Hello chickpeas!
If you are Canadian, I hope you enjoyed the long weekend! I myself was working the whole time, but that’s ok! It was a pretty easy few days at work and I got to make some extra money. Plus we finally got some weather I like! It has been so hot and muggy here that a thunderstorm was more than welcome and then we got a day that was just hot enough with no humidity. Amazing :)
Before I divulge the recipe for my decadent raw dessert I have an announcement to make! The winner of my Tropical Traditions Coconut Oil giveaway! I am happy to announce the winner is…
loislane1111!!
I will email you soon about the details of receiving your prize! Thanks everyone for entering!
Okay, now we move into the decadent, delicious portion of this post…
This Raw Chocolate-Coated Key Lime Pie, was inspired by Ann at An Unrefined Vegan’s Chocolate-Coated Key Lime-Coconut Creme Pie. As soon as I saw her recipe, I bookmarked it and promptly left a comment saying how amazing a recipe it was. That’s when she issued a challenge. Her challenge was for me to come up with a raw version. I accepted that challenge and a few months later, I present the result!
Ann deserves complete credit for the make-up of this recipe. I never would have thought to pair chocolate and key lime, but the pairing is delicious. The crust is a cacao-nut-date crust which is topped by a hard raw chocolate coating. The final layer is an avocado, banana, and coconut oil key lime filling, that is so good, you could just eat it as a pudding and be completely satisfied. But I urge you to make the whole thing. It’s seriously so GOOD.
What I love about raw desserts is all the healthy fats. Walnuts, avocado and coconut oil all play a starring role in this dessert. You can read all about why I love walnuts and coconut oil here and here. Also, since none of the ingredients are exposed to heat, all the healthy fats, vitamins and enzymes are maintained! The addition of avocado is pretty great too- gives the pie a lovely green colour!
This pie also uses all-natural sweeteners. The crust uses dates, the chocolate coating uses stevia and the filling uses banana and stevia to create a dessert you can feel good about eating. Not to mention that key limes are amazing as well! Citrus fruits, while being acidic, have an alkalizing effect on your body which acts to reduce inflammation. Topped with some coconut flakes and cacao nibs, not a bad dessert eh? ;)
Raw Chocolate-Coated Key Lime Pie (Vegan, Gluten-free, Refined Sugar-Free, Raw)
This fancy dessert is so easy to make! Raw nuts and dates form the base of the crust and avocados, bananas and coconut oil create a creamy filling. The flavours of lime and chocolate create a fun spin on this tropical dessert that will have you going back for more!
Makes one 8-inch pie. Adapted from An Unrefined Vegan
Crust
-
3/4 cup walnuts
-
3/4 cup dates
-
1 1/2 tbsp cacao powder
-
pinch sea salt
Chocolate Coating
-
1/2 recipe of raw vegan chocolate (I used all stevia for sweetening)
Filling
-
1 1/2 large avocados, peeled, cored
-
1 1/2 small bananas, peeled
-
1/4 cup key lime juice
-
1 tbsp key lime zest
-
1/2 tsp vanilla
-
10 drops vanilla stevia, or to taste (or liquid sweetener of your choice)
-
1/3 cup coconut oil, melted
Process the nuts in a food processor until finely ground. Then add the dates, cacao powder and salt until the dates are broken down and the mixture sticks together. Press the mixture into a greased 8-inch spring-form pan and put into the fridge while you make the chocolate coating.
Mix your ingredients together for the raw chocolate then spread onto the crust, getting right to the edges and getting it as even as possible. Put in the fridge to harden while you make the filling.
Add all the filling ingredients except the coconut oil into a food processor and process until smooth. Melt the coconut oil and while the food processor is running, pour it in and process until well incorporated. Pour into the pan and spread evenly over top. Cover and place in the fridge for a few hours until firm (I did it overnight). If you are garnishing it with coconut flakes (I highly suggest it- makes it look fancy!), take the pie out after about an hour and sprinkle them on, then place back in the fridge to continue firming.
When ready to serve, garnish with cacao nibs if desired. Get ready to be transported to tropical bliss :)
I am submitting this recipe to Fat Tuesdays, Slightly Indulgent Tuesdays, Allergy-Free Wednesdays, Wellness Weekends, Foodie Friday, Foodie Friends Friday, Gluten Free Friday, Allergy Fiendly Friday, Keepin' it Real Thursday and Best Recipes of 2012!
