Raw Pumpkin Pie Tarts Recipe {vegan, gluten-free} (2024)

By Amanda Le

Thanksgiving is quickly approaching! This also means pie season is about to officially kick-off. Pumpkin pie is a staple dessert for the holidays around here and as well as a crowd favorite. It’s probably one of the healthier pies (maybe?) but there’s still tons of room for improvement so that’s why I decided to create my own version of this traditional dessert. There’s absolutely no need for baking to be involved, let alone eggs or condensed milk.

The best thing about this pie is that the crust is really hard to mess up. You’d have to really try. I’m pointing out this awesome fact because that’s the part of pie making that seems to really get people flustered. This raw crust is not only extremely delicious with an amazing texture, but it’s also ten times better for you. So pass up on the stressful holiday baking and create something that’s enjoyable to make.

I chose to make pie tarts with a muffin pan instead of creating a full pie to even out the pie to crust ratio and well, they are way cuter this way! Don’t you agree? Using a muffin pan creates the perfect portion and helps avoid the awkward pie fails when cutting up slices. You know what I’m talking about. Pies are always falling apart once it’s time to cut and serve. You can’t go wrong with the presentation here.

I also ditched the refined sugar and sweetened this pie up with delicious fresh dates. I went with khadrawy dates for the pie crust and zahidi dates in the pie filling but as long as you use soft dates, any variety will work out perfectly. I used a small amount of nuts compared to most typical raw desserts to keep the fats low in this dessert, making it a guilt free treat. Mulberries also add awesome texture to the pie crust. The combination of just 3 simple ingredients creates a delicious crust that compliments the creamy rich pie filling that will make you think was sinful. This is definitely not the case.

By simplifying the ingredients used in this filling I increased the nutritional value by taking out all of the processed junk and replaced it all with healthy whole foods. It’s win win all around! The decadent filling is created with pumpkin puree, dates, coconut butter, almond milk and spices. Make sure you use coconut butter and not coconut oil!

How to Make Raw Pumpkin Puree

Pumpkin puree can be a tricky ingredient when it comes to eating fully raw. However, it’s very possible to create raw pumpkin puree with a little patience. All you need to do is peel, de-seed and chop up your sugar pumpkin into small cubes. Place your chopped pumpkin in a food processor to break down the pieces further then throw the processed pumpkin chunks into a high-speed blender. Blend until you have a very creamy smooth uniform puree.

If you’re short on time or just like to simplify things use canned pumpkin puree. As long as it’s organic, non-GMO and BPA-free canned pumpkin puree. I often use canned pumpkin puree in other desserts and sauces since I usually don’t need too much or pumpkins are not available year round.

If you want to bring something unique to the table this Thanksgiving then impress your friends and family with this homemade raw pumpkin pie. Raw desserts are a great was to introduce others to a raw food diet. Spread the health this holiday season and make these delicious pumpkin pie tarts!

5.0 from 2 reviews

Raw Pumpkin Pie Tarts

Prep time

Total time

Author: Amanda Le

Serves: 12 tarts

Ingredients

  • View notes for baking options.

  • Pumpkin Pie Crust
  • 2 cups dried white mulberries
  • 1 cup soft dates
  • ½ cup pecans

  • Pumpkin Pie Filling
  • 2 cups pumpkin puree
  • 2 cups soft dates
  • ⅓ cup coconut butter
  • ¼ cup almond milk
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger

Instructions

  1. Blend all crust ingredients in a food processor until you have a thick, uniform crust texture.
  2. Scoop dough out and mold to parchment lined muffin pan creating a bowl shape.
  3. Place crust in the freezer while you prepare the filling.
  4. Blend all filling ingredients in a high speed blender or food processor until you have a creamy uniform consistency.
  5. Remove muffin pan from the freezer and scoop filling into your crust.
  6. Place pumpkin pie tarts in the freezer for at least 2 hours.
  7. Take the tarts out of the freezer 20-30 minutes before serving.

Notes

Place coconut butter jar in a bowl of warm (not hot) water for 5 minutes to soften it up.
If dates are not soft, soak them in warm water for at least an hour ahead of time.
If crust is too sticky to manage, wet your fingers to help shape the tarts into the muffin pans.
If you or your guests prefer a warm pie, simply place the frozen pumpkin pie tarts in a preheated oven (350 F) for 30 minutes. Carefully remove tarts from the oven and serve.


Raw Pumpkin Pie Tarts Recipe {vegan, gluten-free} (2024)

FAQs

What is a substitute for cinnamon in pumpkin pie? ›

If you don't have ground cinnamon, you can use ginger or allspice in place of pumpkin pie spice. Just use half of the amount called for since ginger and allspice have stronger flavors than cinnamon.

What makes pumpkin pie filling pull away from the crust? ›

The oven rack may be too close to the top heating element in the oven. This can cause filling to 'skin' and crack as it bakes and to settle slightly when cooling and pull away from the crust. Another possible reason is over-baking. Try reducing cooking time by 5 to 10 minutes.

