December 14, 2024December 15, 2024 by betsy

Bourbon Pecan Pie Bars or Tart (vegan, plant-based & gluten-free)

This was my contribution to our Friendsgiving at our dear friend and neighbor’s with her family and my bew favorite dessert.

But, I didn’t want dessert after our lunchtime feast, so I took some with us on a 90-mile drive to our weekend home in Southern Shores, NC, and enjoyed it the next day.

It travels well and is just as delicious plain with coffee or gussied up as a full-on dessert with plant-based ice cream or whipped topping and caramel sauce. Similarly, you can bake it in a straight-sided baking dish or a fluted tart pan for a fancier presentation.

For the Gluten-Free Crust:
2 cups gluten-free 1:1 baking mix
¼ cup natural sugar
½ cup melted coconut oil (or vegan butter)
Pinch sea salt

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9×9-inch baking pan with nonstick spray and line with parchment paper, allowing paper to hang over edges. Or use a tart pan sprayed with non-stick spray. In medium bowl, combine baking mix, sugar, and pinch sea salt. Add the melted coconut oil or vegan butterand stir the mixture with a fork until it forms a crumbly but moist dough. Press dough into bottom of prepared pan, spreading evenly with fingers or, my preference, bottom of a sturdy glass sprayed with nonstick spray. Bake 10 to 12 minutes. The edges may not turn golden, especially if using coconut oil.

For Pecan Filling:
1 cup maple syrup
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup full-fat coconut milk
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2 tablespoon water in small cup or bowl (flax egg)
1 tablespoon bourbon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups pecan pieces
1/2 cup or so pecan halves
Pinch sea salt
Toppings: plant-based vanilla or butter pecan ice cream, plant-based caramel sauce, and/or plant-based whipped topping, like Cocowhip

In a medium saucepan, combine maple syrup, brown sugar, and coconut milk. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture starts to simmer. Reduce heat and simmer 3 to 5 minutes to thicken slightly. Whisk cornstarch into flax mixture to create a smooth slurry. Whisk slurry into syrup mixture, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Cook, stirring frequently, for another 2 to 3 minutes or until the mixture thickens to a caramel-like consistency. Stir in pecan pieces, bourbon, vanilla extract, and pinch sea salt. Pour filling evenly over crust, using a wooden spoon or spatula to spread the pecans out evenly. Arrange pecan halves over top (I think diagonal rows are pretty). Bake 25 minutes, or until pecan filling is set and edges are slightly bubbling. Cover loosely with foil after 20 minutes if pecans are becoming too dark (so far, not necessary when I prepare them). Remove from oven and cool completely in pan. If using a tart pan with a removeable bottom, release by pressing on bottom from underneath and lifting out. Or lift them out of pan using parchment paper overhang.

Cool slightly or completely, cut into bars with a sharp knife, and serve topped as desired.

#vegan #veganism #veganshare #veganrecipes #veganfoodshare #veganfoodporn #plantbased #plantbasedrecipes #plantbasedfoodshare #plantbasedfoodporn #vegansofinstagram #vegansofig #vegansoffacebook #vegansofvirginia #goveg #veganforlife #govegan #doitfortheanimals #animalsarefriendsnotfood #herbivore #crueltyfree #thebloomingplatter #foodstylist #recipedeveloper #foodphotography #pecanpie @vegan_community

August 25, 2024August 25, 2024 by betsy

Quick & Easy No-Bake Crustless Chocolate Torte (vegan/plant-based/gluten-free)

Yield: 8 servings

This luscious no-bake dessert goes together in a flash and is so easy, but spectacular in flavor, texture, and appearance, that even beginner cooks can impress their families or guests without breaking a sweat.

Start with my basic recipe and then adapt to your heart’s content by layering or mixing in chocolate chips, nuts, berries, extracts, spices, and liqueurs.

I like to use a 6-inch springform pan for greater height, but you can double recipe for nice height plus 4 more servings in an 8- or 9-inch pan.

Recipe

(Prepare night before you plan to serve.)

6 ounces vegan butter (Miyoko’s is my favorite, but it spoils quicker than some)

10 ounces vegan/plant-based chocolate chips

1-15.5 ounce can pureed pumpkin

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 tablespoon instant coffee or espresso dissolved in 1 tablespoon water or vegan liqueur

Filling:

1/3 cup vegan/plant-based chocolate chips

1/3 cup coconut, chopped nuts, or berries

Topping/Garnish:

Dollops non-dairy whipped topping (I use Cocowhip)

Coconut, chopped nuts, berries

Spray 6-inch spring form pan with nonstick spray. Melt together butter and 10 ounces chocolate chips in microwave for about 30-60 seconds or on low heat in small saucepan stovetop. Whisk together until smooth and then whisk in pumpkin, vanilla, and dissolved coffee. Transfer half of batter to prepared pan, sprinkle with filling ingredients in even layers, and then cover with remaing batter, gently smoothing top. Refrigerate, covered, overnight. When ready to serve, remove sides of pan, slice, and top/garnish as desired. To preserve leftovers, replace sides of pan, cover tightly, and return to refrigerator.

