No Bake Savoury Mini Tarts (Vegan, Protein-Rich)

The idea for these No-Bake Savoury Mini Tarts came from our experimenting with savoury cheesecakes (and their vegan versions). This protein-rich appetizer is also inspired by our love for all kinds of tarts and quiches and our ongoing effort to add more protein to our daily meals.

The result? The ultimate savoury mini tarts – delicious, protein-packed tartlets that are vegan, gluten-free, and completely no-bake. Oh, and they can also be made soy-free too! Win-win.

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Why You’ll Love These No-Bake Savoury Mini Tarts

• These mini tarts are gluten-free & vegan which makes them a wholesome, savoury plant-based snack.
• Protein-packed! Each mini tartlet has up to 12g of protein, making it an amazing high-protein savoury appetizer or pre-workout snack.
• Super easy to make with just a 2-ingredient gluten-free tart crust and a simple, creamy cheesecake-like tart filling! 
• No oven needed, making this savoury mini tarts a quick and easy recipe.
• Can be made soy-free to fit your dietary needs.
• Perfect vegan appetizer idea for parties. Your guests will love them!

How Much Protein Is in One Mini Tartlet?

With tofu (or soy-free tofu) as one of the main ingredients, these tarts are packed with protein! Tofu contains approximately 15–19g of protein per 100g, depending on its firmness. That is why these tarts are both high-protein and fully vegan – the perfect combo for a nutritious snack.

Each savoury mini tart packs around 12g of protein. A larger mini tartlet can have up to 16g of protein – about the same as two eggs! So these tarts aren’t just delicious. They are also a powerhouse snack, perfect as a pre-workout bite, high-protein appetizer, or satisfying anytime snack.

If you’re wondering which plant-based protein source to add to your meals, be sure to check out The Ultimate Guide to Vegan Protein Powders, where we break down the main options and how to choose the right one for you.

Ingredients & Substitutions

• Tofu. The star ingredient and main protein source here, giving each mini tartlet about 12g of protein. Use firm tofu! For a soy-free option, try Big Mountain Soy-Free Tofu – our go-to choice.
• Cashews. Soaked cashews help to create an ultra-creamy filling. Combined with tofu and nutritional yeast, they mimic a rich, cheesy texture.
• Nutritional Yeast. Adds that umami magic, making these savoury mini tarts taste deliciously cheesy.
• Artichokes. Mild in flavour but brings a subtle depth to the filling.
• Capers. A bold, briny kick that elevates the tart filling with a touch of sophistication.
• Salt. Use pure sea salt or Himalayan salt.
• Lemon Juice. Don’t skip this! It brightens the flavour and balances the richness of the filling.
• Crackers. Using ready-made crackers for a no-bake crust saves tons of time. We love Mary’s Organic Original Seed Crackers (link to Amazon) – they’re super crunchy with an umami kick!
• Vegan Butter. Helps bind the crackers into a sturdy crust. We prefer Umyum vegan butter, but if you’re vegetarian, grass-fed butter or ghee also works.

What Is Nutritional Yeast and How to Use It in Cooking

If you’re into vegan, or vegetarian cooking, or just a healthy lifestyle, you’ve probably heard a lot about Nutritional Yeast. It’s a deactivated yeast made from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, a fancy name for the fungus that grows on molasses or other sugars. After it’s deactivated, it gets dried into those golden, flaky bits we all love. A couple tablespoons pack a punch with 5-8 grams of protein and a whole lot of B vitamins (especially B12), with some brands providing up to 100% of your daily value in one serving. We always keep Nutritional Yeast in our pantry for that cheesy vibe in vegan recipes. It’s a flavour game-changer!

What Crackers Can You Use For Tart Shells?

We choose Mary’s Organic Original Seed Crackers because they’re extra crispy and dry, making them perfect for a tart crust. They’re also gluten-free and made with a wholesome mix of brown rice, flax seeds, sesame, and tamari, adding a delicious savoury flavour. Feel free to experiment with your choice of crackers for this easy tartlet crust. Just be sure to check the ingredient list. Steer clear of suspicious additives, like starches and highly processed ingredients – things you wouldn’t normally buy on their own. Also, try to avoid crackers with added oils. The goal is to keep it as simple as possible.

Can You Make These Mini Tarts Soy-Free?

Of course! That’s exactly how we love these savoury mini tarts to be. Just look for soy-free tofu options available to you. We’re big fans of Black Mountain Soy-Free Tofu, which is made with fava beans instead of soybeans. We use it in tons of new recipes and it works perfectly here!

How to Make Gluten-Free Tart Shells Without Baking?

This might just be the easiest tartlet shell recipe ever. Plus, this crust is gluten-free and requires zero baking! Just a little time in the fridge, and you’re good to go.

The secret? Using crispy crackers as a shortcut. We love Mary’s Organic Original Seed Crackers (link to Amazon) – they’re extra crunchy with clean ingredients.

The second (and final!) ingredient is vegan butter at room temperature (but not melted). The key to the perfect crust is finding the right crumb texture. The finer the crackers, the easier the dough forms, but too fine and your tart shells might lose their crunch. Balance is everything!

