As Halloween approaches, I find myself craving festive treats that bring a bit of magic to the season. That’s when I stumbled upon these irresistibly spooky Vegan Caramel Meringue Ghost Tarts. With their crisp biscuit base, a gooey caramel center, and fluffy aquafaba meringue shaped like adorable ghosts, they’re not just a feast for the eyes but a delightful treat for the taste buds as well. This dairy-free dessert is not only a fun addition to any Halloween gathering but also a crowd-pleaser that’s quick and easy to whip up. Plus, they’re gluten-free and packed with charm, making them suitable for everyone. Are you ready to create some sweet Halloween magic in your kitchen? Let’s dive in! Why Are These Ghost Tarts So Special? Irresistibly Spooky: These Vegan Caramel Meringue Ghost Tarts are the perfect way to celebrate Halloween with a delightful twist. Simple Process: Even kitchen novice can master this recipe; just follow the steps for delicious results. Fluffy Texture: The aquafaba meringue creates a cloud-like topping that contrasts beautifully with the rich caramel. Crowd-Pleasing: These tarts are not only adorable but also vegan and gluten-free, making them a fantastic treat for everyone at your spooky gathering. Quick and Easy: With minimal prep, you can whip up these tarts in no time and spend more of your Halloween enjoying the festivities! Consider serving them alongside spooky snacks like pumpkin spiced cookies for a complete dessert table. Irresistibly Spooky Vegan Caramel Meringue Ghost Tarts Ingredients For the Tart Shells Plain Flour – Essential for structure; use a gluten-free blend for a gluten-free option. Icing Sugar – Adds sweetness and helps achieve a tender tart crust. Salt – Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness. Vegan Butter – Ensures a rich taste and flaky texture; make sure it’s cold and cubed for the best results. Dairy-Free Milk – Binds the dough; adjust the amount as needed for perfect consistency. For the Caramel Filling Caster Sugar – Sweetener for both caramel and meringue; organic varieties work wonders. Water – Helps dissolve sugar for a smooth caramel. Full-Fat Coconut Milk – Provides a creamy base for the caramel; can substitute with other non-dairy cream options for versatility. For the Fluffy Meringue Topping Aquafaba – A fantastic egg replacer from canned chickpeas; room temperature works best for whipping. Cream of Tartar – Stabilizes the aquafaba while whipping, ensuring a firm meringue. Vanilla Extract – Adds a delicious flavor to the meringue that complements the caramel. For Decorating Black Food Gel or Melted Vegan Chocolate – Perfect for creating ghostly eyes and mouths on your tarts. These Irresistibly Spooky Vegan Caramel Meringue Ghost Tarts are sure to impress and delight everyone at your Halloween gathering. Happy baking! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Irresistibly Spooky Vegan Caramel Meringue Ghost Tarts Step 1: Tart Shell Preparation Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). In a mixing bowl, combine plain flour, icing sugar, and a pinch of salt. Rub in the cold, cubed vegan butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add in dairy-free milk until a smooth dough forms. Roll out the dough and press it into tart shells, then chill for 30 minutes before baking. Bake for 15 minutes, remove the baking beans, and return to the oven for another 5 minutes until golden. Allow to cool completely on a wire rack. Step 2: Caramel Creation In a medium saucepan, combine caster sugar and water, heating over medium-high until the sugar dissolves. Let it boil without stirring until it turns a rich amber color, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat and carefully stir in the full-fat coconut milk, cubed vegan butter, and a pinch of salt. Pour this luscious caramel filling into your cooled tart shells, ensuring an even layer. Place the tarts in the refrigerator to set for at least 1 hour. Step 3: Meringue Making While the caramel sets, whip aquafaba in a clean bowl with cream of tartar using an electric mixer on high until soft peaks form, around 5-7 minutes. Gradually add the caster sugar, continuing to whip until stiff peaks form and the mixture is glossy. Mix in the vanilla extract gently. This light, airy meringue will be the ghostly topping for your Irresistibly Spooky Vegan Caramel Meringue Ghost Tarts. Step 4: Assembly Once the caramel has fully set, it’s time to pipe the meringue. Using a piping bag fitted with a star nozzle, pipe the meringue onto each tart, creating whimsical ghost shapes. Use your creativity to shape the meringue into little peaks and swirls. If desired, use a kitchen torch to lightly toast the meringue tops for a more visually striking appearance. Finally, decorate the ghostly figures with black food gel or melted vegan chocolate for eyes and mouths. Step 5: Serving Chill the assembled tarts in the refrigerator for another 30 minutes to stabilize the meringue before serving. Place