Raw Pumpkin Pie Tarts Recipe {vegan, gluten-free} (2024)

By Amanda Le

Thanksgiving is quickly approaching! This also means pie season is about to officially kick-off. Pumpkin pie is a staple dessert for the holidays around here and as well as a crowd favorite. It’s probably one of the healthier pies (maybe?) but there’s still tons of room for improvement so that’s why I decided to create my own version of this traditional dessert. There’s absolutely no need for baking to be involved, let alone eggs or condensed milk.

The best thing about this pie is that the crust is really hard to mess up. You’d have to really try. I’m pointing out this awesome fact because that’s the part of pie making that seems to really get people flustered. This raw crust is not only extremely delicious with an amazing texture, but it’s also ten times better for you. So pass up on the stressful holiday baking and create something that’s enjoyable to make.

I chose to make pie tarts with a muffin pan instead of creating a full pie to even out the pie to crust ratio and well, they are way cuter this way! Don’t you agree? Using a muffin pan creates the perfect portion and helps avoid the awkward pie fails when cutting up slices. You know what I’m talking about. Pies are always falling apart once it’s time to cut and serve. You can’t go wrong with the presentation here.

I also ditched the refined sugar and sweetened this pie up with delicious fresh dates. I went with khadrawy dates for the pie crust and zahidi dates in the pie filling but as long as you use soft dates, any variety will work out perfectly. I used a small amount of nuts compared to most typical raw desserts to keep the fats low in this dessert, making it a guilt free treat. Mulberries also add awesome texture to the pie crust. The combination of just 3 simple ingredients creates a delicious crust that compliments the creamy rich pie filling that will make you think was sinful. This is definitely not the case.

By simplifying the ingredients used in this filling I increased the nutritional value by taking out all of the processed junk and replaced it all with healthy whole foods. It’s win win all around! The decadent filling is created with pumpkin puree, dates, coconut butter, almond milk and spices. Make sure you use coconut butter and not coconut oil!

How to Make Raw Pumpkin Puree

Pumpkin puree can be a tricky ingredient when it comes to eating fully raw. However, it’s very possible to create raw pumpkin puree with a little patience. All you need to do is peel, de-seed and chop up your sugar pumpkin into small cubes. Place your chopped pumpkin in a food processor to break down the pieces further then throw the processed pumpkin chunks into a high-speed blender. Blend until you have a very creamy smooth uniform puree.

If you’re short on time or just like to simplify things use canned pumpkin puree. As long as it’s organic, non-GMO and BPA-free canned pumpkin puree. I often use canned pumpkin puree in other desserts and sauces since I usually don’t need too much or pumpkins are not available year round.

If you want to bring something unique to the table this Thanksgiving then impress your friends and family with this homemade raw pumpkin pie. Raw desserts are a great was to introduce others to a raw food diet. Spread the health this holiday season and make these delicious pumpkin pie tarts!

5.0 from 2 reviews

Raw Pumpkin Pie Tarts

Prep time

Total time

Author: Amanda Le

Serves: 12 tarts

Ingredients

  • View notes for baking options.

  • Pumpkin Pie Crust
  • 2 cups dried white mulberries
  • 1 cup soft dates
  • ½ cup pecans

  • Pumpkin Pie Filling
  • 2 cups pumpkin puree
  • 2 cups soft dates
  • ⅓ cup coconut butter
  • ¼ cup almond milk
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger

Instructions

  1. Blend all crust ingredients in a food processor until you have a thick, uniform crust texture.
  2. Scoop dough out and mold to parchment lined muffin pan creating a bowl shape.
  3. Place crust in the freezer while you prepare the filling.
  4. Blend all filling ingredients in a high speed blender or food processor until you have a creamy uniform consistency.
  5. Remove muffin pan from the freezer and scoop filling into your crust.
  6. Place pumpkin pie tarts in the freezer for at least 2 hours.
  7. Take the tarts out of the freezer 20-30 minutes before serving.

Notes

Place coconut butter jar in a bowl of warm (not hot) water for 5 minutes to soften it up.
If dates are not soft, soak them in warm water for at least an hour ahead of time.
If crust is too sticky to manage, wet your fingers to help shape the tarts into the muffin pans.
If you or your guests prefer a warm pie, simply place the frozen pumpkin pie tarts in a preheated oven (350 F) for 30 minutes. Carefully remove tarts from the oven and serve.


Raw Pumpkin Pie Tarts Recipe {vegan, gluten-free} (2024)

FAQs

What is vegan pumpkin pie made of? ›

INGREDIENTS FOR VEGAN PUMPKIN PIE

Pumpkin puree from a can: Make sure you don't buy pumpkin pie filling. Sweet potato: Adds additional flavor and texture. Pumpkin pie spice: (I use my homemade pumpkin pie spice recipe for the absolute best flavor!) Cinnamon: For extra depth of flavor.

