Classic Southern Pecan Pie Turned Vegan
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Pecan pie has always been a part of our southern lifestyle, but times are changing, and it's time to make some adjustments. We've all taken the plunge to strive for healthier lifestyles, including ensuring our treats are still tasty but more conscientious in terms of ingredients.
Pecan Pie has traditionally called for unhealthy ingredients like corn syrup (how long does corn syrup last?) and refined sugar, not eggs. However, this vegan version of Southern-style Pecan Pie is delicious and healthier for you since it's made with Southern Pecans (how long do pecans last?) as its base.
Packed with nutrition, including magnesium, iron, and calcium, pecans are high in both heart-healthy unsaturated fats and fiber. In addition, flax eggs replace traditional eggs, offering those same benefits, including Omega-3s.
The corn syrup is replaced with a nutritional powerhouse – blackstrap molasses (how long does blackstrap molasses last?) – offering 20% of the RDA of calcium and iron plus natural sweetness all in one! So indulge in this southern classic without guilt – we promise you won't miss a thing!
Take A Deeper Look into Texas Pecan Pie - One of America's Most Famous Desserts!
Going Vegan
Eating vegan doesn't mean we have to sacrifice all of our favorite desserts and dishes. It just means getting creative with the ingredients. Vegan recipes are unlocking the door to delicious and exciting ways to incorporate plant-based ingredients into your meals.
Vegan recipes give us options to indulge without compromising our dietary objectives.
Gone are the days of simply substituting vegan margarine for butter (how long does butter last?). Now we can enjoy an entire menu of delicious treats created by combining nuts, fruits, and menu items you never thought would work together, yet suddenly they do!
Southern flavors like pecan pie and brisket can still be indulged in while maintaining a healthy diet with nutritious vegan substitutes. We can still enjoy the sweet Southern flavors we know and love, with a twist that makes all the difference when striving for healthier, vegan alternatives. You won't even miss the butter!
Is a vegan diet good for the environment? Well, the answer might be a little bit more complicated than it at first seems. Learn more about Myths and Facts about Veganism and the Environment.
Plant-Based Ingredients in Vegan Pecan Pie
Nut Butter
Nut Butters are a very interesting culinary invention. They are simply made by grinding nuts into a paste until it forms a thick and rich consistency, or light and runny mixture.
Pecan pie is a classic fall dessert, and adding nut butter enhances its taste. A neutral-tasting nut butter like almond butter (how long does almond butter last?), cashew butter (how long does cashew butter last?), or even a nut-free pumpkin seed butter will give the filling a richer and more complex flavor. Of course, if you want to stay true to the traditional pecan pie recipe, you can always opt for some homemade pecan butter. No matter the variety you choose, the nut butter will surely bring out all of the delectable flavors in your pecan pie.
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Flax
Flax has quickly become a vegan staple due to its multiple uses as an egg substitute in recipes. Combining ground flaxseed with hot water forms a perfect binding agent that behaves similarly to a real egg. This is especially useful for baking vegan versions of cakes, pancakes, and muffins.
Even savory vegan recipes - like scrambles and lasagnas – can use flax as an alternative to eggs. Moreover, since flaxseeds (how long do flaxseeds last?) are incredibly high in their nutrient density, you can enjoy your favorite vegan creations knowing it's not only healthier than traditional versions but more nutritious too!
Buy flax from local markets in Texas through the TexasRealFood Promptuary.
Blackstrap Molasses
Blackstrap molasses (how long does molasses last?) is an esteemed and versatile ingredient commonly used in vegan cooking. With a unique, slightly sweet, caramel taste and dense consistency, it lends itself well to baking recipes such as cakes, cookies, and quick breads. But it can also be used for savory dishes to flavor sauces, glazes, and vinaigrettes.
Adding blackstrap molasses to your recipes makes them healthier and more flavorful. Rich in vitamins and minerals like iron, calcium, potassium, and magnesium, this pantry staple is the perfect addition to any vegan meal plan. It's no wonder why blackstrap molasses continues to be a favorite among vegans everywhere.
Buy molasses from local markets in Texas through the TexasRealFood Promptuary.
I highly recommend purchasing blackstrap molasses online for a convenient shopping experience!
How to Make Vegan Pie Crust
Making a vegan pie crust is surprisingly simple, just start by gathering all of your ingredients together and mixing them into a dough. Stir the mixture until it is combined and takes on an almost clay-like texture. If it feels too dry, add a few drops of either water or oil to get the desired texture but be careful not to add too much liquid as this could cause the dough to become sticky.
Once you are satisfied with the consistency, press it into a pie pan and pre-bake for 10 minutes at 400 degrees F to give your crust a golden hue. And voila–your vegan pie crust is ready!
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How to Make Vegan Pecan Pie Filling
Preparing a pecan pie is relatively easy but must be done with care. Start by whisking together all the necessary ingredients except for your nut garnish.
Then, refrigerate the filling for at least thirty minutes or overnight if desired. The mixture should be noticeably thicker and heavier after sitting, which is a good sign that your flax is ready to go!
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, pour the filling into your prepared crust, garnish it as desired, then place it on the center rack.
Bake for thirty-five minutes before allowing it to sit inside the oven for ten minutes before removing it from the oven to cool.
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Vegan Southern Pecan Pie Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/3 cup coconut oil
- 1/3 cup cold water
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 2 tbsp molasses, blackstrap
- 3/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 3 tbsp nut butter of choice
- 1/4 cup flaxmeal whisked into 1/3 cup water
- 2 tbsp bourbon
- 1 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp salt
- optional 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
- pinch nutmeg
- optional pecans for garnish
Instructions
- Gather all your ingredients and bring them together to form a dough.
- Stir until the mixture is combined and feels almost like a clay.
- If it is too dry, add drops of water or oil until the texture suits you. But be careful no to add too much liquid - if it becomes too sticky then balance this out by incorporating some more flour.
- Finally, press the dough into a pie pan and pre-bake for 10 minutes at 400 degrees F
- To start, whisk together all your ingredients except optional garnish and let sit; with the flaxmeal the mixture will thicken over 30 minutes in the fridge.
- When your mixture is ready, preheat your oven to 350 F and pour into a crust.
- Sprinkle extra pecans on top as a flavorful garnish and bake in the center rack for 35 minutes before leaving it to sit in an off-oven an additional 10 minutes.
- Enjoy this incredibly creamy filling inside of a flaky crust with or without extra pecans - no matter how you serve it up, you will be reaching back for more!
Notes
Molasses can be difficult to find in some grocery stores, and many people love using maple syrup in this type of recipe since it is easier to come by and comparatively inexpensive. If you're new to molasses or unable to find any at your store, feel free to substitute with maple syrup - you'll still have a delicious recipe!
Nutrition Facts
Calories
3900.27Fat
221.4Sat. Fat
84.39Carbs
443.08Fiber
51.53Net carbs
391.55Sugar
239.94Protein
59.57Sodium
2447.75Cholesterol
13.5Percentages are based on a diet of 2000 calories a day.