Now before I go, I have a quick announcement from a fellow blogger Heather at Sweetly Raw. Heather is hosting a Vegan Ice Cream Sundae Challenge. She is offering 2 amazing prize packages for the winners who create a stellar vegan sundae. You don’t need to make it raw, nor does it need to use an ice cream maker! For full information visit her page and get your entry in! Contest is open until next Monday, August 13 at midnight so you still have plenty of time to get creative.
How you all have a great day!
This is an amazing recipe! I made it last night and it is in the fridge still but it doesn’t seem like it is firming… Should it be put in the freezer? Did I do something wrong! lol
Hmm I don’t know! It doens’t get SUPER firm in the fridge, it will still be super creamy. So if you want it firm definitely put it in the freezer! Hope you like it when you taste it :)
I ended up putting it in the freezer for a little bit before serving and it firmed it up and turned out AMAZING! we all went back for seconds! Thank you for an awesome recipe, very impressive!!
Awesome, so glad to hear it!!
Gabby,
Thanks so much for sharing this amazing recipe…I will definitely be making it again. I pinned it on pintrest quite a while ago and finally got around to making it.
I think that my favourite part is the filling and I can imagine it in so many other places as well. I love your brilliant use of avocado, banana and coconut oil. There is nothing in this dessert that I don’t feel good about putting into my body. Thanks again.
Wow thanks so much Frances, I’m so glad you liked it!
I can imagine the filling being amazing in little tarts or even as a pudding :)
I can’t wait to make this! The recipe is simple and looks DELICIOUS. WIN!
Awesome, I hope you like ti! Be sure to let me know :)
Gabby, Gabby, Gabby! This pie is out of this world. My family gobbled it down and raved about it the entire time. The use of banana is awesome with the lime. My husband was especially impressed by the flavor combination. I followed your recipe exactly, just used carob instead of cacao (and used an 8 inch spring form). Thank you for such a fantastic, healthy desert. Love!!!
P.S. I made it over the weekend and my daughter requested that I make it again today in celebration of her first day of school (1st grade). :-)
Hugs,
–Amber
Here’s a picture on fb:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Tasty-Alternative/288512964505836
Oh yay! That makes me so happy!! I’m glad you husband was impressed and your daughter like it so much she’s already re-requested it! That makes me feel all warm inside :)
Hope the 2nd pie goes over just as well!
Hmm now I want to make it again…I wonder how I can make something similar without fruit….
Have a great evening my dear :)
Gabby,
Pies, especially cream pies, have never been my favourite dessert but I will be trying your recipe for sure!
Shared on Facebook :)
xoxo
Laureen
Yay, I’m so glad you like the look of this! Let me know how you like it!
You’re so awesome for sharing it, thank you :)
Really interesting pie I like the creative use of avocados. I already wrote my monday post but mention your pie in the comment section will you? Thanks for sharing your healthy creation on foodie friday.
Thank you Diane! Sure I will head on over!
Thanks for hosting!
Thanks for linking up over at our Gluten Free Fridays recipe party! I have tweeted and pinned your post to our “Gluten Free Fridays” board on pinterest! Thanks for making this week a HUGE success! We had over 110 recipes and still counting! I hope to see you back next week :)
Cindy
this looks absolutely amazing… I would have never thought of chocolate with key-lime but I am sure that it is fantastic. Thanks for sharing on Foodie Friends Friday.
http://marlys-thisandthat.blogspot.com
Thank you! Thanks for hosting!
This looks so good and no bake, yeah! Thanks for posting at Foodie Friends Friday!
Thanks for hosting :)
Okay, wow!
I didn’t see any comments on here from someone who actually made it, so I decided to be that person :). I just finished licking the last spoonful out of the food processor, and it really DOES taste amazing!
The pungent sweetness of the stevia goes very well with the pungently sour limes.
I used carob instead of cacao, because I didn’t want to miss out on the B vitamins carob provides.
Who would have thought this combination could taste so good!
Now I’m just waiting to see if it firms up (that seems to be the one problem with raw key lime pies — they run all over the plate when served!). Hope, hope!
Thanks so much for coming up with this and sharing it!
Awesome that you tried it! I’m glad you liked the stevia in it- I was a little worried that the slight bitterness of stevia might turn some people off! I love it, but I know some don’t. Using carob sounds delicious! So glad you tried that! I really need to start using carob more often.
