Pie lovers, gather ’round! If you’re a fan of the classic Derby Pie, get ready to meet its plant-based doppelgänger: the Vegan Chocolate Pie with Walnuts. This delightful dessert is rich, chocolatey, and contains no animal ingredients—making it a great option to serve to mixed-dietary company this holiday season.
At its core, the Vegan Chocolate Walnut Pie shares the same luscious, chocolatey goodness that makes Derby Pie an all-time favorite. They both have a creamy, velvety filling wrapped in a perfect pie crust—one just uses all plant-based ingredients! The result is a mouthwatering pie that’s just as satisfying as the classic, without any animal products.
Why should I make a vegan chocolate pie?
What truly makes this dessert special is that it’s not just delicious; it’s a dessert with a conscience. By opting for plant-based ingredients, you’re making a positive impact on the environment and supporting ethical food choices, all without compromising on taste. It’s a win-win situation.
What’s particularly wonderful about this pie is its versatility. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or simply looking to explore new dessert options, this pie is a crowd-pleaser that appeals to a wide range of tastes. Share it with friends and family, and they’ll be sure to appreciate the delectable goodness it offers.
What kind of nuts does this pie recipe use?
One of the standout features of this Vegan Chocolate Walnut Pie is the swap of pecans for walnuts. These nuts bring a delightful earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweet chocolate filling. When toasted to perfection, they add a satisfying crunch that complements the pie’s creamy interior, creating a delightful contrast of textures and flavors.
How do I make a vegan chocolate pie with walnuts?
One of the things we love most about this recipe is that making this Vegan Chocolate Walnut Pie is a breeze. The ingredients are easy to find, and the preparation is straightforward. Even if you’re not a seasoned baker, you’ll be able to whip up this delectable treat with ease, making it the perfect choice for gatherings or cozy nights in.
- Line a pie dish with a vegan pie crust and chill it in the refrigerator. We used our perfect pie crust and substituted in vegan butter, but you could also use a store-bought pie crust—just check the ingredient list to make sure it is plant-based!
- Blend together the flour, maple syrup, vegan butter, flaxseed, water, bourbon, vanilla, and salt. Cover and chill for 30 minutes, and then stir in the chocolate and walnuts. Pour into the pie crust.
- Spread the filling mixture to the edges of the pie crust, decorate the top if desired, then bake for 40-45 minutes.
That’s it! Serve the pie on its own or with some whipped coconut cream (or another dairy-free whipped cream alternative).
How do I know when the pie is done baking?
Take a peek at the pie’s filling—does it still look wet? Is it super wobbly? If so, it needs a bit more time in the oven! If the top of the filling has a light brown crust and no wet spots, and if it has just a little jiggle to it, your pie is ready to come out of the oven!
Do you put chocolate pie in the refrigerator?
Yes, absolutely. Though the pie contains no dairy or eggs, it should still be stored in the refrigerator. The filling only holds its shape when it is chilled. Be sure to cover the pie before sticking it in the fridge.
Do I serve this pie cold or at room temperature?
A custard pie, even a dairy-free chocolate pie like this one, is best served cold. This helps the filling hold up, and the chill enhances the chocolate flavor and the pie’s texture.
Can I freeze this pie?
Unfortunately, we don’t recommend it—we can’t guarantee that the filling will keep its silky, rich creaminess through the freezing process. However, you can make the pie crust ahead of time and stash it in the freezer until you are ready to bake. If you freeze the pie crust in the pie tin, you won’t even need to defrost it before adding the filling—just add a few minutes to the baking time!
If you’re a fan of Derby Pie and want to try something a little different, the Vegan Chocolate Walnut Pie is a delightful option. It maintains all the charm and flavor of the classic while offering a compassionate twist that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Vegan Chocolate Pie with Walnuts
This decadent and rich chocolate walnut pie is made with plant-based ingredients, making it a great option for all your holiday guests!
Ingredients
- 1 vegan pie crust (we used our perfect pie crust recipe with vegan butter)
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1/2 cup melted vegan butter
- 1/4 cup ground flax
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons bourbon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/4 cup vegan mini chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease and flour a 9-inch pie pan. Roll your pie crust into a 10-inch circle on a floured surface and carefully place it in the pie pan. Trim and flute the edges, then place in the fridge until ready to fill. (If you have extra pie crust, cut out little leaves with it and place them in the fridge until ready to assemble your pie).
- While the crust is chilling, make the filling by stirring together whole wheat flour, maple syrup, melted vegan butter, ground flax, water, bourbon, vanilla, and salt. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to thicken. Once thickened, remove from the fridge and stir in the mini chocolate chips and walnuts.
- Pour the filling into the pie crust, place pie crust leaves on the top if desired, and bake for 40-45 minutes, using a pie shield halfway through bake time if the crust browns too quickly.
- Allow the pie to cool to room temperature, then slice and serve!
Notes
- Leftovers keep in the fridge for about 3 days. Just be sure to let it sit on the counter for a few minutes first for easier slicing!
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1 sliceAmount Per Serving: Calories: 525Total Fat: 36gSaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 2gUnsaturated Fat: 25gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 163mgCarbohydrates: 50gFiber: 5gSugar: 28gProtein: 6g
At Wholefully, we believe that good nutrition is about much more than just the numbers on the nutrition facts panel. Please use the above information as only a small part of what helps you decide what foods are nourishing for you.