How to prevent pumpkin pie cracking? ›

Cooling pumpkin pie too quickly also causes cracks. Once your pie is done (there should be a slight jiggle to the center), allow the pie to fully reach room temperature before serving. You can also try cooling the pie in the oven (turned off) with the oven door ajar to let it gradually cool.

What is the difference between pumpkin pie filling and pure pumpkin? ›

They are the same product. Both canned pumpkin puree and pie filling are useful, shelf-stable ingredients that can help speed up your kitchen prep time. Just remember that puree is unsweetened, while pie filling contains sugar and spices. This will help you choose the right pumpkin product for your recipes.

What is the best substitute for cinnamon? ›

9 Cinnamon Substitutes
  • Cloves. A great alternative to cinnamon in many recipes is cloves. ...
  • Nutmeg. A spice that is very popular in Indian cuisine and as a baking ingredient, nutmeg is a fitting replacement for cinnamon, which it often accompanies in many recipes. ...
  • Star Anise. ...
  • Cardamom. ...
  • Ginger. ...
  • Mace. ...
  • Allspice. ...
  • Pumpkin Spice.
Feb 22, 2024

How do you keep the bottom crust of pumpkin pie from getting soggy? ›

Often, blind-baking solves this problem. If you're making a single crust custard-filled pie, like a pumpkin pie, bake the pie dough first before adding filling to allow some of the moisture in the crust to evaporate. You can also totally blind-bake fruit pies.

Why should you cut slits in the pie crust? ›

With docking, the holes allow steam to escape, so the crust should stay flat against the baking dish when it isn't held down by pie weights or a filling. Otherwise the crust can puff up, not only impacting appearance but also leaving you with less space for whatever filling you have planned.

What does it mean when your pumpkin pie cracks? ›

First of all, why does pumpkin pie crack? Because it's been baked too long. The eggs are what thickens the filling; as they heat up, they coagulate and turn what started out as thick liquid into a creamy, semi-solid filling.

How do you fix a weeping pumpkin pie? ›

Use a paper towel to blot off the moisture. This usually happens because the pie was overbaked or put in the fridge before it was fully cooled. Luckily, it's mostly cosmetic. To prevent weeping, cool on the counter 2-4 hours before moving to the fridge.

Will a cracked pumpkin pie taste bad? ›

Sometimes the cracks are large fissures running straight through the pie or smaller wrinkles that line the edges. And while they don't affect the taste of the pie, cracks aren't all that pretty––and we all love to see an unblemished, smooth pumpkin pie.

Is overcooked pumpkin pie bad? ›

The filling can become dry and crumbly, with a burnt taste and a dark color. Additionally, the filling may not set properly and can be liquidy and runny. The edges of the pie can also become burnt and crisp. If a pumpkin pie is overcooked, it's best to discard it and start over with a fresh one.

What happens if you use pumpkin pie mix instead of pumpkin puree? ›

Pumpkin pie mix can be used as a substitute for pure canned pumpkin in some recipes. However, since it is already sweetened and flavored, you'll need to make some adjustments. In most dessert recipes, leave out the pumpkin pie spice and cut down on the sugar since the pumpkin pie mix includes it.

Is Libby's pure pumpkin the same as pumpkin puree? ›

Pumpkin puree can be labeled as 100% pure pumpkin, pumpkin puree, solid pack pumpkin, or simply "pumpkin." Regardless of what it's called, one thing pumpkin puree won't contain is any sort of seasonings or sugar—it's just cooked and mashed squash.

What is the difference between Libby's pumpkin and pumpkin pie filling? ›

While the canned pumpkin puree is just canned pumpkin, the Libby "Canned Pumpkin Pie Filling" also has sugar syrup, natural flavoring, salt and spices.

What does cinnamon do for pumpkins? ›

Covering the inside of your pumpkin with cinnamon can help inhibit mold growth. The ingredients that make the spice flammable, cinnamaldehyde and eugenol, also have antifungal and antibacterial properties that prevent mold and bacteria growth. Cinnamon is also a great pest repellent, as bugs can't stand the scent.

What is a savory substitute for cinnamon? ›

Allspice: Known for its warm, aromatic flavor reminiscent of a combination of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, allspice is a suitable substitute for cinnamon in many recipes. Use ground allspice in baked goods, spice blends, and savory dishes for a similar spicy-sweet flavor.

Does pumpkin pie contain cinnamon? ›

The pie is generally flavored with pumpkin pie spice, a blend that includes cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves or allspice. The pie is usually prepared with canned pumpkin, but fresh-cooked pumpkin can be used.

Does pumpkin spice taste like cinnamon? ›

Let's break it down. Cinnamon is the base of our pumpkin spice, so there's a slight sweetness and warm baking spice flavor. Spices like nutmeg and ginger have a slight spicy heat or peppery quality. Allspice and mace create a well-rounded spice flavor.

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