I hope it firms up for you! It worked perfectly for me so it should for you! Let me know :)
Not a problem, I’m so glad you have enjoyed it so far!
Thanks for your reply–it turned out great. I had cut down on the coconut oil and that caused mine to be a little runnier than to be expected, but nothing to complain about. I’m sure the amount of coconut oil you recommended works perfectly, since it hardens when cool. This is definitely my new favorite recipe!
I’m so happy to hear that!
Hello Lovely Lady,
I featured your awesome pie this week on AFW! I’m making it this weekend for my family. Can’t wait. They love my SCD key lime pie, so I know they will just love this super healthy, raw version. Thanks for a great recipe. :-)
Hugs,
–Amber
http://www.thetastyalternative.com/2012/08/allergy-free-wednesdays-week-30-august.html
Wow thanks my dear! I hope your family really enjoys it, you’ll have to let me know!
You’re pretty awesome :)
Hi Gabby,
I make a similar raw lime pie that I love, but your ingredients sound fabulous and I look forward to trying your recipe out! I am featuring your pie this week on Allergy-Free Wednesdays :)
Thanks so much Laura! You’re so sweet :)
Hello sweet Gabby,
I’ve been on a bit of a blogging break, back this week. Just browsing your site – catching up…and this pie is gorgeous!! You are so creative. I’ve made a key lime with avocado and I must say, it’s a winning combination. I love how you added banana used only stevia to sweeten. Well done!
Have a beautiful week. :-)
Aww thank you Amber :) Can I just say you are super sweet yourself?
Hope your blogging vacation was relaxing. Happy to have you back!
Stunning!! A must try for sure! :-)
Shirley
Thank you Shirley!
Oh, you and Annie are both superstars!! :-) I tried my very first Key Lime Pie EVER the other day (it’s not common in Australia) and it just happened to be raw and it just happened to rock my world!! SO GOOD and I’m sure chocolate can only make it better! Loving the coconut sprinkles too. xx
I remember it being such a sad day when I ate my last raw vegan key lime tart from my freezer back at home! Love the chocolate crust twist on this one :)
Thank you Hannah! Isn’t it always sad when the last piece of a dessert is eaten? Luckily, I never have to wait too long before another one makes it’s way into my freezer :)
Wowza Gabby this is fantastical – so amazing, I love everything about the raw version – I would say this challenge was a total success!
Thanks for shaing the vegan icecream sundae challenge, I think I may need to enter :)
Thanks Heather :) I was so pleased with how it came out, I honestly wasn’t expecting it to be as good as it was for some reason. I always seem to doubt my recipes until the moment I taste them! I’m so glad Annie inspired me to make it.
I can’t wait to see what kind of sundae you come up with! Knowing you it will be mouthwatering!
I do not think this could look any more delicious!
Wow. What an awesome way to make a dessert out of raw cacao. I will definitely have to try this one. Thanks so much for sharing and creating it. :-)
Banana + Avocado makes such creamy fillings :) it must be so good with the chocolate crust!
Avocado is pure magic- the creamy filling goes so well with the crisp crust!
Yummmm, such a good idea using avocado’s as a base for the filling!
Thank you! It is definitely a great alternative to nuts, as ,ong as the green colour doesn’t bug you, and with this pie being a lime one, I think it definitely works!
I want this and I can’t have it. BOO. Once I get rid of this beast I AM MAKING THIS. How are you feeling…. I’m feeling better – I have broken out in a rash which may be a sign of the yeast dying off…. I have armed myself with garlic capsules, vitamin C, pro biotics and Pau D’arco tea…. I am going to win this battle!
I know, I want it too, good thing I finished it all before the “no fruit” thing came up. I was really good today- I packed up everything that I couldn’t eat right now into a box, ready for when I move in a few weeks. Totally removes the temptation to sneak a date or drizzle some molasses. I ordered some new things too including Pau D’arco tea and some yacon syrup which is apparently safe! I’m super pumped to try out this new sweetener! I have also been using loads more garlic- perhaps I’ll get some garlic capsules too! Ph also learned cranberries are considered ok. I’m going to experiment with some “fruity” cranberry smoothies!
I’m feeling pretty good- missing it less and less actually now that I’ve found some alternative and I’m working them in. I’m planning on doing some meal and recipe planning tomorrow which should help out! My stomach at the end of most days is usually pretty distended, like I have a baby growing, but yesterday it was much better! Not completely, but an improvement is welcome!
