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 a good substitute for raw pumpkin? ›

Butternut Squash and Sweet Potatoes

Butternut squash and our favorite orange spuds (sweet potatoes) can save the day when needing a quick alternative to pumpkin.

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 is a substitute for pumpkin puree in baking? ›

3 Substitutes for Canned Pumpkin Purée
  • Frozen Butternut Squash. You can substitute almost any roasted and puréed squash for canned pumpkin. ...
  • Sweet Potatoes. Whether you keep the raw tubers or canned cubes on hand, sweet potatoes are one of the best alternatives to canned pumpkin you can keep stocked. ...
  • Roasted Acorn Squash.

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 canned pumpkin and raw pumpkin? ›

Canned pumpkin is more convenient, helps save time, and isn't as messy as breaking down and de-seeding a large pumpkin. Fresh pumpkin is more fresh-tasting. It can be less expensive (depending on how much pumpkin you're using) and definitely doesn't contain fillers.

Can humans eat raw pumpkin puree? ›

Although most people prefer eating them cooked or roasted, you can also eat pumpkin and pumpkin seeds raw. Still, key differences set apart raw and cooked varieties, especially in terms of taste, texture, and nutritional value.

What brand of pie is vegan? ›

Claim Jumper. Easily located in the frozen dessert section of several standard grocery stores, Claim Jumper makes snagging a vegan pie a breeze. Fruit pies—including apple, peach, and razzleberry flavors—make up their vegan varieties.

What is a good substitute for pumpkin pie? ›

If you're seeking an alternative for pumpkin pie, look no further than butternut squash – you'll likely never go back.

Can vegans eat pie crust? ›

You can make a great vegan pie crust regardless of the kind of plant-based fat you have on hand. But it's important to use a recipe formulated for the kind of fat you'd like to use—otherwise, you'll need to adjust for the amount of water, which can be a tricky business for all but the most experienced bakers.

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

Pumpkin pie filling shouldn't be used in place of pumpkin puree since the finished dish will be too sweet. You can always set the can aside to make a quick pumpkin pie another day.

How much pumpkin puree equals one egg? ›

Pumpkin Puree

For each egg, a recipe calls for, add in one quarter cup of pumpkin puree. For replacing oil add in a one-to-one ratio, so if a recipe calls for one half cup of oil, one half cup of pumpkin can be added instead.

Does homemade pumpkin puree taste better than canned? ›

Pumpkin Puree Taste Comparison:

Fresh: Squashy/pumpkiny, subtle almost herbaceous flavor. Regular Canned: Deep, slightly intense unique flavor. Organic Canned: More similar to the fresh stuff than the regular canned, but with more flavor than homemade.

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

How to Prevent a Soggy Bottom Pie Crust
  1. Blind Bake the Crust.
  2. Choose the Right Rack in the Oven.
  3. Brush the Bottom with Corn Syrup or Egg White.
  4. Put the Pie on a Hot Cookie Sheet.
  5. Make a Thicker Crust.
  6. Add a Layer.
  7. Consider a Metal Pie Pan.
Mar 18, 2024

Should I poke holes in the bottom of my pumpkin pie crust? ›

But don't dock it (docking is aerating the crust before baking by poking it with the tines of a fork). This will cause the custard to seep out into the bottom crust, defeating that whole "flaky" thing you were going for. The test kitchen's vessel of choice for pie is a 9" glass Pyrex pan.

Why should you cut slits in the pie crust? ›

With docking, the holes allow steam to escape, so the crust should stay flat against the baking dish when it isn't held down by pie weights or a filling. Otherwise the crust can puff up, not only impacting appearance but also leaving you with less space for whatever filling you have planned.

What vegetable is closest to a pumpkin? ›

Butternut Squash

If you like pumpkin but want to try something different, butternut squash is the perfect fruit for you. Similar to pumpkin but slightly sweeter, butternut squash is high in fiber and potassium and known to help reduce blood pressure.

What is the closest thing to pumpkin? ›

Acorn Squash

The acorn squash's sweet and flavoury taste is most commonly enjoyed baked, though it can be made in many different ways. And, since you can substitute pumpkin with acorn squash in basically every recipe, there's no need to make any adjustments – just do the same as you would with the pumpkin.

What can I eat instead of pumpkin? ›

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.

Can I use canned pumpkin instead of fresh? ›

When it comes to baking, I think you'd be fine using either canned or fresh. I'll always keep a few cans of regular pumpkin puree in my pantry because I love to bake with the stuff.

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