them on a festive Halloween platter for an impressive presentation. These Irresistibly Spooky Vegan Caramel Meringue Ghost Tarts are perfect for a spooky gathering, bringing delight and charm to your Halloween festivities. Make Ahead Options These Irresistibly Spooky Vegan Caramel Meringue Ghost Tarts are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy Halloween festivities without the last-minute rush! You can prepare the tart shells and caramel filling up to 3 days ahead. Simply bake and cool the tart shells, then fill them with the caramel and refrigerate (this helps them set perfectly). The meringue can be whipped and stored in an airtight container for up to 24 hours before piping, keeping it fluffy and fresh. When you’re ready to serve, simply pipe the meringue onto the set caramel, decorate with ghostly features, and enjoy your delicious, time-saving Halloween treat! Irresistibly Spooky Vegan Caramel Meringue Ghost Tarts Variations Feel free to get creative and customize these delightful tarts to suit your taste or dietary needs! Nut Butter Swap: Replace almond butter in the caramel with your favorite nut or seed butter for a unique flavor twist. Whether you choose peanut butter or tahini, it’ll add a new layer of complexity to your tarts. Larger Tarts: Make a stunning single tart using an 8-9 inch tart pan. Adjust the meringue piping to create a bigger gothic design that’s sure to impress your guests. Shape Variety: Switch up the ghost shapes by piping them into different spooky figures like bats or pumpkins. Let your imagination run wild and create a Halloween assortment. Flavor Infusion: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the caramel for an aromatic twist. The warm spices will enhance the dessert’s festive appeal and complement the sweetness beautifully. Chocolate Surprise: Incorporate dark chocolate chips into the caramel filling for a rich and decadent surprise. The combination of chocolate and caramel will be a crowd favorite! Spice It Up: For a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to your caramel. It may sound unconventional, but the spicy kick will elevate the flavor and give your tarts a fun edge. Fruity Fillings: Experiment by adding a layer of fruit puree under the meringue, like raspberry or passion fruit. The tartness will balance the sweet caramel while adding a burst of color and flavor. Serve With: Pair these ghostly delights with a side of pumpkin spiced cookies or a cozy hot chocolate to create a memorable Halloween dessert table. They’ll perfectly complement each other while ensuring your gathering is both spooky and delightful! What to Serve with Vegan Caramel Meringue Ghost Tarts Delight your guests with complementary dishes that enhance the festive spirit of your Halloween gathering. Pumpkin Soup: The warm, velvety texture of pumpkin soup offers a comforting contrast to the sweet tarts, creating a lovely balance. Serve it in small bowls for an adorable start to your eerie meal. Crisp Green Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, crunchy apples, and a tangy vinaigrette adds brightness and a refreshing crunch that pairs well with the rich tarts. Garnish with nuts for extra texture and flavor! Spooky Cheese Platter: Include an assortment of vegan cheeses, crackers, and seasonal fruits. This savory option provides a delightful snack that softens the sweet side of your dessert. Dark Chocolate Truffles: Rich and decadent, these truffles create a delightful indulgence and echo the flavors of your ghostly tarts, creating a cohesive dessert experience. Apple Cider: A warm or chilled glass of spiced apple cider complements the caramel notes beautifully, offering a cozy drink option that matches the season’s vibe. Vegan Cupcakes: Decorate cupcakes with ghostly meringue or Halloween-themed toppings for a playful dessert that draws in the guests and pairs perfectly with your tarts. Cinnamon Roasted Chickpeas: Crunchy and savory, these roasted chickpeas provide a delightful texture contrast while staying in the realm of healthy snacking. Chai Tea: A warm cup of spiced chai offers a fragrant finish to your Halloween feast, creating a soothing moment to enjoy between bites of your thrilling tarts. Expert Tips for Irresistibly Spooky Vegan Caramel Meringue Ghost Tarts Room Temperature Aquafaba: Ensure your aquafaba is at room temperature for better whipping, creating a fluffier meringue for your tarts. Chill Before Baking: Chill the tart shells before baking to prevent shrinking, which helps maintain their shape and texture during baking. Gentle Caramel Stirring: Stir the caramel gently once the coconut milk is added to avoid overmixing; this keeps it silky and smooth. Defined Ghost Shapes: Pipe the meringue slowly and deliberately for distinct ghost shapes, and remember to chill again for stability before serving. Creative Decorations: Feel free to experiment with different decorations for your meringue, ensuring each ghost has its unique personality! How to Store and Freeze Irresistibly Spooky Vegan Caramel Meringue Ghost Tarts Fridge: Store the tarts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This helps maintain the texture of both the caramel and meringue. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the unfilled tart shells wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 1 month. When ready to use, thaw and fill with caramel and meringue as desired. Transporting: If you need to transport these ghost tarts, chill them first to firm up the meringue, keeping their shape intact during travel. Reheating: Enjoy the tarts chilled for the best experience. Avoid reheating, as it can affect the meringue’s texture and integrity. Irresistibly Spooky Vegan Caramel Meringue Ghost Tarts Recipe FAQs What type of flour should I use for the tart shells? For the best structure in your tart shells, I recommend using plain flour. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, a gluten-free flour blend works wonderfully too! How should I store the Vegan Caramel Meringue Ghost Tarts? Store the tarts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This method helps maintain the lovely texture of both the caramel and meringue layers. If they’re not eaten by then—don’t worry; I find that they rarely last long! Can I freeze the tarts, and how? Absolutely! To freeze, wrap the unfilled tart shells tightly in plastic wrap, and they can last up to 1 month in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw the shells at room temperature, fill them with your prepared caramel and meringue, and watch them transform into spooky delights ready for a ghoulish feast. What do I do if my meringue doesn’t whip up correctly? If your meringue isn’t whipping properly, it could be due to a few factors. Ensure the aquafaba is at room temperature; cold aquafaba won’t whip up well. Additionally, make sure your mixing bowl and beaters are squeaky clean and free of any grease, which can hinder the whipping process. If all else fails, adding a pinch more cream of tartar can help stabilize it for better results. Are these tarts safe for people with allergies? These Vegan Caramel Meringue Ghost Tarts are free from animal products, making them a great option for those avoiding dairy and eggs. However, they do contain nuts if you’re using nut butter in the caramel, so double-check with your guests about allergies—safety first! Irresistibly Spooky Vegan Caramel Meringue Ghost Tarts Recipe These Irresistibly Spooky Vegan Caramel Meringue Ghost Tarts are a delightful Halloween treat featuring a crisp biscuit base, gooey caramel, and fluffy meringue. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsCook Time 20 minutes minsChilling Time 1 hour hrTotal Time 1 hour hr 50 minutes mins Servings: 12 tartsCourse: DessertCuisine: VeganCalories: 250 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Tart Shells200 g Plain Flour Use a gluten-free blend for gluten-free option.50 g Icing Sugar Adds sweetness to the tart crust.1 pinch Salt Enhances flavor.100 g Vegan Butter Cold and cubed.50 ml Dairy-Free Milk Adjust amount for consistency.For the Caramel Filling200 g Caster Sugar Organic varieties work well.100 ml Water Helps to dissolve sugar.200 ml Full-Fat Coconut Milk Can substitute with other non-dairy cream.For the Fluffy Meringue Topping150 ml Aquafaba Room temperature works best for whipping.1 tsp Cream of Tartar Stabilizes aquafaba.1 tsp Vanilla Extract Adds flavor.For DecoratingBlack Food Gel or Melted Vegan Chocolate For ghostly decorations. Equipment Mixing bowlElectric mixermedium saucepanpiping bagstar nozzleBaking sheet Method Step-by-Step InstructionsPreheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Combine plain flour, icing sugar, and salt in a mixing bowl. Rub in vegan butter until coarse crumbs. Gradually add dairy-free milk to form a smooth dough. Press into tart shells and chill for 30 minutes.Bake for 15 minutes, remove baking beans, then return for another 5 minutes until golden. Cool on a wire rack.In a saucepan, combine caster sugar and water, heating until sugar dissolves. Boil until amber, about 8-10 minutes. Stir in coconut milk, vegan butter, and salt. Pour into tart shells and refrigerate for 1 hour.Whip aquafaba with cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gradually add caster sugar, whip until stiff peaks and glossy. Mix in vanilla extract.Pipe meringue onto tarts in ghost shapes. Toast lightly if desired. Decorate with black food gel or melted chocolate.Chill assembled tarts for 30 minutes before serving on a Halloween platter. Nutrition Serving: 1tartCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 3gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gSodium: 220mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 2gSugar: 15gCalcium: 2mgIron: 6mg NotesStore tarts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Freeze unfilled tart shells for up to 1 month. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
