This no-bake Goji berry tart combines the flavors of goji berries, strawberries, and raspberries and is packed with antioxidants and tons of flavor. Plus, this recipe uses all-natural ingredients and is gluten-free, vegan, plant-based, and refined sugar-free!
If there is anything ‘type’ of food that I would have to say that I love almost unconditionally – that would have to be tarts. I mean, they are my ultimate ‘perfect’ dessert and that’s probably why I have a bazillion (okay, more like 10-15) different tart recipes on my blog. Joining them today is this superfood Goji berry tart.
Goji berries entered the health food scene with a band over this past decade and are now a standard addition to offerings in health food stores and health cafes. And yet, many have never used the fresh berries at home. So I thought I’d change that (hopefully).
This tart combines the tart flavor of goji berries with the sweet-tart flavors of strawberries and raspberries for a mixed berry tart that is both delicious and incredibly nutritious!
Plus this no-bake recipe is simple to make, versatile, and can be prepared in under 30 minutes (plus chilling time).
Also, let me know in the comments in there is a goji berry dessert that you’d be interested in me trying to make!
What Are Goji Berries?
Goji berries, also called wolfberries, are small bright red berries that look a little like very small Roma tomatoes. They have been eaten in China for thousands of years and grow in various regions across Asia, particularly in Tibet.
They have a sweet but tart/sour flavor, with slightly herbal/woody undertones. Many compare them to a cranberry mixed with a tomato. Though the fresh berries can be quite bitter too (this is helped when they are dried and is why I combine these with other berries).
in the west, are often sold in a ‘dried’ form, like raisins, or even powdered. However, if you look, you may find the fresh variety available to you too!
The Health Benefits
Goji berry health benefits are plentiful- They are a wonderful source of several vitamins and minerals including Vitamin A and C, iron, zinc, and fiber. Plus, they are also packed with antioxidants (to fight harmful free radicals), healthful phytochemicals, and all eight essential amino acids.
Surprisingly, these berries also pack a protein punch, with just a 1oz serving providing 10% of your daily recommended protein.
With all the above being said, there are several health ‘benefits’ of goji berries. This includes immune-boosting powers, weight management, blood sugar level control, and improved skin and eye health.
Plus, they are beginning to do more research looking at how the berries interact with cancerous cells and tumors, with signs showing that they may inhibit the growth of tumors and have anti-cancer properties (though this requires more testing).
However, it’s important to note that goji berries can interfere/interact with certain medications. These include blood pressure and blood thinner tablets, as well as diabetes medication. So, it’s best to speak to your GP if you’re worried about introducing them into your diet.
The Method
This goji berry tart is super simple to make, following the same method as my other tarts; prepare the crust, then the filling, pour the filling over the crust and chill- voila!
The Ingredients
For the base, you need:
- mixed nuts – I used walnut, hazelnut, Brazil nut
- shredded coconut
- Medjool dates.
For the filling:
- goji berries
- strawberries and raspberries
- full fat coconut milk
- cornstarch and agar agar
- vanilla extract and sweetener (optional)
Step By Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare The Crust
First blend the mixed nuts into a crumb consistency. Then, add the coconut, dates and salt and blend. The mixture should hold its’ shape when pressed/squeezed.
If it isn’t sticky enough then you can either add another date or a little coconut oil and blend once more.
When ready, pour the mixture into the tart pan and press down with something round and flat (like the bottom of a drinking glass) to spread evenly.
Place in the fridge to chill while you prepare the filling.
Step 2. Prepare The Filling
First, blend all of the berries together into a liquid and, optionally, sieve, to remove any seeds/pulpy bits.
In a medium/large pot, add all of the ingredients apart from the berries. It may be easier to create a ‘slurry’ with the cornstarch and some of the coconut milk before adding it to the pan (just incase you have issues with it clumping). Stir well to combine and then add in the berry mixture and stir well.
Allow it to heat over a medium heat and when the mixture begins to start thickening then remove from the heat.
Step 3. Combine, Chill, and Decorate
Pour the filling over the crust (you can do this while it’s still warm), tap the tart tin on a counter a few times, to release any air bubbles, and then place in the fridge to chill and set.
Once completely set, remove the tart from the pan (I use one with a loose bottom, to make it easy to push up and out) the goji berry tart is ready to decorate and serve.
How To Decorate and Serve
Serve alone or decorate with additional berries, edible flowers, dragon fruit balls, and sprinkles (like shredded coconut).
You can also serve alongside fresh coconut whipped cream or even ice-cream, for more of a ‘treat’. Serve directly from the fridge or at room temperature.
How To Store
keep it within an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days. If storing, then it’s best to add any toppings just before serving, as these can affect the shelf life.
This tart is not freezer-friendly as agar agar will change texture.
Recipe Notes and Variations
- The nuts: For a nut-free tart crust you can blend oats with some coconut oil, liquid sweetener of your choice (alternatively, coconut sugar provides lovely flavor), and a pinch of salt.
