This gluten-free, dairy-free, no-cook tart relies on dates and pecans for a sturdy crust, maple syrup for sweetness, and bananas and coconut for tropical flavors. The cashew “cream” is made by grinding cashews with water and vanilla-bean seeds. Soaking the nuts overnight in water ensures a puddinglike texture once they are ground. All in all, it makes an enticing dessert, even for those without food allergies or sensitivities.
Recipe information
Yield
Makes one 9-inch tart
Ingredients
For the Crust
For the Filling
Preparation
Step 1
Make the crust: In a food processor, pulse pecans and salt until nuts are coarsely chopped. Add dates; pulse until thoroughly combined, 15 to 20 seconds. Add syrup; pulse just until combined and mixture sticks together. Press nut mixture firmly and evenly into a 9-inch pie plate, wetting your fingers as needed.
Step 2
Make the filling: Grind drained cashews to a coarse paste in a blender. Add the water, syrup, and vanilla seeds; blend until smooth, about 5 minutes, scraping sides as needed. Mixture should reach the consistency of thick pancake batter. Set aside 2 tablespoons coconut; add remainder to blender, and process to combine. Pour into shell, spreading evenly.
Step 3
Thinly slice bananas on the diagonal; beginning at outer edge, arrange slices in slightly overlapping rows, working toward the center. Sprinkle evenly with reserved coconut; serve immediately.
