Who here likes pie? If you’re not raising your hand or nodding your head in agreement, I’m not sure we could be friends 😉 {Kidding, of course we can.}
I’ve got a family of pie fans in my house. I’m partial to chocolate or pecan, the hubby loves apple and cherry, and though my son has only had an occasional bite, I think he likes strawberry the best. (He’s been devouring a strawberry pie we bought over at Nourse Farm the other day).
I really enjoy making homemade versions of these for us to eat. If you like to make these sweet desserts as often as I do, you might want some healthy pie crust options to add to your repertoire.
Traditional store-bought pie crust is usually full of white flour, lard or partially hydrogenated oils, and a most likely a few fillers and preservatives. Of course, there isn’t anything wrong with having that occasionally. Heck, I like making a lightened up quiche some weekends and I still go for the convenience of store-bought pie crust.
But for sweet pies, this chocolate walnut healthy pie crust works so well for a better-for-you option. And honestly this one of the easiest recipes I’ve ever come up with, but I love it so much that I think it deserves its own dedicated post.
Here are the ingredients: walnuts, dates, and cocoa powder. That’s it! Blend those three things up in a food processor and you’ll get a crumbly texture that sticks together, lending it perfectly to being pressed into a pie dish.
It’s ideal for those with certain dietary limitations, since the crust is vegan, gluten free, and grain free. And it’s just a nice clean ingredient option for those who like to bake (and eat) desserts often.
I’ve been using this healthy pie crust like crazy when I make a no-bake chocolate coffee pie (photo above – recipe coming very soon!). But I also think this crust would work well with your favorite (healthy or not-so-healthy) versions of these pies:
- Peanut butter pie
- No-bake pumpkin pie
- Ice cream pie
- Banana cream pie
I haven’t done this with any baked fillings, but I’d imagine it would work just fine. If you experiment with that, let me know!
You can also do a non-chocolate version of this healthy pie crust and there are a few different combinations depending on your taste preferences:
- 1 1/4 cup Walnuts + 1 cup Dates
- 1 cup Walnuts + ½ cup Dates + ½ cup shredded coconut
- 1 cup Walnuts + ¾ cup golden raisins
- 1 1/2 cup walnuts + 2-3 tbsp softened butter + (optional) 2 tbsp sugar
You can adjust these amounts as needed – for example, if your pie crust isn’t quite holding together, add a little bit more dried fruit or butter to get that stickiness.
The non-chocolate versions can work well with any type of sweet pies! But there’s something about the chocolate one that I just love.
Give it a try soon and let me know what ya think!
A delicious 3 ingredient healthy pie crust - that just happens to be vegan, gluten free, and grain free!
- 1 cup shelled walnuts
- 15 small pitted dates (about 3/4 cup)
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
In a food processor, combine walnuts, dates, and cocoa powder. Pulse several times until the mixture is crumbly and starts to stick together.
Lightly grease a pie plate with cooking spray or coconut oil. Press the crust mixture down into the pie plate. Add your fillings and enjoy!
Share with me: What’s your favorite kind of pie? Do you ever make your own pie crust or do you use store bought kinds? Have you ever tried a nut-based healthy pie crust like this?
Chrissy Carroll
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Love how easy this is! I can already picture all the things I want to fill this pie crust with mmmm. Thanks for the recipe Chrissy!
So many pie possibilities! 🙂
Wow that looks so easy! And no bake too
No bake things are the best, especially in the summer!
Now this is simplicity at its finest. Love it!
I know – I almost felt silly posting it because it’s SO simple, but those are the best kind of recipes.
What a great idea! This would totally be great for my favorite, chocolate pudding pie! Yum!
Yesss, this would be perfect with chocolate pudding pie!
Yum!!! This sounds so delicious! I’d totally fill this with something chocolate!
Chocolate on chocolate = amazing 🙂
Love a healthy crust! Usually it’s just sugar and butter and it always makes me feel a little guilty!
Ain’t nothing wrong with that sugar and butter sometimes though, haha – I fully admit enjoying it from time to time. But I like this for a more regular option!!
So easy and so healthy too. Love to fill this pie crust with some chocolate pie filling… yum!
Thanks Natalie! Isn’t it the best when something is healthy AND easy to make?!
This is a great recipe. A vegan bakery I shop at uses this receipe all the time.
Thanks so much! Glad to hear I’m on par with the bakery 🙂
Hi! I just tried this today, but the crust seems too sticky to be removed from the pan/ring, and doesn’t harden much in the fridge. What do you suggest? Thanks!
Hi Janie! Try popping it in the freezer for a half hour or so – I think that would do the trick. Also, did you grease the pan a little bit before smushing it in there? That helps too.
This recipe will be stickier and won’t hold together exactly the same as a normal pie crust, but it should still hold form fairly decently – for ex, if you see the photo in this vegan chocolate pie recipe, it uses this crust and sticks on pretty well. 🙂 https://www.snackinginsneakers.com/easy-vegan-chocolate-pie/