The rash definitely sounds like a good sign as weird as that is! I am SO happy you are doing this with me Lou!
Yay! You got comment reply thingy :) Self hosted SO much better huh? Anyway, YUM I LOVE yacon syrup – I had no idea this was safe, wooooohoooooo!
Garlic capsules are a LOT easier…. they contain so much garlic… and make you stink less ;) Also get some Vitamin C capsules as these are really good for candida, it supports the adrenals and boosts immunity.
SO GOOD to have someone to go through this with, Gabby – great we can share our little tips + tricks, huh? x
Yes I did! I’ve been meaning to get it since I switched to self-hosted and finally remembered. It’s soo much better- I love getting to customize my site more by adding widgets. Next step will be a bit of a redesign but that’s something to tackle way in the future lol.
YES from what my research shows me, yacon is safe! I’m so pumped, I’ve never seen it in a store before so haven’t tried it! I decided to order some online- I can’t wait till it gets here!
I’m definitely going to look into garlic and vitamin C. Thanks for the tips! I’m so glad you are doing this too Lou- it makes it seem so much easier when I remember there is someone else going through the same cravings as me! I can’t wait to be inspired by all your recipes too- already those chocolates you posted look amazing. I would eat those even if I wasn’t on an ACD diet :)
I want this now!! I love key lime everything and I have been searching for a great gluten-free & vegan recipe so thank you!
Awesome Alaine, I hope you enjoy it!
This pie looks soooo decadent, yet healthy at the same time! I never would have thought to put lime and chocolate together either, but it’s good to see they play well together! :-)
Chocolate and lime should now be considered a classic pairing, just like PB & J in my opinion. They just compliment each other so well- richness and lightness!
Gabby, this sounds wonderful!! I will make it this weekend when I have some time. I’ve got all the ingredients in house, so it won’t be hard to do. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you Kibby :) I hope you like it and please let me know!
You keep key limes on hand? Well colour me impressed ;)
I’m convinced that avocados are as close to magical as a single ingredient can be. Really, what else can seamlessly blend into a dessert to create something decadent AND healthy? This sounds so perfect for hot summer days- That bright citrus flavor is definitely calling to me.
Aren’t they? Sweet, savoury, it really doesn’t matter, they are ALWAYS the perfect addition!
It’s definitely a great summer trat! The freshness of the citrus and the chilly creaminess of the filling paired with the crisp chocolate is so refreshing!
This looks so rich and decadent, it’s hard to believe it has no sugar! Avocados are so great for raw desserts. I’ll definitely have to check out the ice cream challenge. It’s so fun to link to healthy recipe parties. I could sit for hours and go from blog to blog, reading recipes! :) See you tomorrow for WIAW!
I know exactly what you mean! I could, and sometimes do spend my whole day reading blogs and getting inspired to get creative in the kitchen :)
Oh wow Gabby, this pie looks amazzzzing! Looks so sinful, creamy, and delicious. I can see how the filling would be great as a pudding too. Thank you so much for mentioning in the ice cream challenge… just maybe you’ll be able to enter something delicious :)
Thank you sooo much Heather! As the queen of raw desserts your comment made me sooo happy! The pudding with some crumbled nuts and dates on top would be amazing- I’m going to have to try it ;)
And I was happy to mention it! I entered in my superpower ice cream- not quite a sundae, but pretty close! I’ll see if I can come up with something else before the deadline!
holy cow, Gabby that pie is INCREDIBLE! oh my gosh, wow. i seriously want to grab a slice through the screen! And it’s all whole foods, which is the best part! Totally a healthy dessert:) those are the best kind! have a great day!
Thank you Caralyn! I love how there’s nothing bad in it, makes me even more happy when I’m eating it :)
Hope you had a great day!
Awesome, Gabby! Thanks for sharing this recipe first. So healthy and yummy!
Thank you my dear! If no one else liked it but you did I would be happy :)
Oh! Lush! Thank you for posting this! Yum!
Haha you’re welcome! Hope you enjoy it if you try it!
This looks like literally the yummiest thing ever!
Hahah thank you Laura! It really is delicious :)
Wow, that looks absolutely amazing. I’ve never had a key lime pie before, just a key lime dessert years ago which was gorgeous. I love lime in anything and this looks quite easy to make with ingredients I can easily get hold of so I’m going to bookmark this for gorgeous desserts that I’m sure will impress people! Yum!
