Vegan Orange Tarts (Queijadas de Laranja)
Queijadas de Laranja are iconic Portuguese treats: smooth, fragrant, bright orange custard tarts with a firm, creamy texture and zesty fresh flavour. This completely vegan version replaces dairy milk, eggs, and animal‑based butter with plant‑based ingredients, keeping the signature citrus aroma, rich melt‑in‑mouth consistency, and perfect balance of sweet and tangy notes that make this dessert so beloved.
Shared by katty
Time
45 min
Serves
4
Difficulty
easy
đź›’ Ingredients
- #Simple Pastry Base;
- 150 g all‑purpose flour.. 50 g coconut sugar or caster sugar
- 40 g melted vegan butter or coconut oil,, 2–3 tbsp cold plant milk,, Pinch of fine salt
- #Orange Custard Filling;
- 300 ml unsweetened plant milk (oat or soy works best)
- 100 g coconut sugar or caster sugar,, 3 tbsp cornstarch,, 2 tbsp fresh orange zest
- 80 ml fresh orange juice,, 1 tsp pure vanilla extract,, Pinch of fine salt
- #Decoration;
- Extra orange zest for dusting
👩‍🍳 Instructions
- 1
Make pastry: In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt. Add melted vegan butter and mix until crumbly. Gradually add cold plant milk, mixing gently until a smooth dough forms. Shape into a ball, wrap, and chill for 15 minutes. Roll out thinly, line greased tart moulds, trim edges, and prick bases lightly with a fork.
- 2
Prep filling: Whisk cornstarch, sugar, and salt in a saucepan. Slowly stir in plant milk, orange juice, and orange zest until smooth. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thick and creamy. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla, and let cool slightly.
- 3
Assemble & bake: Pour the warm filling evenly into the pastry‑lined moulds. Bake at 170 °C (340 °F) for 25–30 minutes, until the edges are set and the centre is just firm.
- 4
Cool & serve: Leave to cool completely in the moulds, then chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours before serving. Dust with extra orange zest for a fresh finish.