Chocolate-Pecan Pudding Pie (Vegan!)

prep time:: 25 minutes
total time:: 2 1/2 hours including chilling time

Makes 12

This pie’s got everything-- a nutty crust, a rich filling and plenty of pecans. And better yet, none of the unhealthy trappings of pecan pie! If you like it, check out Bryant Terry’s cookbook, Vegan Soul Kitchen.

ingredients

For the nut crust:
1 cup almonds
1 cup pecans
1/2 cup whole-wheat pastry flour
Fine sea salt
1/2 cup dried unsweetened coconut
8 large dates, pitted and chopped
1/4 cup coconut oil
For the filling:
3/4 cup soymilk
1/4 cup arrowroot
1/2 ripe banana
3/4 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cup pure maple syrup
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup melted coconut oil
1 1/4 cups pecans, chopped
1/2 cup dried unsweetened coconut
Mint leaves, for garnish

directions

1
Preheat the oven to 325°F.
2
Combine the almonds, pecans, flour, and 1/8 teaspoon salt in a food processor fitted with the metal blade and grind to a fine meal. Transfer to a large bowl and add the coconut. Add the dates and coconut oil to the food processor and process until the dates form into a gooey mass, about 1 minute. Add the dry ingredients back into the food processor and process until everything is mixed well and starts to form into a ball.
3
Transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie tin. With clean hands, knead the dough for a minute or so to ensure that the oil is evenly distributed. Press the dough into the pan, making sure that the bottom, sides, and rim are covered (the sides should be slightly thicker than the bottom). With a fork, prick several holes into the bottom of the crust. Set aside.
4
For the filling:
5
In a blender, combine the soymilk and arrowroot and puree for 30 seconds. Add the banana and puree for another 15 seconds. Set aside.
6
In the top of a double boiler over simmering water, melt the chocolate chips. In a large bowl, immediately combine the melted chocolate chips with the soymilk mixture, maple syrup, vanilla, coconut oil, pecans, and coconut. Mix well. Scrape the filling into the crust with a rubber spatula and spread evenly.
7
Place the pie on a cookie sheet. Cover the crust with aluminum foil and bake for about 20 minutes, until filling is firm.
8
Remove from the oven, cool for 30 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
9
Garnish each slice with a few mint leaves.