- Alternatively, you could also use a graham cracker style crust – though this will usually have high sugar content. Though you could use these Healthy Chocolate Digestive Biscuits Recipe (minus the choc).
- cornstarch could be subbed with tapioca flour or another thickening starch.
- If you’re not strictly vegan then you can use gelatin instead of agar.
- If you prefer sweeter desserts then you may want to add sweetener to your tart filling. Add at the same time as you pour the berry mixture into the pan and adjust, to your taste.
- Use any sweetener of your choice (agave, honey (if not vegan), maple), or even powdered sweeteners like erythritol.
- If you’re unable to source fresh goji berries, you can increase the amount of other berries and use goji powder, instead.
- For even more of a healthy boost, you can choose to add a tsp or two of turmeric powder to the tart crust.
Related Recipes
- Turmeric Citrus Immune Boosting Tart
- Vegan Red Wine and Mocha Tart Recipe
- Two-layer Raspberry Peach & Lemon Tart
- Two-layer Vegan Strawberry Tart
- Vegan Chocolate Cherry ‘Black Forest’ Tart
- Vegan Earl Grey Blueberry Tart
- Simple Vegan Pistachio & Lemon Tart
- Vegan Pistachio, Strawberry & Rose Tart
If you give this goji tart recipe a go, then let me know your thoughts and any questions in the comments. Also, feel free to tag me in your recreations @AlphaFoodie.
Goji Berry tart
Ingredients
Base:
- 1.5 cup mixed nuts I used walnut, hazenut, Brazil nut
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 5 medjool dates if dry, soak in boiling water for 30 mins
Filling:
- 1.5 cups goji berry
- 3 cups mixed strawberries and raspberries
- 3 cups full fat coconut milk
- 2 Tbsp cornstarch
- 1 Tbsp agar-agar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 Tbsp Sweetener (such as agave, maple, erythritol) Optional
Instructions
Step 1. Prepare The Crust
- First blend the mixed nuts into a crumb consistency. Then, add the coconut, dates and salt and blend. The mixture should hold its’ shape when pressed/squeezed.
- If it isn’t sticky enough then you can either add another date or a little coconut oil and blend once more.
- When ready, pour the mixture into the tart pan and press down with something round and flat (like the bottom of a drinking glass) to spread evenly.
- Place in the fridge to chill while you prepare the filling.
Step 2. Prepare The Filling
- First, blend all of the berries together into a liquid and , optionally, sieve, to remove any seeds/ pulpy bits.
- In a medium/large pot, add all of the ingredients apart from the berries. It may be easier to create a 'slurry' with the cornstarch and some of the coconut milk before adding it to the pan (just in case you have issues with it clumping). Stir well to combine and then add in the berry mixture and stir well.
- Allow it to heat over a medium heat and when the mixture begins to start thickening then remove from the heat.
Step 3. Combine, Chill, and Decorate
- Pour the filling over the crust (you can do this while it's still warm), tap the tart tin on a counter a few times, to release any air bubbles, and then place in the fridge to chill and set.
- Once completely set, remove the tart from the pan (I use one with a loose bottom, to make it easy to push up and out) the goji berry tart is ready to decorate and serve.
How To Decorate and Serve
- Serve alone or decorate with additional berries, edible flowers, dragon fruit balls, and sprinkles (like shredded coconut).You can also serve alongside fresh coconut whipped cream or even ice-cream, for more of a 'treat'. Serve directly from the fridge or at room temperature.
How To Store
- keep it within an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days. If storing, then it's best to add any toppings just before serving, as these can affect the shelf life. This tart is not freezer-friendly as agar agar will change texture.
Notes
- The nuts: For a nut-free tart crust you can blend oats with some coconut oil, liquid sweetener of your choice (alternatively, coconut sugar provides lovely flavor), and a pinch of salt.
- Alternatively, you could also use a graham cracker style crust – though this will usually have high sugar content. Though you could use these Healthy Chocolate Digestive Biscuits Recipe (minus the choc).
- cornstarch could be subbed with tapioca flour or another thickening starch.
- If you’re not strictly vegan then you can use gelatin instead of agar.
- If you prefer sweeter desserts then you may want to add sweetener to your tart filling. Add at the same time as you pour the berry mixture into the pan and adjust, to your taste.
- Use any sweetener of your choice (agave, honey (if not vegan), maple), or even powdered sweeteners like erythritol.
- If you’re unable to source fresh goji berries, you can increase the amount of other berries and use goji powder, instead.
- For even more of a healthy boost, you can choose to add a tsp or two of turmeric powder to the tart crust.
Nutrition
Hi ! I really love your recipes ! One question about this tart . Can I use dried goji berries since I cannot find fresh ones here in Dubai , or another alternative berry that I could use .
I’m not sure exactly how it will affect the recipe, but you may be able to rehydrate the berries before using them. Simply cover the berries with plenty of very hot water and allow them to stand until they are plump and juicy. Then go ahead with the recipe. Let me know how it turns out 🙂