Raw Chocolate-Coated Key Lime Pie
Indulging in a slice of pie doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your health or your values. This Raw Chocolate-Coated Key Lime Pie is a deliciously creamy and tart dessert that will leave your taste buds dancing while keeping your conscience clear. With wholesome ingredients like avocados, dates, and fresh key lime juice, this pie is not only a treat for the eyes but also a powerhouse of nutrition. The luscious chocolate coating adds a decadent touch, making it perfect for any occasion. Ready to impress your friends and family? Let’s dive into this no-bake, raw dessert that’s sure to be a showstopper!
Top Reasons to Make Raw Chocolate-Coated Key Lime Pie
- Wholesome Ingredients: Each ingredient is carefully chosen to provide flavor and health benefits.
- No Baking Required: This recipe is easy and quick, making it perfect for busy days.
- Vegan-Friendly: Enjoy a dessert that everyone can indulge in without guilt.
- Deliciously Unique: The combination of creamy avocado and tangy key lime creates a delightful flavor explosion.
- Customizable: Adjust the sweetness or toppings to suit your personal preference.
What You’ll Need
- For the crust:
- 3/4 cup walnuts
- 3/4 cup dates
- 1 1/2 tablespoons cacao powder
- A pinch of sea salt
- For the filling:
- 1 1/2 large avocados, peeled and cored
- 1 1/2 small bananas, peeled
- 1/4 cup key lime juice
- 1 tablespoon key lime zest
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 10 drops vanilla stevia or to taste
- 1/3 cup coconut oil, melted
- For the chocolate coating:
- 2/3 cup cacao powder
- 4 tablespoons agave nectar, coconut nectar, or maple syrup
- 1/2 recipe of raw vegan chocolate (see below)
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
Before You Start: Equipment
- Food Processor: Essential for blending the crust and filling until smooth.
- Springform Pan: Ideal for easy removal of the pie without damaging it.
- Mixing Bowls: For combining various components of the recipe.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accuracy is key for the perfect flavor balance.
- Rubber Spatula: Useful for scraping down the sides of the food processor.
Raw Chocolate-Coated Key Lime Pie Cooking Guide
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Begin by placing the walnuts, dates, cacao powder, and a pinch of sea salt into your food processor. Pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs and sticks together when pressed. If it feels too crumbly, add a few more dates to help bind it. Once ready, press the mixture firmly into the bottom of your springform pan to form an even layer. Place it in the freezer to set while you prepare the filling.
Step 2: Make the Filling
In the same food processor, combine the avocados, bananas, key lime juice, key lime zest, vanilla extract, and vanilla stevia. Blend until smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides as necessary. Then, with the processor running, slowly drizzle in the melted coconut oil until fully incorporated. Taste the filling and adjust the sweetness if needed.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie
Remove the crust from the freezer and pour the filling over it, smoothing it out with a spatula. Return the pie to the freezer for at least 2 hours or until firm.
Step 4: Prepare the Chocolate Coating
For the chocolate coating, whisk together the cacao powder, agave nectar, and melted coconut oil in a mixing bowl until smooth. If you have prepared a batch of raw vegan chocolate, incorporate it into your mixture at this stage for an added depth of flavor.
Step 5: Coat the Pie
Once the filling is set, remove the pie from the freezer and gently release it from the springform pan. Place it on a wire rack over a baking sheet to catch any drips. Pour the chocolate coating over the pie, ensuring it’s fully covered. You can use a spatula to help spread it evenly. Return the pie to the freezer for another 30 minutes to set the chocolate.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
When ready to serve, remove the pie from the freezer and allow it to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes for easier slicing. Garnish with additional key lime zest or fresh fruit if desired. Slice, serve, and watch your guests marvel at this stunning Raw Chocolate-Coated Key Lime Pie!
Better-for-You Options
- Nut-Free Option: Substitute walnuts with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free crust.
- Low-Sugar Option: Adjust the amount of vanilla stevia or use a different liquid sweetener to lower the sugar content.
- Raw Vegan Chocolate: Make your own chocolate using cacao butter, cacao powder, and a sweetener for a completely raw version.
- Fruit Variations: Experiment with different citrus fruits like lemon or orange for a unique twist on flavor.
Don’t Do This
- Don’t skip the soaking of dates if they are hard; it helps in blending them smoothly.
- Don’t rush the freezing process; this pie needs time to set properly for the best texture.
- Don’t use overly ripe avocados, as they may alter the flavor negatively.
- Don’t forget to taste your filling and chocolate mixture before pouring; adjust sweetness to your liking!
Make-Ahead & Storage
This Raw Chocolate-Coated Key Lime Pie is perfect for make-ahead planning! You can prepare it up to three days in advance. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer for up to a month. When you’re ready to enjoy another slice, simply thaw it in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving. The chocolate coating may become slightly soft upon thawing, but the flavor remains divine!
Quick Q&A
Can I use regular limes instead of key limes?
Yes, you can substitute regular limes, but keep in mind that key limes have a distinct flavor that adds to the overall profile of the pie.
What can I substitute for avocados?
If you’re not a fan of avocados, you can try using silken tofu, which will provide a creamy texture, but the flavor will be different.
How can I make this pie gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free because it does not contain any flour. Just ensure that the ingredients you use, like sweeteners and cacao, are certified gluten-free.
Can I add toppings to the pie?
Absolutely! Fresh fruits, coconut flakes, or crushed nuts make excellent toppings to enhance both the flavor and appearance of your Raw Chocolate-Coated Key Lime Pie.
Ready, Set, Cook
With this Raw Chocolate-Coated Key Lime Pie, you are well on your way to creating a dessert that is not just delicious but also nourishing. The combination of tart and sweet flavors, along with the rich chocolate coating, makes for a show-stopping treat that will please everyone at your gathering. Grab your ingredients, gather your equipment, and get started on this delightful masterpiece. Enjoy the process, and more importantly, enjoy each heavenly bite!
Raw Chocolate-Coated Key Lime Pie
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Begin by placing the walnuts, dates, cacao powder, and a pinch of sea salt into your food processor. Pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs and sticks together when pressed. If it feels too crumbly, add a few more dates to help bind it. Once ready, press the mixture firmly into the bottom of your springform pan to form an even layer. Place it in the freezer to set while you prepare the filling.
- In the same food processor, combine the avocados, bananas, key lime juice, key lime zest, vanilla extract, and vanilla stevia. Blend until smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides as necessary. Then, with the processor running, slowly drizzle in the melted coconut oil until fully incorporated. Taste the filling and adjust the sweetness if needed.
- Remove the crust from the freezer and pour the filling over it, smoothing it out with a spatula. Return the pie to the freezer for at least 2 hours or until firm.
- For the chocolate coating, whisk together the cacao powder, agave nectar, and melted coconut oil in a mixing bowl until smooth. If you have prepared a batch of raw vegan chocolate, incorporate it into your mixture at this stage for an added depth of flavor.
- Once the filling is set, remove the pie from the freezer and gently release it from the springform pan. Place it on a wire rack over a baking sheet to catch any drips. Pour the chocolate coating over the pie, ensuring it's fully covered. You can use a spatula to help spread it evenly. Return the pie to the freezer for another 30 minutes to set the chocolate.
- When ready to serve, remove the pie from the freezer and allow it to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes for easier slicing. Garnish with additional key lime zest or fresh fruit if desired. Slice, serve, and watch your guests marvel at this stunning Raw Chocolate-Coated Key Lime Pie!
Notes
- Soak hard dates for easier blending.
- Allow enough time for the pie to freeze for the best texture.
- Adjust sweetness of the filling and chocolate coating to your preference.
