The Only Vegan Chocolate Pie Recipe You'll Ever Need (2024)

Crust:

• 1 cup raw almonds
• 3/4 cup raw pecans (can substitute walnuts)
• 1 cup lightly packed pitted dates
• 2 tbsp cocoa powder
• ¼ tsp scant sea salt
• 1/4 tsp freshly ground nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract see note

Filling:

• 1 cup avocado flesh cut in chunks or slices, roughly 1 large or 1 – 1/2 medium avocados; be sure they are soft and ripe, not hard
• 1/2 cup soaked raw cashews
• 1/2 cup nut milk or other non-dairy milk if non-raw
• 1/2 cup pitted dates
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
• 1/3 cup cocoa powder
• 1/2 -1 tsp pure vanilla extract see note
• 1/8 tsp sea salt

For the Pie Crust

• Place the almonds in a food processor and pulse briefly until fine and crumbly. Add the crust remaining ingredients and process until the mixture becomes sticky. Stop to scrape down the bowl, if needed.

• The mixture should hold together when pressed with your fingers. If it’s still a little dry or not sticking, pulse again, add another date (or two, if small honey dates) and process again. Use 1⁄2 to 1 teaspoon of water, as well, if not using vanilla extract.

• Transfer the mixture to a glass pie plate (helps to wipe the surface of the plate with a little coconut oil, or line with few strips of parchment paper, just for easier removal). Press the mixture evenly into the pan.

For the Pie Filling

• Place all the filling ingredients in a high-powered blender and puree for a minute or so on at medium-high speed, until completely smooth and no texture of the cashews remains. Stop to scrape down the blender and redistribute the ingredients.

• Puree again until very, very smooth—like a velvety pudding. This will take a few starts and stops for scraping down – even with a high-powered blender. Once the mixture is readily churning and smooth, it’s ready.

• Pour the filling into the crust, and tilt and smooth with a spatula to evenly distribute. Refrigerate for a couple of hours to set. (Optionally, you can also freeze the pie and serve at a later time, thawing most of the way before slicing.) Slice and serve.

• Savvy Subs and Adds: If you’d prefer not to use vanilla extract, use the seeds from one vanilla bean, using half for the crust and half for the filling. Also try adding a little orange zest to the filling, the orange/chocolate flavor combo is a winner!
• Serving Suggestion: Serve as is, or topped with fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries, or a ladleful of Fresh Strawberry Sauce.