Last updated on September 15, 2024

This tart is a refreshingly scrumptious, not-as-guilty dessert. It is no-bake, gluten-free, refined-sugar free, and somehow delicious. It’s filled with healthy fats which help keep you satisfied for longer than sugary, carb-heavy desserts.

Crust

The crust is like a chewy Lara bar, made of dates, nuts, coconut and cocoa powder to make it dark and chocolatey.

Dark Chocolate Cream

Next, there is a smooth, dark chocolate layer spiked with vodka and Kahlua. You’d never guess the main ingredient for this “cream” is avocado.

Mascarpone Cream

The top layer is decadent and lightly sweetened mascarpone. Put the three layers together and you have yourself quite the treat!

A healthy dessert? Is it any good?

When I'm experimenting and trying new recipes in the "healthy" department (as defined by trying to limit refined-sugars or flours, using a vegetable or bean or something that doesn't normally go belong in desserts, or generally replacing healthier ingredients for less healthy ones) I look for the 3 different categories of reactions from my tasters:

1. The category of "This is honest deliciousness."  When people ask for a recipe or have no idea that there are chickpeas or spinach powder hidden in what they're eating. Something a normal or even picky eater would eat. 

2. The category of "It's good for a healthy dessert!"  So it's palatable and they're not gagging, but most would still take a slice of cheesecake over it. AKA, just not as good as it’s regular counterpart.

3. The category of "I would rather just eat a salad."  If actual fruits and vegetables are tastier than the “dessert” that is trying to be passed off, then that recipe should probably be scrapped.

This tart is a solid category 1.  Even my mom and brother approved this, and they keep me pretty honest when it comes to healthy desserts. 

I bounce back and forth between decadent desserts and healthier desserts. I have a love and respect for both, and each have their place. Some days it's honey, nuts, and coconut oil; other days it's sugar, heavy whipping cream, and butter. Variety is the spice of life. Today, it's dates, avocado, and mascarpone.

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White Russian Tart

Serves 8-12

Ingredients:

Chocolate Crust

• 1-1/2 cups / 210g whole almonds

• 2 Tbsp / 10g unsweetened shredded coconut

• 4-5 medjool or 8-10 / 100g deglet dates, pitted

• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 Tbsp / 7g unsweetened cocoa powder

• 1/4 tsp salt

Chocolate Vodka Cream

• 1/4 cup / 56g unrefined coconut oil, melted

• 1 Tbsp finely ground coffee beans

• 1 large ripe avocado, peeled, pit removed, and sliced

• 3 Tbsp / 20g unsweetened cocoa powder

• 1 tsp vodka

• 1 tsp rum or Kahlua (of course the Kahlua option adds sugar)

• 2 Tbsp / 40g+ maple syrup, or more to taste

Mascarpone Cream

• 8 oz / 225g mascarpone cheese

• 1 Tbsp / 20g maple syrup

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Directions:

Make the Chocolate Crust

1. In a food processor, combine almonds and coconut and pulse until small crumbles. 

2. Add dates, vanilla, cocoa powder, and salt.  Process until well combined. 

3. Press into the bottom of a 8 or 9 inch spring-form pan or pie plate.

Make the Chocolate Vodka Cream

1. Combine melted coconut oil, coffee, avocado, cocoa powder, vodka, Kahlua, and maple syrup in a food processor until smooth. Stop and scrape down sides and bottom occasionally. 

2. Spread over crust and place in freezer for about 30 minutes.

Make the Mascarpone Cream

1. Combine mascarpone, maple syrup, and vanilla in a small bowl.  Take the tart out of the freezer and spread mascarpone mixture over it. 

2. Place in fridge for about 2 hours before serving.   

Jenny's Notes:

• This tart is not very sweet and really lets the mascarpone shine through.  However, if you or your guests prefer things a little on the sweeter side, feel free to add more maple syrup in either of the creams. 

• Also, I like to use black cocoa powder in this recipe.  Black cocoa powder is what gives Oreos their signature black color.  (I didn't know the flavor of Oreo was supposed to be chocolate until I was an adult.)  If you can get your hands on it, it's really great. I usually order it from Amazon.