I really want to do an ice cream sundae too, but if you can believe this, I’ve never eaten an ice cream sundae in my life! (that I remember) Where have I been? (eating beans on toast every day for 10 years of my life before I got healthy) So I wasn’t even sure of the ingredients but I might give it a go.
Oh I hope you like it! Yes I love that it uses really accessible ingredients :) A fancy dessert that anyone can make, especially because the process itself it so easy!
I submitted my superpower icecream from a while back. I know it’s not a sundae but various factors prevent me from actually developing a recipe for a sundae at this present time. I figure it was better than nothing! Oh man you’ve never had a sundae! That just blew my mind. Get on top of that. Right now. You can make it healthy and still taste sinful I know it…I’m thinking you can work greens in theere somewhere ;)
I’m loving your new commenting system as I get an email with your reply! I’m sure it will make for some great conversations on your website. Which plugin do you use? The flexibility of being self hosted is great.
I also love your similar recipes on the bottom of your posts. It just helps me find more of your gorgeous recipes!
You read my mind about the sundae, yes of course it would have to have greens in. Why wasn’t your ice cream a sundae? Does it have to include a topping? I’ll have to get on to that!
Oh I’m glad you like it! I wasn’t sure if people would find it annoying! I use this plugin after reading positive reviews on it from other bloggers: http://theme10.com/comment-reply-notification/
I love the related posts plugin too- I’ve wanted it since I started my blog so I was really pumped to finally put it in!
It wasn’t a sundae simply because I have made some changes in my diet that make it not so easy to come up with a new recipe for the contest. So instead I just submitted one of my old ice cream recipes, which I didn’t create as a sundae.I made some suggestions for toppings. It doesn’t exactly fit the requirements but I thought I’d give it a shot! I might try and get creative in the kitchen before the deadline though just in case!
Oh not at all. I don’t know about anyone else but personally if I’ve left a comment on someone else’s blog it’s because I’m truly interested in a response. I ask questions all over the place and forget to go back for an answer. Everyone should have this! I’m going to look at it now, thanks so much for the link. I think my current one is a bit long winded.
I’m sure your recipe will be loved even if it’s not technically a sundae. I’m posting my first ice cream recipe tomorrow but I need to think more about a sundae now.
Wow Gabby, you’ve seriously outdone yourself! This dessert is not only gorgeous but it is healthy and there is no guilt involved! I am definitely keeping this on the top of my list of desserts to make to impress people. I am a huge fan of key lime flavor and I would never thing to pair it with chocolate but I’m so interested to try it! I love coconut and citrus together so I am sure that this is absolutely amazing.
Congrats to the giveaway winner! I kind of love that someone who has never used coconut oil won! I’m sure they’ll love it! ANd now they can make this gorgeous recipe :)
I am so inspired by your creativity. I always tend to eat simple, standard meals and I’d love to push myself to come up with fun, creative recipes! I’m working on pushing myself now for a project I’m working on, hopefully I can get it all together! Does the inspiration just hit you?
Thank you Sarah! It’s definitely a good recipe to impress, my parents were pretty wowed and my dad is a traditional key lime pie lover so that’s saying something!
Ya it made me happy that a reader who had never used coconut oil won too :)
It’s funny, I can go for days without being inspired or wanting to cook anything then out of nowhere I’ll get in the kitchen and pound out multiple dishes lol. I have to be in the mood- if I force it, things don’t come out right!
I have been craving a piece of this for weeks! This looks sooo good I think I might make an individual version for lunch with some young coconut I just picked up. :)
That sounds amazing! I have never used young coconut before, but I can’t wait to get my hands on some.
The vegan pie looks DELICIOUS. Congrats to the giveaway winner, and thanks for letting us know about the sundae contest – it sounds fun!
Thank you! It really was :)
i just bought cocoa nibs for the first time, ever. i’ve never had them before – so i’m happy to see them mentioned here! i figure they are a great alternative to chocolate chips now that i can’t eat soy products…
They are definitely a great alternative! They aren’t nearly as sweet, but I love them! Keep an eye out for sweetened ones too, so good!
I can’t believe this is vegan my friend, this looks delicious :D
and how exciting, congratulation to the giveaway winner :D
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Thanks Uru :)
hit the spot with this post! i think key lime pie is among my absolutely favourite raw desserts. i also have a yummy recipe for it on my blog! delicious!
Oh I have to check your version out!
And thank you :) I’ve never made key lim anything before, so this was so fun! One of my new favourite flavours for sure.