Bright Blue Lime Dessert

This velvety Blue Moon Lime Tart has transformed my dessert repertoire with its stunning natural blue color and refreshing lime flavor. The combination reminds me of summer afternoons, but without any artificial ingredients you'd find in traditional Blue Moon ice cream.

I first made this tart for my skeptical family who couldn't believe the vibrant blue color came from algae. Now they request it for every gathering, amazed that something so beautiful can also be good for you.

• Vegan cookies: The foundation for our quick crust choose cookies with a neutral flavor that won't compete with the filling
• Vegan butter: Binds the crust together and adds richness use a high quality brand for best flavor
• Coconut milk: Creates the creamy tart filling choose full fat for the most luxurious texture
• Blue spirulina powder: The magic ingredient that provides the natural blue color with no taste use pure spirulina for the best color result
• Fresh lime juice: Balances the sweetness with bright acidity always use fresh squeezed for the most vibrant flavor
• Agar powder: The vegan gelatin alternative that gives the tart structure look for 100% pure agar for proper setting
• Agave syrup: Provides gentle sweetness without overpowering the delicate flavors adjust to your preference
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with warmth choose real not imitation for best results

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Cookie Crust:

Process cookies into fine crumbs until they resemble wet sand. This texture is crucial for a crust that holds together without crumbling when sliced. Mix thoroughly with melted vegan butter until every crumb is coated and the mixture clumps when pressed together. Press firmly and evenly into your tart pan, paying special attention to the corners and sides. Freeze for 15 minutes to set the crust completely before adding filling.

Create the Lime Layer:

Dissolve agar powder completely in cold coconut milk before heating. This prevents clumping and ensures a smooth texture. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil for exactly 2 minutes while stirring constantly. The agar needs this precise cooking time to activate properly. Add lime juice and sweetener after removing from heat to preserve the bright flavor. Pour carefully over the chilled crust and refrigerate until just set but still slightly tacky to touch which helps bond with the blue layer.

Mix the Blue Layer:

Combine spirulina powder with room temperature water first to fully dissolve. This prevents any blue speckling in your final tart. The powder can clump easily so stir patiently until completely smooth. Prepare the coconut milk base with agar exactly as you did for the lime layer. Add the dissolved spirulina mixture after removing from heat to preserve its nutrients and vibrant color. Pour gently over the set lime layer using the back of a spoon to break the fall and prevent disrupting the layers.

Final Setting:

Refrigerate the completed tart for at least 2 hours. The layers need this time to fully set and develop their flavors. The texture will transform from soft to perfectly sliceable during this resting period. Allow the tart to sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture experience.

Pin it

Blue spirulina has become my secret ingredient for creating showstopping desserts. My daughter initially refused to try this tart, convinced that anything so vibrantly blue must contain artificial colors. When I explained it was colored with a superfood, she took a hesitant bite and her eyes widened with surprise at how delicious natural ingredients could be.

Storing Your Blue Moon Tart

This tart keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to four days when stored in an airtight container. The colors remain vibrant and the texture stays perfect throughout this time. I find the flavors actually improve after the first day as they have time to meld together more thoroughly. If you need to make it further in advance, you can freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic and foil for up to one month. Allow frozen slices to thaw overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture restoration.

Superfood Color Variations

The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability to different natural coloring agents. Try pink pitaya powder for a vibrant magenta tart that tastes identical but looks completely different. Matcha powder creates a soothing green version perfect for spring gatherings, while turmeric provides a sunny yellow variation that brightens any table. Each superfood adds its own health benefits while maintaining the delicious lime flavor profile. I enjoy creating a trio of differently colored mini tarts for special occasions, providing both a visual and nutritional rainbow.

Pin it

Serving Suggestions

This tart pairs wonderfully with fresh berries that complement both the flavor and the striking color. I like to serve it with a small dollop of coconut whipped cream which adds textural contrast and enhances the coconut notes in the filling. For a more elegant presentation, brush thinly sliced lime with a bit of agave syrup and dehydrate for translucent lime chips to decorate the top. The tart also makes a stunning centerpiece for brunches when garnished with edible flowers along the rim.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What makes the tart naturally blue?

The tart gets its vibrant blue color from blue spirulina powder, a natural pigment derived from blue-green algae.

→ Can I use a different crust for this tart?

Yes, you can use alternatives such as almond oat crust, hazelnut shortcrust pastry, or even an Oreo cookie crust. Just ensure the crust is completely cool before adding the filling.

→ What is the best way to use agar powder?

Ensure you use 100% pure agar powder, and dissolve it completely in the liquid before boiling. Follow package instructions for the best results.

→ Can I substitute blue spirulina with another color?

Absolutely! Use other superfood powders, such as beetroot for red, turmeric for yellow, or matcha for green, to customize the tart to your preference.

→ What is the chilling time for this tart?

After preparing the lime layer, refrigerate it for about 1 hour to set. Once the blue layer is added, refrigerate it for another 2 hours until fully firm.