Passion Fruit Coconut Tart (Vegan, Gluten-Free & Refined Sugar Free)

Passion Fruit Coconut Tart (Vegan, Gluten-Free & Refined Sugar Free)

This healthy tart will bring you to a tropical paradise. It has all that tropical flavors you need right now. It’s vegan, gluten-free, refined sugar free and so delicious. Plus is so easy to make with simple ingredients.

I made this tart using passion fruits that my family sent me from Puerto Rico. If you don’t have passion fruits available in your area, you can use frozen purée or replace it for mango. Growing up in Puerto Rico gave me the chance of eating all the tropical fruits and desserts you can’t imagine. My favorite tropical desserts are made with coconut and passion fruit. Here where I live it’s almost impossible to buy fresh passion fruit. So, my family spoils me with care packages with tropical candies and fruits.

If you are using passion fruits here’s a video of how I separate the pulp from the seeds without blending. I find this method more effective even though it requires more time.

For this tart you can use “Agar-Agar” powder or corn starch. Here I give you both options because sometime Agar powder it’s hard to find at the supermarket.

If you don’t know what Agar powder is, don’t worry I got you covered. Agar is a naturally gelatinous powder derived from marine red algae. It’s the perfect vegetarian substitute for beef gelatin in any food application, and makes an excellent thickener for soups, jellies, ice cream and more. Substituting agar flakes with cornstarch is easy; all you have to do is use a simple 2:1 ratio of cornstarch to agar flakes.

If you are allergic to any of the ingredients listed on the recipe, make sure to replace it for something suitable for you to eat. Also, feel free to sweetened your tart depending on your taste.

I hope you try this recipe and like it as much as much as I do! If you give this recipe a try, let me know what you think! Leave a comment and don’t forget to take a picture and share it on my Facebook page or tag it #thehungrydragonfly on Instagram! I love seeing your creations!

Here’s the Recipe:

Passion Fruit Coconut Tart (Vegan, Gluten-Free & Refined Sugar Free)

Serving: 1 Tart

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: Refrigerate for 4-6 hours

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

  • 1 ¼ cups Gluten-Free rolled oats
  • ½ cup Shredded coconut
  • ½ cup Pecans or almonds
  • 10 dates, pitted
  • 4 tbsp Coconut Oil, melted
  • 1 tbsp Maple syrup

For Tart Filling:

  • 6 Passion Fruits or 1 Pouch of frozen purée
  • ¼ Maple syrup or more to taste
  • 1 Can of full fat coconut milk
  • ½ Can of coconut cream
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp agar-agar powder or replace for 2 tbsp of cornstarch

Instructions:

  1. Grease an 8-inch tart pan with a removable bottom using coconut oil or non-stick spray.
  2. In a blender combine crust ingredients and blend until well incorporated. It will be crumbly and sticky.
  3. Press tart crust firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan and refrigerate while you work with your filling.
  4. Prepare a large bowl with a mesh sieve. Cut passion fruits in half and scoop the pulp into the mesh sieve.
  5. Using a fork start scraping the seeds and separate the pulp from the seeds. **See Video**
  6. If using frozen purée skip step five. *See recipe notes if using a blender to separate the seeds from the pulp.
  7. You should have ½ of passion fruit juice.
  8. Pour passion fruit, coconut milk, coconut cream into a medium saucepan over low heat.
  9. When mixture becomes warm, add the agar-agar, maple syrup and vanilla extract. Cook until agar-agar is completely dissolve. Allow to boil for 30 to 60 seconds.
  10. Pour mixture into prepared pan, cover with a plate and refrigerate for at least for 4 to 6 hours or overnight.

**RECIPE NOTES**

If you are using cornstarch the process will be different because you will have to dissolve cornstarch before adding it to the mixture. Also, you have to cook it for about 5 minutes until you get a creamy consistency. Then you can refrigerate for 4 to 6 hours or overnight.

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Healthy Banana Nut Muffins

Healthy Banana Nut Muffins

These muffins are the best banana muffins you’ll ever make. They are delicious, healthy and can be made gluten-free. The delicious and healthy walnut topping gives them a crunchy texture on the outside, but they are so moist and fluffy on the inside. Serve them for breakfast, snack or dessert.

