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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.
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
chill time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
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.