After mixing the ingredients and lining mini tart moulds with the crust, pop them in the fridge for just about 15 minutes, while you are prepping the filling. This will let the tart’s crust to firm up. And voilà – perfectly crusty, no-bake tartlet shells are ready for the filling!

Mini Tartlet Pans

The easiest and best choice for making these no-bake mini tarts is using mini tart pans with a detachable bottom. This makes it super easy to remove the tarts without them falling apart, giving you the perfect, intact tartlets every time! 

How to Make Vegan Savoury Tart Filling

This recipe features a super easy 5-ingredient, no-bake tart filling that’s creamy, flavourful, and totally plant-based! The main ingredients are tofu (for a protein-packed, hearty base) and cashews (for that creamy texture). The other ingredients like nutritional yeast, artichokes, capers, and lemon juice bring depth and flavour. Feel free to adjust them to your taste. We love it just as is, because it gives off that rich, almost savoury cheesecake vibe – perfect for these mini tarts! And the best part – you only need a blender or a food processor to make this creamy filling. 

Vegan Ingredients For No Bake Mini Tarts Filling

• 1 pack (360g) of firm tofu (we use Big Mountain Soy-Free Tofu)
• 1 cup cashews
• 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
• ½ can artichokes
• 2 tbsp capers
• Salt, to taste
• Lemon juice, to taste

Gluten-Free Ingredients For No Bake Mini Tarts Shell

• ½ bag of Mary’s Crackers
• 80g vegan butter (we love using Umyum)

How to Make No Bake Savoury Mini Tarts Step-by-Step:

1. Prepare the Crust
   Blend the crackers in a food processor until they reach a fine crust consistency.

2. Transfer to a large bowl and add softened vegan butter. Mix by hand until it holds together but remains slightly crumbly. If it’s too crumbly, add a little more butter.
   Pro tip: The finer you process the crackers, the easier the dough will form, but it’ll be less crunchy. Find the right balance for your preference!

3. Prepare the Tart Shells
   Grease your mini tart pans with detachable bottoms using a bit of butter. Press the cracker mixture into the pans, covering the bottom and sides with about a 0.5 cm (0.20 in) thick layer of crust.

4. Make the Filling
   Soak cashews for at least 4 hours before starting. In a food processor or blender, blend the tofu, soaked and drained cashews, nutritional yeast, and lemon juice and salt until smooth. Depending on the tofu’s firmness, you might need to add a little water. Jusy one tablespoon at a time.
   Add the artichokes and pulse for extra 10 seconds. This will help add some chunks to the texture.
   Transfer the filling to a bowl and stir in the capers.

5. Assemble the Tarts
   Fill each tart shell with the tofu mixture, smoothing it out evenly. Let the tarts sit in the fridge for at least 2 hours to firm up.
   
   Serve chilled.

Making Ahead and Storing

These no-bake mini tarts need time to firm up in the fridge, so it’s ideal to prep them the night before you plan to serve them. Let them chill overnight, and serve them cold!
You can also freeze the tarts, but note that freezing may cause the tart shells to lose some of their crunch. To thaw, simply leave them in the fridge.

No Bake Savoury Mini Tarts Troubleshooting

1. Tart Crust is Too Crumbly
   If your crust is too crumbly, it could be due to coarse crumbs or too little butter. To fix it, either blend the crackers more finely or gradually add more vegan butter until the dough begins to come together. The dough should almost form into a ball but still be slightly crumbly.
2. Filling is Too Thick
   A thick filling could be due to the firmness of the tofu. To adjust, gradually add water while blending the filling, starting with 1 tbsp at a time. Check the consistency as you go to ensure it’s smooth and spreadable.
3. Removing the Tarts from the Mold
   To ensure easy removal without breaking, refrigerate the tarts long enough so the vegan butter in both the crust and filling has set and hardened. Using molds with detachable bottoms (or sides) will make the process even easier, allowing you to lift the tarts out without a hassle!

How to Customize Vegan Tarts

Flavour Combinations and Fillings

This no-bake mini tarts recipe is the perfect canvas for flavour creativity! Here are some fun ideas to mix things up:

• Herb and Garlic: Add fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or rosemary to your filling while blending. If you want a savoury punch, toss in a bit of garlic. It also pairs wonderfully with artichokes or sun-dried tomatoes for extra depth.
• Spicy Kick: Want some heat? Add chilli flakes, smoked paprika, or a dash of sriracha to the filling. Roasted red peppers can also bring in some smokiness and sweetness.
• Mushrooms and Spinach: Sauté mushrooms with spinach and mix them into the filling for an earthy, hearty option. Mushrooms bring a meaty texture that’s perfect for savory tarts.
• Sweet and Savoury: Go for a fun contrast by adding caramelized onions and balsamic glaze, or even roasted pears, for a delightful sweet-savoury twist.

Share your savoury mini tart experience in the comments below! We’d love to hear what flavour combos you’ve tried or what your favourite mix-ins are. Let us know how you like to get creative with these tarts!

Looking for more protein-packed snacks? Check out our Black Bean Protein Cookie recipe!

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