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.
A. N. says
This looks really good. I want to make it for this thanksgiving, but I already bought pumpkin pie mix instead of pure canned pumpkin. Can I still make it with that? Also, can I use flour or cornstarch instead of the arrowroot powder for the filling?
Dreena says
You can substitute cornstarch for the arrowroot. I prefer arrowroot b/c corn is one of the GMO crops. As for the mix, you’d need to adjust both the spices and the sweetener, so best to go with the straight pumpkin. I haven’t tested it with the mix, so just not able to offer sound substitutions (sorry)!
A.N. says
Thanks for the reply! Cant wait to make it!
Claudia says
Hi Dreena,
I never seem to find the ideal crust for the pumpkin pie. This looks like a winner! I just ordered a Blendtec to try it out (would I do this in the Wildside or Twister jar?) – but it hasn’t arrived yet.
Would Medjool dates pulverize easily with the other crust ingredients in a 350W blender? I already used the coffee grinder for the oats, but obviously can’t fit multiple items in there
Dreena says
Hi Claudia, do you have a food processor for the crust? I’d use that and then just use the blender for the filling. For the filling, definitely use the wildside! (and you’ll love it!!)
Claudia says
Well,it was supposed to go out already but no package has arrived yet.
Will the Medjool dates definitely blend in the blender with the rest of the ingredients?
Claudia says
Oops. Sorry, Dreena. Meant to say that I have a food processor, but it is also 350 Watts. Medjool dates are pretty soft. If you’ve got suggestions on how to try to make it work so I can blend the crust ingredients in my current blender or food processor since it looks like I might not get the Blendtec in time, I’d be grateful.
As I think I already mentioned, I tried to put a date in my coffee grinder, but while it finely grinded it, the date stuck to the inside. Would mixing it with a touch of the rolled oats help? Would hate to waste dates! – As is, I barely have what I need for the crust. : )
Again, thanks.
Wynne says
I get a better result blending dates if I give them a head start–maybe you could food process them finely first and soak in the ND milk before whirring the filling together? Just one option if your Blendtec arrives later. I love Blendtec!
Alastair Norcross says
Thanks for this, it looks delicious. I’ll definitely be making it in a couple of days. I have a couple of questions. Why use a blender for the filling rather than the food processor that you’ve already used for the crust? Wouldn’t that cut down on dishes to wash, which is always a good thing? Also, can I add a little brandy to the filling? My favorite pumpkin pie recipe from dairy days included some brandy. Perhaps substitute a few tablespoons of brandy for some of the almond milk, to keep the amount of liquid the same?
Dreena says
Hi Alastair, I find the processor works best for the crust. It will be difficult to get moving in a blender – but you can certainly try if you want. I think you could add the brandy, for sure, replacing some of the milk it should work ok!
Alastair Norcross says
Thanks, but I meant why use the blender for the filling? Will the filling not mix well in a food processor?
Mary Ellen says
I tried my food processor for the filling and the cashews did not blend in completely and I had to go to the blender anyway.
Mili says
Hi- Can I substitute something for maple syrup?
Dreena says
Hi Mill, it would need to be another liquid sweetener, agave would be closest sub – but maple syrup has nicer flavor for this pie.
Pragati Coder says
What can you suggest as a subs for arrowroot powder? Thanks!
Jenna P says
cornstarch