If you’re diving into the delicious world of raw vegan desserts, mastering the perfect pie crust is a game changer. Unlike traditional pie crusts that rely on baking and flour, raw vegan pie crusts are all about fresh, wholesome ingredients that come together with minimal effort yet deliver maximum flavor and texture.
This crust is naturally sweet, satisfyingly crunchy, and a perfect base for all your fruity or creamy pie fillings. Whether you’re making a zesty key lime pie or a rich chocolate avocado tart, this recipe will become your go-to for a healthy, gluten-free, and utterly delicious crust.
Embracing raw vegan baking means you get to enjoy desserts packed with nutrients and free from processed ingredients. Plus, it’s super simple to whip up and requires no oven time, making it perfect for warm days or last-minute treats.
Ready to impress friends and family with a pie crust that’s as beautiful as it is healthy? Let’s get started on the best raw vegan pie crust recipe you’ll ever make!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This raw vegan pie crust recipe is a masterpiece of simplicity and flavor. It requires just a handful of natural ingredients—nuts, dates, and a touch of salt—making it both wholesome and allergen-friendly.
The crust comes together quickly in a food processor, no baking needed! It has a delightful crunch and holds together perfectly, from tartlets to large pies.
Plus, it’s versatile enough to pair with a variety of fillings, whether creamy, fruity, or chocolaty.
Best of all, it’s packed with fiber, healthy fats, and natural sweetness, offering a guilt-free base for your favorite raw vegan creations. This crust also stores well in the fridge or freezer, so you can prepare it ahead of time.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups raw walnuts (or pecans for a milder flavor)
- 1 cup Medjool dates, pitted
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for subtle sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted (optional, for extra binding)
Equipment
- Food processor – essential for blending the nuts and dates to the perfect consistency
- Mixing bowl – for combining and adjusting the crust dough
- 9-inch pie pan or tart pan – to shape the crust
- Spatula or wooden spoon – for pressing the crust evenly
- Measuring cups and spoons – for precise ingredient amounts
Instructions
- Prepare your food processor: Ensure your food processor bowl and blade are clean and dry before starting. This will help the ingredients blend evenly.
- Pulse the walnuts: Add the walnuts to the food processor. Pulse about 10-12 times until they are coarsely chopped but not powdered. You want some texture, not nut flour.
- Add the dates and salt: Add the pitted dates and sea salt to the walnuts. Process continuously until the mixture starts to clump together. This usually takes about 1-2 minutes. Scrape down the sides as needed.
- Incorporate vanilla and coconut oil (optional): If using, add the vanilla extract and melted coconut oil. Pulse a few more times to combine. These add flavor and help bind the crust, but you can skip them for a purer raw vegan version.
- Check the consistency: The dough should be sticky enough to hold when pressed between your fingers. If it’s too dry, add 1-2 more dates or a teaspoon of water and pulse again.
- Press the dough into the pan: Transfer the dough into your pie or tart pan. Use your hands or the back of a spoon to press it firmly and evenly across the bottom and up the sides. Aim for about 1/4 inch thickness.
- Chill the crust: Place the crust in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up before adding your filling. This step helps the crust set and hold its shape.
- Fill and serve: Once chilled, fill with your favorite raw vegan pie filling and enjoy immediately or keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
Tips & Variations
“For a nut-free alternative, try substituting sunflower seeds for the walnuts and using dried figs instead of dates. This maintains texture and sweetness without nuts!”
- Nut options: Walnuts offer a rich, deep flavor, but pecans, almonds, or macadamia nuts can be used for different tastes and textures.
- Date alternatives: If Medjool dates aren’t available, dried figs or raisins can work, but soak them briefly to soften if needed.
- Add spices: For a unique twist, add 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon or a pinch of ground ginger to the crust mixture.
- Make mini tartlets: Divide the dough into smaller muffin tins or tartlet pans for individual servings.
- Storage: Store crust in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving (1/8 crust) |
---|---|
Calories | 180 kcal |
Fat | 14 g |
Saturated Fat | 3 g |
Carbohydrates | 12 g |
Fiber | 3 g |
Sugar | 8 g (naturally occurring in dates) |
Protein | 3 g |
Sodium | 50 mg |
Serving Suggestions
This raw vegan pie crust pairs beautifully with a variety of fillings:
- Fresh fruit and coconut cream: Top with sliced strawberries, blueberries, or kiwi and a generous dollop of whipped coconut cream.
- Raw chocolate ganache: Pour a silky blend of cacao, coconut oil, and maple syrup over the crust for a decadent treat.
- Lemon or key lime filling: Use a zesty cashew-based lemon or lime cream for a refreshing dessert.
- Try combining this crust with recipes like the Key Lime Pie Lush Recipe for an extra burst of flavor.
- For more creative vegan dough ideas, check out the Magic Dough Recipe to explore other crust possibilities.
- If you love nutty sweetness, the Marzipan Challah Recipe is a delightful companion for your raw pie adventures.
Conclusion
Crafting the best raw vegan pie crust is easier than you think and opens up a world of healthy dessert possibilities. This recipe combines simple, natural ingredients to create a crust that’s not only delicious but also nutritious and allergy-friendly.
Whether you’re a seasoned raw foodie or just starting out, this crust provides a sturdy and flavorful foundation for endless pie variations.
With the versatility to adapt nuts, sweeteners, and flavors, you can customize this crust to suit any dessert mood or occasion. Plus, no baking means less fuss and more time to enjoy your creation!
Don’t forget to explore other exciting recipes on the site to complement your raw vegan baking journey. Happy pie making!
📖 Recipe Card: Best Raw Vegan Pie Crust Recipe
Description: A simple and delicious raw vegan pie crust made with nuts and dates. Perfectly crunchy and naturally sweet, ideal for any raw pie filling.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT0M
Total Time: PT15M
Servings: 1 9-inch pie crust
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups raw almonds
- 1 cup Medjool dates, pitted
- 1/4 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Place almonds in a food processor and pulse until finely ground.
- Add dates, shredded coconut, chia seeds, coconut oil, sea salt, and vanilla extract.
- Process until the mixture sticks together when pressed.
- Press the mixture evenly into a 9-inch pie pan.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set before adding filling.
Nutrition: Calories: 320 | Protein: 7g | Fat: 22g | Carbs: 25g
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