Healthy Pecan Pie (naturally sweetened)

 This Healthy Maple Pecan Pie makes a delicious dessert for your table! This is a great dessert to make for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner, or to make any night of the week.

This recipe can be made vegan and gluten-free by swapping butter for coconut oil and using gluten-free graham crackers or cookies for the pie crust. Made with simple, healthier ingredients, it’s super easy to put together in time for dessert! 

The texture of this pecan pie resembles a classic pie with a thick, caramel-like filling topped with crunchy candied pecans. The sweetness of the maple syrup enhances the natural sugars in the dates, and combines for a delicious all-natural dessert.

Features of this recipe

• Only requires a few staple ingredients, which you may already have in your pantry or refrigerator. 
• It is refined sugar free, sweetened only with dates and maple syrup.
• Can be made vegan and gluten-free by swapping out some of the ingredients.
• It’s a simple, follow along recipe that anyone can enjoy making with others. 
• A great recipe for any holiday gathering or after dinner dessert. 

Ingredients 

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: I like to use Annie’s Organic Honey Grams because they use organic ingredients, but any brand will work. You can also use some kind of shortbread cookies if that is easier. Make sure to use a gluten-free brand if necessary. 
• Maple Syrup: used in all three components of this recipe: the crust, filling, and candied pecans. This allows the recipe to stay free of refined sugars and adds a maple flavor to the recipe.  
• Melted butter: this is used to hold the pie crust together. You can substitute coconut oil for a vegan option with more healthy fats.
• Pecans: the star of the recipe! Crushed pecans are used in the filling and candied pecans are used for the top of the pie. They provide protein and healthy fats among other health benefits in this recipe.
• Coconut Oil: used in making the candied pecans. You could substitute butter if necessary. 
• Pitted Medjool Dates: used to create the filling. Blending the dates creates a thick and creamy, caramel-like filling. They provide fiber, antioxidants, natural sugars, and carbohydrates, making them a delicious and nutritious component of this recipe. 

Equipment

• Measuring cups + spoons
• Food processor or blender
• Frying pan
• Wooden spoon
• Rubber spatula
• Pie Plate

How to make: step-by-step

Make your pie crust. Blend the graham crackers (or cookies) in your food processor until it is broken down into crumbs, and no larger pieces are remaining. Transfer to a bowl and mix in the melted butter and maple syrup. This should still be a crumbly texture but stick together when pressing between your fingers

Pour the crumb mixture into your pie plate and press it into the bottom and sides of the plate using the bottom of a measuring cup or ramekin. Cover and place in the refrigerator until ready to fill.

Make the candied pecans. Melt coconut oil (or butter) in a frying pan on medium heat. Add in the pecans and maple syrup. Using a wooden spoon or metal spatula, stir until all the pecans are coated. 

Stir frequently while the syrup changes texture. It will go through different phases before it crystallizes on the pecans (this will take about 15 minutes). Spread on a baking sheet with parchment paper to cool. Set aside. 

Make the filling. Add your pitted dates to the food processor and blend to begin breaking them down. You may have to stop and scrape down the sides multiple times in order to make sure that everything gets included in the mixture and creates one consistency. 

Add in water 1 TBSP at a time until you have reached a caramel like consistency. The texture should be very thick, but you will probably use 3-4 TBSP.

Once you have reached the desired consistency, add in the maple syrup and pecans. Pulse the food processor until everything is well distributed. 

Assemble the pie. Take your pie crust out of the refrigerator and begin adding the filling to the center. Use a rubber spatula or spoon to gently smooth out the date mixture. Be careful not to mess up the gram cracker crust.

Once the filling is smoothed out, begin placing your candied pecans on top. I like creating a circular pattern, but do whatever you prefer. Now your pecan pie is complete! Refrigerate until ready to eat, cut into slices to serve, and enjoy!

Serving and Storage

Store the pie in the refrigerator covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This could last about four days in the refrigerator, although it may not make it that long 😉

You can freeze the pie as a whole or in individual slices for longer lasting.

Serve this pie cold, straight out of the refrigerator, or heat it up for 15-20 minutes at 350 F. This will make the filling ooey gooey and bring out the warm flavors in the pecans.

Cut individual slices and serve. You can serve as is or top with some ice cream to make it a la mode. Either way, this pie is delicious!

“Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭100‬:‭4‬-‭5‬ ‭NLT‬‬