3 Vegan Pecan Pie Recipes

The fall season brings a feast for the senses. As nature creates a bridge between summer and winter, the temperature begins to cool, the colors become brilliant, and the scent of pumpkin spice fills the air. Baking classics such as pies, muffins, and breads are on every foodie's mind this time of year. A delicious way to celebrate the season is to put a twist on a fall tradition and bake up a delicious vegan pecan pie.

You may wonder how a pie that is traditionally made with butter and eggs will compare to your vegan version. Non-dairy butter made with ingredients such as coconut oil and cashews can be surprisingly creamy, and commercial egg replacers or flaxseed can help mimic the texture of eggs. Here's how to make a delicious, seasonal vegan treat.

How to Find and Prepare Vegan Pie Crust

Seasoned bakers will rejoice in the fact that a vegan pie crust is a viable option, thanks to the many dairy-free ingredient alternatives now available at the market. Go Dairy Free has a great pie crust recipe that will pair perfectly with your vegan pecan pie. Not quite ready to dive into the world of homemade pie crust? Not to worry! Premade vegan pie crusts are also readily available at most grocery stores these days.

To begin your pie, prepare your favorite vegan pie crust or store-bought crust. Poke the pie crust in the tin or pie plate with a fork several times. Baking your pie crust first will help it retain its flaky texture after you add the gooey, delicious pecan filling. Line the pie crust with parchment paper and fill with beans to prevent air pockets while baking. Bake the crust in a 350 degree oven for approximately 20 minutes. Remove it from the oven and discard the beans and parchment paper.

Check out the following recipes for completing your vegan pecan pie.

Classic Vegan Pecan Pie

Here's what you'll need:

• ¼ cup vegan butter
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• 4 tbsp. maple syrup
• 4 tbsp. all-purpose flour
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 2 tbsp. flaxseed meal
• ½ tsp. cinnamon
• 1½ tsp. vanilla extract
• 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat culinary coconut milk, well chilled
• Vegan pie crust
• Whole pecans to decorate top of pie

Stir the vegan butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, and flour together in a pot over medium heat until the mixture comes to a boil. Reduce it to a simmer for 2 minutes and remove it from heat. Next, add the chopped pecans, flaxseed meal, cinnamon, and vanilla. Scoop the coconut cream from the can of coconut milk (not the water) and combine it with the mixture. Then, pour the pecan mixture into the pie shell and decorate the top with the whole pecans. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes in a 350-degree oven until the filling is set and the pecans look lightly toasted. Cover the pie with aluminum foil if the pie crust begins looking too brown.

Vegan Chocolate Pecan Pie

Grab these ingredients to bake this chocolate variation:

• Store-bought egg replacer for 3 eggs, or ¾ cup applesauce
• 2½ cups whole pecans
• 1 cup dairy-free chocolate chips
• 1 cup organic corn syrup
• ½ cup dark brown sugar
• ¼ cup vegan butter
• 1½ tsp. vanilla extract
• ½ tsp. sea salt
• ½ tsp. cinnamon
• Vegan pie crust

Prepare the egg replacer of your choice per the package instructions, if applicable. Combine all the ingredients and stir well. Then, pour the mixture into the pie shell. Bake in a 350-degree oven for 20 to 25 minutes until the filling is set and the pecans look lightly toasted. Cover the pie with aluminum foil if the crust becomes too brown.

Vegan Maple Pecan Pie

For an especially fall-themed option, round up these ingredients to make a delicious maple pecan pie:

• 1 cup chopped pecans
• ½ cup dark maple syrup
• ½ cup coconut cream
• 2 tbsp. tapioca flour
• 1½ tsp. vanilla extract
• Whole pecans to decorate top of pie
• Vegan pie crust

Add all the ingredients except the pecans in a food processor and mix until smooth. Pour the mix into a bowl and stir in the chopped pecans. Then, pour the mixture into the pie crust and top it with whole pecans. Bake in a 350-degree oven for 40 minutes, until the filling is set. Cover the pie with aluminum foil halfway through baking.

Want even more delicious vegan recipes? Check out the (Slightly Less) Guilty Pleasures board from @tomsofmaine on Pinterest!

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