Mini Raw Cherry Tarts for Two

I love my dad.
And my dad loves sweets.
There was even a time when he had high triglyceride levels in his blood due to all the sugar! Thankfully, his latest blood test showed better, in-range results.

Though I am not all for eating cups and cups of sugar daily, I still think it's important that we treat ourselves sensibly every day. Doing this will keep our sweet tooth at bay and keep us from being deprived of our favorite sugary treats.

So today, in time for both Father's Day and National Cherry Tart Day, I made these mini cherry tarts.

One for my pops, one for me. <3

I had the choice of celebrating either National Apple Strudel Day or National Cherry Tart Day, since both food holidays are on the same day. What a decision! Apparently, I chose the latter, especially since I already had frozen cherries on hand. I also think apple strudels are difficult to make. Perhaps I'll need to take up the challenge someday. ;)

Anyway, I found this delicious recipe from a video on YouTube, posted by a raw foodie/vegan, Brittany Bullen. In the video, she gives an idea of measurements of the ingredients but I altered things up a bit and made the recipe especially fit for two people.

Mini Raw Cherry Tarts for Two


3 large medjool dates
1/4 cup raw almonds
dash of salt

1/2 cup fresh pitted or frozen, thawed cherries
1 teaspoon agave nectar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1. Pulse dates and almonds in food processor or blender until it forms a sticky "dough." Set aside in a small bowl.
2. In a blender, combine cherries, agave nectar, and vanilla. Blend on low until cherries are cut up; DO NOT blend to a liquid!
3. Press date and nut mixture into the bottom of a cookie cutter mold. Fill mold with cherry mixture. Slowly lift the cookie cutter out of place so that the tart doesn't crumble apart. You can also carefully pour the cherries on top of the crust and gently pat down into shape.
4. Serve tarts with a dash of ground flaxseed, a sprinkle of shredded coconut, or a drizzle of more agave. Enjoy!

Share with your dad or a friend... or eat them both.

I loved these! They were cute and delicious and the cherries paired perfectly with the vanilla flavor. It seems like a teaspoon of agave won't sweeten much but the crust full of dates made everything sweet enough. Delicious and very easy to make.

Nutrition Facts per Serving

Calories: 229
Fat: 9.1g
Carbs: 36.2g
Protein: 4.7g
Fiber: 5.3g
Sugar: 29.4g

Looks sensible to me! The high sugar content doesn't frighten me much, seeing as how almost all of it comes from the medjool dates (much healthier than plain old white sugar). For your information, cherries are a good source of fiber and vitamin C, so eat up! I also like how each tart has almost five grams of protein, thanks to the almonds. :)

Yep. Definitely a plate to wash.

I still am not very sure what I'm going to do for my dad on the 17th. My friends and I are going to the Father's Day Brunch Buffet at Sipz in North Park but, unfortunately, my dad won't be able to make it. Well, I suppose I'll have to make him these awesome cherry tarts. ^_^

Have a great Father's Day, everybody.