Sesame Date Tart with Spiced Almond Crust & Orange Blossom Cream
Smooth, caramel-like date filling meets toasted sesame and a nutty, spiced crust. Finished with a whisper of orange blossom whipped cream or coconut yogurt, this tart is earthy, refined, and festive without being overly sweet.
Servings 8 Makes one 8″ tart
Calories 280kcal
Ingredients
- Almond-Sesame Crust
- 1 cup almond flour
- ¼ cup toasted sesame seeds
- 2 tbsp coconut flour
- ¼ tsp cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 3 tbsp melted butter or coconut oil
- 1 tbsp allulose or Swerve Granular
- Date-Sesame Filling
- 10 Medjool dates pitted
- 2 tbsp tahini
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ⅛ tsp clove or cardamom optional, for depth
- Pinch salt
- ⅓ cup hot water
- Optional: 1 tsp lemon juice or rosewater
- Topping Choose One
- Whipped mascarpone coconut cream, or Greek yogurt
- Flavor with:
- ¼ tsp orange blossom water
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Optional sweetener to taste
- Garnish: Extra toasted sesame seeds crushed pistachios, or pomegranate arils
Instructions
- Step 1: Make the Crust
- Preheat oven to 350°F (convection).
- Mix almond flour, sesame seeds, coconut flour, cinnamon, salt, and sweetener.
- Stir in melted butter/oil until mixture resembles damp sand.
- Press evenly into an 8″ tart pan (with removable bottom).
- Bake for 15–18 minutes until lightly golden. Cool completely.
- Step 2: Make the Filling
- In a food processor, blend dates with hot water until smooth.
- Add tahini, cinnamon, clove/cardamom, salt, and optional lemon or rosewater.
- Blend until silky and spreadable. Adjust with a splash of water if needed.
- Spread into cooled crust. Chill at least 1 hour for clean slicing.
- Step 3: Finish & Serve
- Whip mascarpone, cream, or coconut yogurt with orange blossom water and vanilla.
- Top tart with swoops of cream or serve on the side.
- Sprinkle with sesame, nuts, or pomegranate arils for texture and color.
Notes
Nutrition Estimate (per slice, with unsweetened coconut cream)
- Calories: 280
- Fat: 18 g
-
Carbs: 20 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Sugar Alcohols: 4 g
- Net Carbs: 12 g
- Protein: 4 g
To reduce carbs, use fewer dates and blend with more tahini, or use monkfruit-sweetened date syrup for part of the filling.
🌟 Flavor & Pairing Notes
- Toasted sesame adds earthy warmth that complements the deep caramel notes of dates
- Cinnamon + clove + orange blossom evokes spice market allure while staying familiar
-
Serve with:
- Spiced tea (black or rooibos)
- Dry Madeira or nutty sherry
- Or pair with strong coffee + cardamom
🛡️ Consumer Safety Note
⚠️ This recipe contains tree nuts and sesame — allergens must be clearly disclosed. All ingredients should be food-grade and sweeteners labeled safe for cooking and baking.
