Meet the GREAT Pumpkin Pie, a vegan pumpkin pie recipe that’s also soy-free, gluten-free, and oil-free!
Wait… Do we really need another pumpkin pie recipe? Why is this one special?
Indeed, there is no shortage of pumpkin pie recipes – even vegan. A quick google search will confirm that.
I’ve baked my fair share of pumpkin pies. Crusts made with graham or cookie crusts, fillings with silken tofu or chocolate, the list goes on.
But, ever since creating the Pumpkin Pie Custards in LTEV, I’ve wanted to somehow transform the recipe into a pie. It needed tweaks, to thicken and stabilize for a successful pumpkin pie made with vegan ingredients.
Plus, I wanted to develop a crust that is (1) wholesome and (2) easy (we need some breaks during the holidays).
After quite a few tests, success!
Vegan Pumpkin Pie: The Filling and The Crust
The Filling
The filling of this pie is everything to me. I can eat it on its own, even before baking (though the arrowroot powder does need to cook, but I still like tasting the blended filling).
I use my Blendtec to puree the filling, and I recommend a blender rather than a food processor. The filling just won’t get smooth enough in a food processor. You can use a standard blender, but you will need to blend it longer than using the Blendtec. (For 20% off Blendtec, link here and use code YAY-BLENDTEC).
When the filling is finished cooking, it becomes creamy and luscious, like a custard – and with just enough spice from cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. The pumpkin pie spice is not overpowering.
The Crust
Then, the crust. I developed this crust as an alternative to a traditional pastry crust. It’s made with rolled oats, nut butter, and dates, and it isn’t too sweet. And, unlike a traditional pastry crust, it isn’t oily. and isn’t too sweet. You can use it for other pies you love as well, such as pecan or chocolate pumpkin pie!
But perhaps the biggest bonus of this crust is how easy it is to make. All the ingredients for the crust whiz together in the food processor, and then you simply press it into your pie plate.
So let’s get to the recipe, shall we?
And, if you love this vegan pumpkin pie, here are some other seasonal recipes you might love:
Vegan and Gluten-Free Pumpkin Pie
Ingredients
Crust:
- 2 cups rolled oats use certified gluten-free for a GF option
- 2/3 cup pitted dates packed
- 1/3 cup nut butter I like raw, can also use roasted
- 1/8 tsp sea salt omit if almond butter has salt
- 2 tbsp non-dairy milk or more if needed to bring the crust together
Filling:
- 1 can 15 oz, 398ml pumpkin puree (pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling)
- 2/3 – 3/4 cup raw cashews 2/3 for slightly softer set, 3/4 for firmer; for this photo we used 3/4 cup
- 1/3 cup plain or vanilla unsweetened non-dairy milk almond or soy preferred, but choice is yours
- 1/2 cup + 1 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 2 tsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp arrowroot powder
- 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp allspice
- few pinches ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract or 1/4 tsp vanilla bean powder
- 1/4 tsp rounded sea salt
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F. Prepare a pie plate (I use a glass pie plate) by lightly wiping inner surface with a dab of oil (or spray).
- In a food processor, add the oats, dates, and salt for the crust. Puree until fine and crumbly. Then add the almond butter and puree for about a minute. Add the milk and pulse through until the mixture becomes sticky (it should hold together when pressed/pinched). If it's not holding together, add a little more milk, 1 tsp at a time, until it does. You shouldn't need more than another 3-4 tsp.
- Remove and transfer to prepared pie plate. Press mixture in with your fingers until evenly distributed on the base and a little up the sides of the plate (not fully up the sides to prevent burning of the crust).
- In a blender (high speed works best, for regular blender you will need to blend longer and scrape down jar several times) combine all ingredients for the filling. Purée until very smooth, scraping down sides of bowl as needed.
- Pour mixture into pie crust (scrape out bowl) and gently tip back and forth to distribute evenly. (Optional: cover rim of pie plate with aluminum foil to prevent overbrowning of any edges of the crust.)
- Bake for 10 minutes, then reduce heat to 350F (180C) and continue to bake for 25 minutes, until the pie is golden and has mostly set (the center may be soft, but it will set further as it cools).
- Remove from oven, transfer to a cooling rack. Let cool completely before slicing and serving (can refrigerate to chill first).
Notes
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This post was originally published November 2013 and updated for October 2021.
Katie says
Hello! I am planning on making this, but I am having trouble finding dates. Could I substitute with coconut sugar? If not, what would be a good substitute?
Thank you!
Dreena says
Katie, dates are pretty available in most grocery stores. I buy mine at walmart, they are ‘parnoosh’ honey dates. Not expensive either. I’d rather help you try to find them than suggest substitutions that may not work – not fun for you! Many grocery stores carry them in the produce department, in bags or containers – worth asking next time you shop. Just be sure they are pitted dates, saves time!
Lorelei says
Thank you is not enough. I thought I’d never get to eat pumkin “custard” again because of dietary restrictions. All the things I want and none of the stuff I can’t have! Made and ate it last night and WOW. Thanks for giving me back one of my favorite foods. Your oat crust is also a real winner. I’m sure I’ll use this in other pies in the future.
Dreena says
This really made my day! Thank you so much Lorelei. 🙂
Kristie says
Wow, this filling looks amazing! Can you make this pie using a regular or pre-made crust? If so, would you pre-bake the crust before putting the filling in or fill the unbaked crust with the filling and bake? Happy holidays!
Dreena says
Absolutely, Kristie! Don’t prebake the crust, just fill and bake. This makes a fairly generous pie filling, and I know some storebought crusts are just a smidgen smaller than glass pie plates. So, you might have a little more filling than you need – if so, you can bake in a ramekin or gently heat and eat like a pudding. 🙂 Hope that helps, enjoy your holidays!
Kristie says
Thanks Dreena! No worries to even think about what to make for Thanksgiving dinner. This pumpkin pie should cover it all…lol. Thank you again for responding.
Karin Bartimole says
I am so excited to find this recipe – it sounds delish! I’ve been vegan for over 20 years and relied heavily on tofu for my substitutes, but three years ago I got estrogen sensitive breast cancer, and have to watch estrogen high foods. So I am grateful to creative cooks, like you, who help me shift my diet again! Blessings this holiday season.
Laura Black says
Just ate the first piece…O to the M to the G! I LOVE YOU!
Thank you, Dreena 🙂