This recipe is not only healthy and delicious but also easy to make. You can replace the flour for your favorite gluten-free blend and the egg for aquafaba or any egg replacer. When replacing eggs in baking, I find that the aquafaba (chickpea water) works really great. A lot of people went crazy for banana bread during this quarantine, including me. But sometimes a whole loaf is too much for me and my husband so I love making muffins because you can bake a few at a time and they’re so convenient. Plus if you bring them to your neighbors, they’ll love it.

Here’s a few baking tips for this recipe:

  1. Use ripe bananas. The riper the moister your muffins will be.
  2. Do not over mix the batter. Be gentle with the batter if you want fluffy cupcakes.
  3. Replace egg with aquafaba or flax seeds. I rather use aquafaba because it rises the muffins the same way as the eggs.
  4. Add other nuts or chocolate chips.

I hope you try this recipe and like it as much as much as I do! If you give this recipe a try, let me know what you think! Leave a comment and don’t forget to take a picture and share it on my Facebook page or tag it #thehungrydragonfly on Instagram! I love seeing your creations!

Here’s the Recipe:

Healthy Banana Muffins

Serving: 12 muffins

Prep Time: 15

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 3 large ripe bananas
  • 3/4 cup Monk Fruit or Granulated Sugar
  • 1 aquafaba egg or large egg
  • 1/3 cup melted coconut oil
  • 1 1/2 cups Whole Wheat all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 1/2 cups chopped walnuts or pecans
  • 2 tablespoons coconut sugar
  • 1 tablespoon melted butter

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and prepare a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or use non-stick spray instead.
  2. In a large bowl mash bananas and fold into sugar and egg using a wooden spoon until well blended.
  3. Add the coconut oil and mix well.
  4. Add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and ¾ cup of chopped walnuts.
  5. Mix everything together just until all the ingredients are incorporated and the walnuts are distributed evenly throughout the batter.
  6. In a small bowl, combine the remaining 3/4 cup walnuts, coconut sugar and melted butter and mix until the walnuts are coated.
  7. Spoon the muffin batter evenly into the 12 muffin cups and spoon a bit of the coated walnuts onto the top of each muffin, making sure the topping is well distributed onto the top of each muffin. Make sure not in one big clump or it might sink into the muffin as it bakes.
  8. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the muffins are golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center of one of the muffins comes out clean.
  9. Let the muffins cool inside muffin tray for a few minutes before removing them to a wire rack to cool completely.

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Vegan Almond Joy Cups (Gluten-Free + Healthy)

Vegan Almond Joy Cups  (Gluten-Free + Healthy)

These homemade Vegan Almond Joy Cups are made with just a few ingredients, making them the perfect healthy treat or dessert. They have all the flavors of the popular candy bar, including almond, coconut, and chocolate, but these are made with healthy ingredients and loaded with fiber and healthy fats.

I made this recipe using my Puerto Rican Chocolate Covered Coconut Candy – Dulce de Coco recipe, but replaced the sugar for maple syrup and took away the cinnamon and ginger. You can store them in the refrigerator for a week and also freeze them for up to a month.

Here some tips when making these cups:

  • I used a silicone mold but you can use a muffin tin.
  • Be patient and let the ingredients harden in the refrigerator before them out of the mold.
  • If you don’t like almonds replace for any other nut or just skip it.

These Recipe is:

  • Vegan
  • Gluten-Free
  • Refined Sugar Free
  • Grain Free
  • Rich and Flavorful
  • Healthy
  • Filled with Healthy Fats and Nutrients
  • Easy to Make
  • Delicious
  • Great for treat or dessert

I hope you try this recipe and like it as much as much as I do! If you give this recipe a try, let me know what you think! Leave a comment and don’t forget to take a picture and share it on my Facebook page or tag it #thehungrydragonfly on Instagram! I love seeing your creations!

