Gluten-Free Gingersnap Tangerine No-Bake Tart Recipe

This bright, no-bake gingersnap tangerine tart is naturally gluten free and comes together with minimal effort—no oven required. Its tangy, creamy filling and spiced gingersnap crust make it an easy, elegant dessert any time of year.

tart with a wedge cut out of the side being removed from the larger tart

After a week of chilly, rainy weather, a slice of this golden orange tart feels like a little bit of sunshine. The bright tangerine flavor paired with spiced gingersnap crumbs creates a refreshing contrast of creamy and crisp that’s hard to resist.

How to make this gingersnap tangerine tart

First, combine the melted butter with finely crushed gluten-free gingersnap crumbs. Press the mixture firmly into a 9″ springform pan, spreading the crumbs evenly across the bottom and pressing about 1″ up the sides to form the crust.

Chill the crust in the refrigerator while you prepare the mousse-style filling so it sets firmly.

Second, sprinkle the powdered gelatin over cold water and let it bloom briefly. Warm the tangerine juice in a small saucepan until it’s hot but not boiling, then remove it from the heat.

Gently heat the bloomed gelatin (about 10 seconds in the microwave or until fully dissolved) and whisk it into the hot tangerine juice. Take care when adding the gelatin, as it may release steam. Set the juice aside to cool until it is no longer hot.

Step-by-step photos for making gingersnap tangerine tart

Third, whip the heavy cream with the powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Fold the whipped cream gently into the cooled tangerine mixture until fully incorporated. Pour the filling into the chilled gingersnap crust and refrigerate until set, about 3–4 hours.

Finally, just before serving, top the tart with thinly sliced oranges and a few fresh mint leaves for color and extra brightness.

Step-by-step photos for making gingersnap tangerine tart

Tips for making this tart

  • Cookie-to-crumb conversion: Approximately 8 ounces of gingersnap cookies yields about 2 cups of finely crushed crumbs.
  • Pack the crust firmly: Press the crumbs tightly and evenly so the crust holds its shape when you remove the springform ring.
  • Make the crust ahead: The crust stores well in the refrigerator for a few days or up to 3 months in the freezer; thaw before filling.
  • Prepare fruit in advance: If you add fresh fruit early, brush a light glaze or simple syrup over the slices to prevent them from drying out.
  • Storage: Cover the tart with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2–3 days.

Did you make this recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out—share a photo or leave a note in the comments.

sliced pieces of tart around the larger tart with hands peaking in from the sides to take the plates

Recipe

No-Bake, Gluten Free Gingersnap Tangerine Tart

tart with a wedge cut out of the side being removed from the larger tart

5 from 11 reviews

This easy, tangy gingersnap tangerine tart is gluten free and requires no oven—perfect for a quick, impressive dessert.

  • Author: The Simple, Sweet Life
  • Prep Time: 4 hours
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
  • Yield: 12 slices
  • Category: Dessert
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

For the gingersnap crust:

  • 2 cups finely crushed gluten free gingersnap cookies
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

For the tangerine mousse:

  • 2 packs powdered gelatin
  • ¼ cup cold water
  • 1 cup tangerine juice
  • ¾ cup heavy whipping cream
  • ⅓ cup powdered sugar

For garnish:

  • Assorted oranges, thinly sliced
  • Fresh mint leaves

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, mix the melted butter with the finely crushed gingersnap crumbs until evenly moistened.
  2. Press the crumb mixture firmly into a 9″ springform pan, arranging it about 1″ up the sides.
  3. Chill the crust in the refrigerator while you prepare the filling.
  4. In a small bowl, combine the powdered gelatin with cold water and let it bloom briefly.
  5. Warm the tangerine juice in a small saucepan until hot but not boiling, then remove from heat.
  6. Heat the bloomed gelatin until fully melted (about 10 seconds in the microwave), then whisk it into the hot tangerine juice.
  7. Allow the tangerine mixture to cool until it is no longer hot.
  8. Whip the heavy cream with the powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
  9. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cooled tangerine mixture until smooth and uniform.
  10. Pour the filling into the chilled crust and refrigerate until firm, about 3–4 hours.
  11. Garnish with sliced oranges and fresh mint just before serving.

Notes

  • Cookie to crumb: Roughly 8 ounces of whole gingersnap cookies equals about 2 cups of crumbs.
  • Crust tip: Pack crumbs tightly to ensure the crust stays intact when unmolded.
  • Make-ahead crust: Store the crust in the refrigerator for several days or freeze up to 3 months; thaw before filling.
  • Fruit prep: Brush fruit with a light glaze if adding it before serving to prevent drying.
  • Storage: Cover and refrigerate the finished tart for 2–3 days.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 177
  • Sugar: 12.4g
  • Sodium: 113mg
  • Fat: 9.9g
  • Saturated Fat: 4.2g
  • Carbohydrates: 18.8g
  • Fiber: 0.9g
  • Protein: 2.6g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg

Did you make this recipe?

Share your photo or comment to let me know how it turned out.

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