. Share these treats with your loved ones, and they’ll be amazed by the delicious and healthy twist on classic holiday flavours. Join me for a heartwarming experience that celebrates the magic of the season, one gingerbread square at a time.

If your team is interested in making the most of the holidays this year, email me at info@jesselanewellness.com for more details on how you can set them up for a season of festive fun!

Healthy Holidays Dessert Roundup

Candy Cane Carob Bark

Embrace the holiday spirit with Candy Cane Carob Bark, a delightful treat that’s as festive as it is delicious. Let the Carob Bark melt in your mouth, and relish the satisfying peppermint crunch from the scattered candy cane pieces.

Oatmeal Eggnog Cookies

Capture the irresistible essence of the holidays with Oatmeal Eggnog Cookies. These soft, chewy delights are infused with the warm flavour of nutmeg, making them a perfect match for eggnog enthusiasts. Plus, these vegan and gluten-free cookies bring that eggnog charm without any actual eggnog!

Easy Chocolate Peppermint Truffles

The holiday season can be chaotic, leaving little time for treat-making. That’s why I love having a selection of quick, fuss-free recipes in my back pocket. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up these chocolate peppermint truffles that taste just like my Grampy’s beloved holiday indulgence, After Eight Chocolates!

Vegan Gingerbread Cupcakes

Savour the holiday season with my Vegan Gingerbread Cupcakes, a delectable blend of moist sweetness, cozy warming of ginger, and a zesty orange twist. These cupcakes are crowned with Spiced Date Icing and a sprinkle of orange zest for an extra pop of colour!