This sweet and salty pecan pie recipe is a healthy twist on an old favourite. Perfect for any time of year, but a particularly fabulous dish for Christmas celebrations. If you’re a fan of pecan pie, you have to try this delicious healthy gluten-free version. And, of course, there is no refined sugar either, so it is extra healthy.
The Best Healthy Pecan Pie Recipe
When I went to America on a trip, I saw that there were pie shops, and I love pies, so I had to go in and try an American pie. When I went inside this shop in a cute little town in California, I noticed that the only pies that they had were sweet. There were no savoury pies in sight! All the pies looked delicious, but I settled on trying the Pecan Pie. And I loved it.
I knew that when I got home from the trip, I would have to try and make a healthy version of the Pecan Pie. After a few tries and experimentation with gluten-free and healthier ingredients, this is what I landed on. I created this fantastic healthy version of a caramel pecan pie.
So, if you’re looking for a healthy version of a pecan pie that is not only good for you but also easy to make, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free and refined sugar-free, this is it!
The crust is made from dates and nuts, which are then pressed into a mould, mini pie pan, or muffin pan. While the gooey caramel inside is made from Medjool dates, coconut oil and salt.
This Salted Caramel Pecan Pie is so easy as it is no bake. You need to throw a few simple ingredients into a blender.
What Is Pecan Pie?
Traditional pecan pie filling is a famous American sweet dessert pie that is made of pecans, eggs, butter and corn syrup. While it is delicious, it is obviously not that good for you. And if you are health-conscious, gluten-free, dairy-free or vegan, this version is the perfect Caramel Pecan Pie for you!
How to Store These Mini Pecan Pie Bites
These Pecan Pies bites must be refrigerated or kept in the freezer. They will last in the fridge for up to a week if you keep them in an airtight container. If you would like them to last for longer, refer to the freezing tips below.
Can I Freeze These Pecan Pies?
Yes, there are the perfect little treats to make for you and the family to pop away in the freezer. Place them in an airtight container, and you can keep them in the freezer for several months. Thaw out the frozen pie to enjoy.
Tips for Success
Gluten-free and raw creations may be new to you, so here are some tips on how to make this Caramel Pecan Pie recipe successfully:
- Ensure that you have good blender or food processor to make both the base and the filling.
- You can use muffin pans or tart pans, either will work well.
- Ensure that you use Medjool dates for the filling, as this will give you the proper creamy caramel texture. It is ok to use regular dates for the base.
- For the base, you can use almonds, walnuts or cashew nuts instead of pecan nuts if you wish.
Raw Salted Caramel Pecan Pies
Ingredients
Base
- 1 cup dried dates
- 1 cup pecan nuts
- 1/4 cup desiccasted coconut
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
Caramel Filling
- 12 medjool dates
- 3 tbsp coconut oil
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 16 whole pecan nuts, topping
Instructions
- For the bases, set aside a mini muffin tray. Place the dates, pecan nuts and desiccated in a food processor.
- Whizon high until all the ingredients resemble crumbs. Add the salt and vanillaextract into the crumbs and mix together.
- Addcoconut oil and blend together until it makes a cookie dough like mixture.
- Spoona small amount into each muffin pan and press down and up the sides with yourfingers, leaving a small indent in the middle.
- Ifyou would like the bases to be extra salty then grind a little salt over thebases. Place in the fridge while you make the filling.
- For the filling, remove the seeds from the dates and place in a bowl. Cover with boiling water for 5minutes.
- Placein a blender or food processor along with the melted coconut oil, vanillaextract and salt. Whiz on high in the blender until the salted caramel mixtureis very smooth.
- Removethe bases from the fridge using two teaspoons, spoon the mixture into thebases.
- Topwith a pecan nut and place back in the fridge to set for a minimum of one hour.
This recipe is perfect for Christmas or Thanks Giving and can be made in advance and placed in the freezer.