What makes pumpkin pie filling pull away from the crust? ›

The oven rack may be too close to the top heating element in the oven. This can cause filling to 'skin' and crack as it bakes and to settle slightly when cooling and pull away from the crust. Another possible reason is over-baking. Try reducing cooking time by 5 to 10 minutes.

What is the difference between pumpkin pie filling and pure pumpkin? ›

They are the same product. Both canned pumpkin puree and pie filling are useful, shelf-stable ingredients that can help speed up your kitchen prep time. Just remember that puree is unsweetened, while pie filling contains sugar and spices. This will help you choose the right pumpkin product for your recipes.

What is a good substitute for pumpkin in pie? ›

Butternut, buttercup, honeynut and acorn squashes are all suitable substitutes. Each of these types of squash has a similar texture to pumpkin and some natural sweetness. To substitute these squashes for pumpkin, prepare them as you would pumpkin for fresh pumpkin puree: clean, roast, puree in a food processor.

What brand of pie is vegan? ›

Freshly baked desserts are made easy with OG freezer brand Sara Lee. All fruit pies are vegan, so opt for a Dutch Apple, Lattice Peach, or Mince Pie.

What is vegan pie crust made of? ›

To make the dough:

Add the flour, salt and sugar into a large bowl and whisk to combine. Cut the vegetable shortening into cubes and scatter into the flour. Use a fork or pastry cutter to slice the vegetable shortening into the flour until you reach a crumbly texture.

How do you keep the bottom crust of pumpkin pie from getting soggy? ›

Often, blind-baking solves this problem. If you're making a single crust custard-filled pie, like a pumpkin pie, bake the pie dough first before adding filling to allow some of the moisture in the crust to evaporate. You can also totally blind-bake fruit pies.

Why is my pumpkin pie not creamy? ›

Two possible problems here: First, it could be that you aren't processing your pumpkin filling sufficiently. I recommend spinning it in a food processor until it's completely smooth, or even using a standing blender with a plunger for more blending power (just make sure it doesn't overheat while blending).

How to avoid cracks in pumpkin pie? ›

To avoid this, make sure to allow your pie to cool down completely before chilling. When your pie is done baking, shut the oven off and leave the pie inside with the oven door slightly ajar (you can prop it open with a wooden spoon). Let the pie slowly cool in the oven just like a meringue.

What happens if you use pumpkin pie mix instead of pumpkin puree? ›

Pumpkin pie mix can be used as a substitute for pure canned pumpkin in some recipes. However, since it is already sweetened and flavored, you'll need to make some adjustments. In most dessert recipes, leave out the pumpkin pie spice and cut down on the sugar since the pumpkin pie mix includes it.

Is pumpkin pie mix gluten free? ›

There are several brands of canned pumpkin pie filling out there, and luckily almost all of them are gluten-free!

Is 100% pure pumpkin the same as solid pack pumpkin? ›

Pumpkin puree can be labeled as 100% pure pumpkin, pumpkin puree, solid pack pumpkin, or simply "pumpkin." Regardless of what it's called, one thing pumpkin puree won't contain is any sort of seasonings or sugar—it's just cooked and mashed squash.

What is a good substitute for raw pumpkin? ›

Luckily, we also make two of the best substitutes for pumpkin as well! Organic Butternut Squash Puree and Sweet Potato puree! You can sub these in a 1-to-1 ratio with no issue in just about any recipe.

What can I use if I don't have ginger for pumpkin pie? ›

Allspice, Turmeric, Cardamom, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, or Mace. Of course, none of these spices really tastes like ginger. Instead, think of them as alternatives rather than direct substitutes: In a recipe that calls for ground ginger, you can substitute the same amount of any of these spices—or a mixture of them.

Can pumpkin replace an egg? ›

Aside from giving your baked goods a seasonal touch, pumpkin puree is excellent for replacing eggs. Use 1/4 cup of pumpkin puree for each egg, says Traci Weintraub, chef and founder of Gracefully Fed, a restaurant in Los Angeles.

What is pumpkin pie usually made of? ›

Overview. Cooked and puréed pumpkin flesh is mixed with eggs, evaporated milk, sugar, and spices. The pie is then baked in a pie shell and sometimes topped with whipped cream.

Is your pie dough vegan? ›

At Your Pie, we've made a commitment to ensure everyone can enjoy great-tasting pizza. That's why all of our locations offer Gluten-Free dough, Vegan (Non-Dairy) Cheese, and Non-Dairy Sorbet. Just ask for it next time you're in line.

What is impossible pie made from? ›

Place milk, coconut, eggs, butter, sugar, flour, and vanilla in a blender; blend until well mixed. Pour into prepared pie plate. Sprinkle nutmeg on top. Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 45 minutes.

Are all pies vegan? ›

Often made with buttery crusts and sometimes eggy cream fillings, pies and tarts aren't always the most vegan-friendly dishes. But these nine recipes will show you how to make dairy- and egg-free versions of these beloved desserts that will impress guests and leave everyone guessing how it's entirely plant-based.

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