Here’s the recipe:

Vegan Almond Joy Cups – Healthy & Gluten-Free

Serving: 12 cups

Prep Time: 15

Cooking Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups Shredded Coconut
  • 1 cup Coconut milk
  • 2 tbsp Maple Syrup
  • 1 tbsp Almond Extract
  • Almonds for topping

 Instructions:

  1. Line up a baking tray with parchment paper, set aside
  2. In large saucepan over high heat add 1 cup of shredded coconut and sauté until light brown. This step will take a few minutes. Be careful not to burn it, set aside. You can also buy toasted coconut that’s ready to use.
  3. In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, add the other cup of shredded coconut, toasted coconut and coconut milk.
  4. Lower the heat to medium-low, add maple syrup and cook for about 15-20 minutes until thickens and the milk evaporates.
  5. Lower the heat to low and stir until you get a sticky mixture, be careful not to burn. For just a few minutes adjusting the heat to make sure not to burn.
  6. Fold into almond extract and turn off the heat. Keep stirring or it will burn.
  7. Using a spoon fill ¾ parts of your mold, refrigerate while you make the sauce. They will harden while the cool down.
  8. Prepare the chocolate topping.

Chocolate Ganache Recipe:

Ingredients:

  • ½ cup chocolate chips (I used 70% Cocoa)
  • ½ cup of dairy-free or regular whipping cream
  • ½ tsp almond extract or amaretto

1. Heat whipping cream until just hot.

2. Place the chocolate chips in a heatproof liquid measuring cup. Pour over the hot whipping cream. Let sit for 1 minute, then stir until the chocolate is melted and smooth. Add almond extract and stir.

3. Top coconut cups, add shredded coconut and top with almonds.  

4. Refrigerate for a few hours until hardens.

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Berry Whipped Cream Pound Cake

Berry Whipped Cream Pound Cake

This Berry Whipped Cream Pound Cake is light, fluffy, delicious and is the perfect dessert for sharing during spring and summer! The fresh berries give this cake a summery flavor that will make your family and friends feel happy.

Berries are my favorite fruits, and this is the perfect season to buy them. The whipped cream icing will melt in your mouth. I made this cake sugar free, but as I always mention, you can customize the recipe depending on your needs and taste. Although this recipe calls for eggs you can replace it using aquafaba. I find that aquafaba is the best egg replacer in baking. I

This recipe is a customization of my Puerto Rican Pound Cake recipe or like we call it in Spanish “Ponque”. Use fresh berries for better results but if you can’t find fresh use frozen.

For the whipped cream topping any coconut cream, vegan whipping cream or regular whipping cream will work. I used the brand Silk which is vegan, and I loved the results better than the regular whipping cream. For more cake recipes check out my Vegan Chocolate Banana Bread

I hope you try this recipe and like it as much as much as I do! If you give this recipe a try, let me know what you think! Leave a comment and don’t forget to take a picture and share it on my Facebook page or tag it #thehungrydragonfly on Instagram! I love seeing your creations!

HERE’S THE RECIPE:

Berry Whipped Cream Pound Cake

Serving: 1 loaf

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 55-60 minutes

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

  • 1 ½ cups raspberries
  • 1 ¼ cups blueberries
  • 1 tsp grated lemon zest
  • 1 ¼ cup almond milk, unsweetened
  • 2 eggs **(replace for aquafaba, see notes) **
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 3 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar (I used Truvia)
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp baking soda
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

For Whipped Cream:

  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream (I used Silk brand)
  • 2 tbsp confectioners’ sugar
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a loaf pan and cover with parchment paper, set aside.
  2. In a medium bowl combine 1 cup of raspberries, 1 cup of blueberries and lemon zest, set aside.
  3. In another bowl mix milk, eggs (or aquafaba), vanilla extract, set aside.
  4. In a large bowl combine all-purpose flour, salt, baking powder and baking soda, set aside.
  5. In a mixing bowl beat butter with sugar until fluffy and creamy.
  6. Add milk mixture and flour mixture to the butter, alternating slowly. If using an electric mixer set it to low speed.
  7. Spread 1 cup of batter into the pan, top with berry mixture, then add remining batter.
  8. Bake for about 45 to 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  9. When cake is ready let it cool for 25 minutes and transfer to a rack until cool completely.
  10. Mash remaining raspberries and stir in remaining blueberries, set aside.
  11. On high speed beat whipping cream, adding sugar and vanilla until stiff; fold in berries mixture. Spread over cake and top with more berries or meringue candies for a fun and sweeter adventure.

