Easy Homemade Vegan Shortbread Jam Tarts: A Dairy-Free Family Favorite

hace 3 semanas

Inspired by: @ftc

Are you craving a taste of nostalgia without compromising your plant-based lifestyle? This delightful recipe for Easy Homemade Vegan Shortbread Jam Tarts brings a classic family favorite to your table, completely dairy-free and egg-free! Originally shared by @ftc as part of their inspiring #veganisnotscary 30-day challenge, these tarts prove that transitioning to a vegan lifestyle doesn't mean saying goodbye to your cherished comfort foods.

This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to:

Enjoy a delicious, plant-based dessert that tastes just like the original.
Easily adapt traditional family recipes to be vegan-friendly.
Bake a budget-friendly treat for gatherings, holidays, or simply a sweet afternoon snack.
Discover how simple and rewarding vegan baking can be!

With a tender, buttery vegan shortbread crust and a sweet, fruity jam filling, these tarts are sure to become a new favorite in your home. Let's dive in!

Vegan Shortbread Jam Tarts Recipe

This recipe yields perfectly sized individual tarts, ideal for sharing or enjoying solo with a cup of tea.

Yields: 12-15 tarts
Prep time: 20 minutes
Chill time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 15-18 minutes

Ingredients

For the Vegan Shortbread Crust:

1 cup (226g) vegan butter, softened (vegan butter)
1/2 cup (60g) powdered sugar (powdered sugar)
2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour (all-purpose flour)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of himalayan salt

For the Filling:

1/2 cup fruit jam of your choice (e.g., strawberry or raspberry for classic flavor)

Equipment

Large mixing bowl
Electric mixer (optional, but helpful)
Rolling pin
Round cookie cutters (one larger for the base, one smaller for the top design)
Muffin tin or tart molds
Wire cooling rack

Instructions

Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened vegan butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, vanilla extract, and himalayan salt to the wet mixture. Mix until a dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
Chill the Dough: Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This makes it easier to handle.
Preheat Oven: While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your muffin tin or tart molds.
Roll and Cut: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use the larger cookie cutter to cut out circles for the tart bases. Gently press each circle into the prepared muffin tin or tart mold.
Create Tops: For the top crusts, you can either cut smaller circles, strips for a lattice design, or use a decorative cutter for a peek-a-boo effect.
Fill the Tarts: Spoon about 1-2 teaspoons of your favorite fruit jam into each shortbread base.
Assemble and Bake: Place your chosen top crust design over the jam. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges of the shortbread are lightly golden.
Cool: Let the tarts cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.

Variations & Adaptations

Jam Flavors: Experiment with different jams like apricot, cherry, or even a citrus marmalade.
Gluten-Free Option: Easily make these tarts gluten-free by swapping the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
Festive Shapes: Use cookie cutters in holiday shapes like stars or hearts for special occasions.
Mini or Large: Adjust the size of your cookie cutters and baking molds to make mini bite-sized tarts or a larger single tart.

Tips for Perfect Vegan Jam Tarts

Don't Overwork the Dough: Overworking shortbread dough can make it tough. Mix until just combined.
Chill is Key: Chilling the dough isn't optional! It prevents the tarts from spreading too much during baking and makes the dough much easier to handle.
Even Thickness: Roll your dough to an even thickness for uniform baking and texture.
Prevent Sticking: If your shortbread dough is sticking to the rolling pin, try rolling it between two sheets of parchment paper.
Dust with Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar after cooling adds a lovely finish and extra sweetness.

These easy homemade vegan shortbread jam tarts are a testament to how simple and delicious plant-based baking can be. They capture the essence of a classic while being entirely cruelty-free.

Try this recipe today and share your delicious creations on abillion! We'd love to see your #veganisnotscary success stories.

Relevant Image Gallery

Vegan Shortbread Jam Tarts fresh out of the oven, showcasing their golden crust and vibrant jam filling. A close-up view of a freshly baked Vegan Shortbread Jam Tart, perfect for a sweet treat. Several Vegan Shortbread Jam Tarts arranged on a plate, highlighting their delightful appearance and homemade charm. A different angle of the Vegan Shortbread Jam Tarts, emphasizing their inviting texture and rich jam filling.