(Note: this post was originally published on March 8, 2020. It has since been updated with a few tweaks.)
Love the idea of pie but not necessarily the ingredients? Same. There's something so special about a pie, but classic pies aren't generally friendly for plant-based eaters and they have heavy ingredients that can leave you feeling weighed down. Don't worry, I have a solution! This healthy chocolate cream pie is vegan, grain-free, gluten-free, naturally-sweetened, and even protein-rich. You'll never believe that it's made from avocados (!!!).
Despite the nourishing ingredients, this pie is simply divine. It has a decadent smooth texture, a rich chocolate flavor, and a nostalgic appearance. Since it's entirely make-ahead, you'll want to serve this vegan chocolate cream pie at every occasion from a summer party all the way through Thanksgiving.
Many of us grew up loving chocolate cream pie, but have you ever stopped to think about the ingredients in the classic version? The combination of a buttery refined flour/sugar crust and a dairy-laden sugary filling makes it a no-go for anyone with dietary restrictions or anyone trying to eat healthfully. But good news: this vegan chocolate cream pie has a completely upgraded crust and filling that are actually good for you.
The crust for this pie is just three ingredients: dates, macadamias, and coconut. It's essentially a protein bar in disguise. In fact, this crust recipe is based on my easy homemade Larabars. It comes together in five minutes in a food processor, with no baking required. (If you love the idea of this crust, check out these Superfood Vegan Unicorn Cheesecake Bites too; they use a similar crust recipe).
The filling ingredients are just as wholesome; it's made from just avocados (make sure they're ripe), melted dark chocolate, cocoa powder, a bit of maple syrup, and vanilla. The avocados combine with the chocolate to make the most creamy and rich filling for this chocolate avocado pie.
Because this healthy chocolate cream pie contains no added stabilizers, it needs to be frozen in order to set. That means it's entirely make-ahead. You'll want to prepare it at least the day before, but feel free to freeze it (tightly wrapped) for as long as a few days. When you're ready to serve, let it warm up for 15 minutes before slicing, then enjoy it immediately so that the slices hold their shape.
This healthy chocolate cream pie has a very unique inspiration behind its flavors: the Honu, or the Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle. We've all heard of "chocolate turtles" and turtle-inspired baked goods, which rely on the trio of chocolate, caramel, and pecans. I wanted to create a Hawaiian spin on the turtle in honor of the Honu: chocolate, caramel, macadamia nuts, and coconut.
The Honu are amazing! They come up onto some of the beaches on Kaua'i to rest. They're huge, gentle animals that seem so kind and wise. The photo below is from one of their favorite spots on Kaua'i, where we see them more frequently than anywhere else. This vegan chocolate cream pie, which we call "Honu Pie" in our house, is a tribute to these incredible creatures.
Here's what you'll need for this chocolate avocado pie, as well as some thoughts, tips, and possible substitutions. If you make any substitutions, I'd love to hear about it in the comments section below.
I can't wait for you to try this unique chocolate avocado pie. I think it's such great proof that desserts don't necessarily have to be bad for you. This decadent-seeming pie is made from simple whole-food ingredients like avocados, nuts, dates, and coconut; it's a treat that you can genuinely feel good about enjoying. It's especially satisfying thanks not only to its decadent texture but also to the presence of protein and healthy fats.
Because this pie is entirely make-ahead, it's a perfect dessert for a party. Whether you serve it at a summer BBQ, Thanksgiving, or even at a spring brunch, it's sure to be a hit. I hope this vegan chocolate cream pie brings back some nostalgic childhood memories for you!
It makes me so happy to hear from you and see your creations! Please leave a comment below and let me know what you think about this recipe. If you post a photo on Instagram, hashtag #TheRogueBrusselSprout and tag me (@TheRogueBrusselSprout) in the post text so that I'm sure to see it.
This decadent vegan chocolate cream pie is made from nourishing ingredients like avocado, nuts, and dates. The combination of chocolate, caramel, macadamias, and coconut is a tropical riff on the classic turtle pie.
For the Crust
For the Filling
For the Topping
Did you make this recipe? Did you make substitutions? How did you serve it? Any helpful tips? Please share your thoughts, since these insights are really useful to both me and to other readers.
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