RECIPE NOTES:

  • Aquafaba: Make sure to give your aquafaba a light whisk before using. Three tablespoons of aquafaba is equivalent to about one whole egg, while two tablespoons of aquafaba is equivalent to about one egg white. Keep in mind that a can of chickpeas yields about 1/2 to 3/4 cup of this liquid, so about eight to 12 tablespoons.

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Puerto Rican Chocolate Covered Coconut Candy – Dulce de Coco

Puerto Rican Chocolate Covered Coconut Candy  – Dulce de Coco

I grew up in the beautiful island of Puerto Rico. Yes! I’m a proud Latina that brings her culture everywhere! Eating tropical fruits, desserts and flavorful Caribbean foods is the norm in our country. If you visit Puerto Rico you are going to enjoy local shops, traditional festivities and carnivals any time of the year. Here you can find the most amazing goodies and drinks like these Coconut Candies. I love dulce de coco in any form, but my favorite is toasted. Here’s my version of Toasted Coconut Candies covered in chocolate and almonds. I made the traditional Puerto Rican Coconut Candy but I covered with my delicious chocolate ganache recipe. You can find the ganache recipe here on my Chocolate-Filled Banana Muffins.

This recipe is very simple to make, and it will only take you a few minutes. They can be made vegan and refined sugar free like my version. These can be eaten as a dessert, snack or as a topping for your smoothies and ice creams.

If you just want to make the candies without the chocolate just skip that step and enjoy. You can also roll the coconut and make bliss balls. For other fun and delicious Puerto Rican desserts check out my post for Vegan Coconut Ice Cream or for something savory check out my Puerto Rican Tostones – Fried Plantains

These candies are:

  • Refined Sugar-Free
  • Vegan
  • Keto Friendly
  • Flavorful
  • Rich in nutrients and flavor.
  • Great for snacks, dessert or topping.
  • Delicious

I hope you try this recipe and like it as much as much as I do! If you give this recipe a try, let me know what you think! Leave a comment and don’t forget to take a picture and share it on my Facebook page or tag it #thehungrydragonfly on Instagram! I love seeing your creations!

Here’s the Recipe:

Puerto Rican Coconut Candy – Dulce de Coco Boricua

Serving: 12 truffles

Prep Time: 15

Cooking Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups Shredded Coconut
  • 1 cup Coconut milk
  • ½ cup Brown Sugar, (I used Truvia for sugar-free)
  • 1 tbsp Coconut Extract
  • ½ tsp Cinnamon, ground
  • Dash of ginger (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Line up a baking tray with parchment paper, set aside
  2. In large saucepan over high heat add 1 cup of shredded coconut and sauté until light brown. This step will take a few minutes. Be careful not to burn it, set aside. You can also buy toasted coconut that’s ready to use.
  3. In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, add the other cup of shredded coconut, milk, cinnamon and ginger if using. Cook stirring constantly until boils.
  4. Lower the heat to medium-low, add the sugar and cook for about 25 minutes until thickens and the milk evaporates.
  5. Lower the heat to low and stir until you get a sticky mixture, be careful not to burn. For just a few minutes adjusting the heat to make sure not to burn.
  6. Fold into coconut extract and turn off the heat. Keep stirring or it will burn.
  7. Using a large spoon or a cookie scooper, form truffle and put them on the prepared baking tray.
  8. Let the truffles cool, they will harden while the cool down.
  9. If you are covering truffles with chocolate prepare the chocolate ganache and cover each truffle. Top with more coconut or nuts.

Chocolate Ganache Recipe:

Ingredients:

  • ½ cup chocolate chips (I used 70% Cocoa)
  • ½ cup of dairy-free or regular whipping cream

Instructions:

1. Heat whipping cream until just hot.

2. Place the chocolate chips in a heatproof liquid measuring cup. Pour over the hot whipping cream. Let sit for 1 minute, then stir until the chocolate is melted and smooth.

3. Cover each truffle and put the inside the refrigerator until hardens.

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