A Vegan Tart Crust That’s Crisp and Buttery

The base of this tart is a beautifully textured vegan crust made with a mix of all-purpose flour and almond flour. The almond flour brings a subtle nuttiness and a more tender crumb, while the all-purpose flour provides structure. Powdered sugar adds just the right amount of sweetness and a melt-in-the-mouth texture, giving the tart shell a shortbread-like quality that complements the tangy filling.

Cold vegan butter ensures the crust bakes up flaky and rich. Once combined with a small amount of cold water, the dough is easy to work with and rolls out smoothly. After a brief chill in the refrigerator to rest and firm up, it’s pressed into a tart pan and blind baked to a perfect golden finish.

This crust is sturdy enough to hold both the custard and jelly layers without getting soggy, yet delicate enough to provide a crisp contrast to the creamy interior. It slices cleanly and offers the ideal foundation for the vibrant flavors above.

Silky Lemon Custard: Light, Zesty, and Plant-Based

At the heart of this tart is a luscious lemon custard that is as flavorful as it is smooth. Made with a plant-based milk such as soy or almond, it’s infused with fresh lemon juice, zest, and a touch of vanilla. Cornstarch thickens the custard as it gently simmers, creating a silky texture that holds beautifully once cooled.

The lemon custard is the star in both flavor and color. It’s bright, tangy, and slightly sweet—cutting through the richness of the crust with a refreshing burst of citrus. A pinch of turmeric can be added for a golden yellow hue, enhancing the visual appeal without altering the flavor.

This custard layer sets to a soft yet stable consistency that holds its shape when sliced, while remaining light and creamy on the tongue. It’s the perfect foil for the fruit-forward jelly topping that follows.

Raspberry Jelly Layer: A Jewel-Like Crown

Topping the custard is a glossy, jewel-toned layer of raspberry jelly made from whole raspberries, lemon juice, and just enough sugar to balance the tartness. After simmering the fruit and straining out the seeds, the smooth puree is set with agar agar, a vegan gelling agent derived from seaweed. The result is a clear, firm layer that slices cleanly and offers a luxurious mouthfeel.

The raspberry jelly provides a striking contrast to the lemon custard—not just in flavor but also in texture and appearance. Its deep ruby red color glows against the pale yellow of the custard and the golden crust, making this tart a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.

The tangy sweetness of the raspberries pairs perfectly with the citrusy custard, creating a complex flavor profile that’s light, bright, and well-rounded. The subtle acidity of both fruit components ensures the tart never feels too heavy or overly sweet.

Visual Elegance and Finishing Touches

What makes this tart truly special is its elegant presentation. The smooth custard and glossy jelly create a refined, polished surface that’s easily garnished for a final flourish. Fresh raspberries, lemon twists, or edible flowers add color, contrast, and a touch of natural beauty that elevates the entire dessert.

Thanks to the clean lines of the tart shell and the mirror-like finish of the jelly, the final product is sophisticated enough for formal occasions, yet simple enough to be enjoyed casually with tea or coffee. It’s a versatile showpiece that adds beauty to any dessert spread.

Perfect for Spring and Special Occasions

This tart is the embodiment of spring’s vibrant, fresh flavors. The use of lemon and raspberry—two quintessential spring ingredients—makes it ideal for seasonal celebrations like Easter, Mother’s Day, or outdoor brunches. It’s light and fruity enough to follow a heavy meal, but satisfying enough to stand on its own as the main dessert attraction.

Because it’s fully vegan, it’s also a dessert that includes everyone at the table, regardless of dietary preference. Whether your guests are plant-based eaters or just lovers of good food, this tart is sure to impress with its flavor, texture, and stunning presentation.

Make-Ahead and Easy to Serve

One of the best features of this tart is its make-ahead convenience. The crust can be baked in advance, and both the lemon custard and jelly layers benefit from chilling time to fully set. Once assembled, the tart can rest in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight, making it perfect for preparing ahead of time for stress-free entertaining.

When ready to serve, the tart slices beautifully into clean portions. Each piece displays distinct layers of crust, custard, and jelly—making it just as lovely on the plate as it is in the pan.

This also makes it a great choice for potlucks, events, or even as a thoughtful homemade gift. Transporting it is easy, and it holds its shape remarkably well under refrigeration.

Light, Fresh, and Wholesome

Though it looks and tastes indulgent, this tart is surprisingly light and balanced in terms of nutrition. With approximately 270 calories per slice, it’s a treat that can be enjoyed without guilt. The plant-based ingredients reduce saturated fat and cholesterol, while the use of almond flour adds a dose of healthy fats and a subtle nuttiness.

The lemon and raspberries are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, contributing not just flavor but also nutritional value. Plus, the relatively low sugar content—especially when compared to traditional custard tarts—means it’s sweet without being overwhelming.

This combination of wholesome ingredients and vibrant flavor makes the tart feel nourishing as well as indulgent—a rare and wonderful quality in a dessert.

Conclusion

Spring Tart with Lemon Custard and Raspberry Jelly is a celebration of color, flavor, and seasonal freshness. Its vegan components come together seamlessly to create a dessert that is both elegant and satisfying—light enough for a spring afternoon, yet sophisticated enough for a holiday spread.

With its crisp almond-infused crust, silky citrus custard, and jewel-like raspberry jelly, each slice delivers a delightful contrast of textures and tastes. It’s easy to prepare ahead, beautiful to present, and endlessly customizable for any gathering or event.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegan baker or just exploring plant-based desserts, this tart is guaranteed to become a new favorite—one that dazzles guests and delights the senses every time it’s served.