#vegan #veganism #veganshare #veganrecipes #veganfoodshare #veganfoodporn #plantbased #plantbasedrecipes #plantbasedfoodshare #plantbasedfoodporn #vegansofinstagram #vegansofig #vegansoffacebook #vegansofvirginia #goveg #veganforlife #govegan #doitfortheanimals #animalsarefriendsnotfood #herbivore #crueltyfree #thebloomingplatter #foodstylist #recipedeveloper #foodphotography #veganchocolate #plantbasedchocolate #veganpies #plantbasedpie

@vegan_community

August 1, 2021August 1, 2021 by betsy

Mini No-Bake Key Lime Pies (vegan/plant-based)

Yield: 8

These light and luscious bites are the perfect, pretty little refresher.

Made from only 7 ingredients and requiring no baking, they are ready when you are. And each cool and creamy treat is only about 220 decadent calories.

Even though key limes are not green, I feel like lime desserts should be, so I add a hint of Macha powder, which doesn’t alter the taste.

8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature (I like Tofutti)

1/4 cup natural sugar

5 ounces coconut cream

Zest of 1large key lime or small-medium lime and juice of entire lime/key lime

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional: 1/2 teaspoon Macha powder or enough to achieve desired color

1/4 cup non-dairy whipped topping + 1/2 cup for topping

Garnish: Vegan Graham Cracker crumbs or pieces + optional lime slices or zest

With an electric mixer, cream together cream cheese and sugar until smooth. If cream cheese is cold, use a food processor. Beat in remaining ingredients, except whipped topping and garnishes, until completely combined. Fold in whipped topping. Divide among 8 very small cups–I like clear glass–not much bigger than a shot glass. Top each with about 1 tablespoon of remaining whipped topping. Refrigerate until serving time. (I store them in a lidded carton.) Garnish as desired and serve.

#vegan #veganrecipes #veganfoodshare #veganfoodporn #plantbased #plantbasedrecipes #plantbasedfoodshare #plantbasedfoodporn #vegansofinstagram #vegansoffacebook #vegansofvirginia #plantbasedminipie #vegannobakepie #plantbasednobakepie #veganminipie #plantbasedkeylime #vegankeylime

June 12, 2021June 12, 2021 by betsy

Fresh Peach Curd Tarts (gf, vegan & plant-based)

Yield: 4 servings

A gift of fresh peaches–the first of the season–inspired these beautiful ready-in-a-flash tarts with their delightfully textured raw vegan crusts and creamy sweet-tart filling. The garnishes I chose were barely sweetened vegan sour cream, blackberries I picked on a walk in the woods, shredded coconut leftover from our wedding cake, sliced almonds, and lemon balm I grow in a pot outdoors.

Welcome, Summer!

Make filling and set aside to cool:

1/2 cup sugar

1 tablespoon cornstarch

2 medium peaches including skin, pitted, and processed in food processor until smooth

Juice 1/2 large lemon

2 tablespoons non-dairy milk

Optional: 1 tablespoon peach liqueur

1/2 teaspoon almond extract

In a small saucepanover medium or medium-low heat, simmer together all ingredients except almond extract, whisking continually, until very thick. Whisk in almond extract. Set aside to cool. Mixture will continue to thicken as it cools.

Make Raw Vegan Date, Nut, Coconut Crust:

1 cup slivered or sliced almonds or a combination pecans and almonds

1 cup shredded coconut, sweetened or unsweetened

8 dates

Pinch sea salt

Process together in food processor until ingredients are minced and hold together when pinched. Divide into fourths and press evenly onto bottom and sides of four 5-inch tart pans. Divide filling evenly among shells, smoothing tops, and garnish as desired.

#veganveganrecipes #veganfoodshare #veganfoodporn #plantbased #plantbasedrecipes #plantbasedfoodshare #plantbasedfoodporn #vegansofinstagram #vegansoffacebook #plantbaseddesserts #vegandesserts #plantbasedpeachtarts #veganpeachtart #plantbasedtarts #vegantarts

July 26, 2020July 20, 2022 by betsy

Mini Rasberry-Chocolate Mousse Tarts with GF Crust (vegan & plant-based)

Yield: 1 dozen

These right here are a little blast of summer!

If it is extra hot, as it is here in Southeastern Virginia this July, pop these babies in the freezer for a bit before serving. They will cool you right down and perk you right up.

A note about the garnish: I sprinkle my tarts with mini white chocolate chips, but if you don’t have any, just sprinkle with a little powdered sugar for a bit of color contrast. The little bites of white chocolate are nice, but probably not worth making a special purchase. If you use the powdered sugar, be sure to dust the tarts just before serving.

1/2 cup pecans, plain or toasted

1/2 cup shredded coconut (I like unsweetened)

1/4 to 1/2 cup dates or dry figs, stemmed (this may sound like a big difference, but it depends on how moist the fruit is)

Pinch sea salt

Vegan Chocolate Mousse (recipe follows)

Vegan Chocolate Ganache (recipe follows)

12 fresh raspberries, rinsed and patted very dry

Approximately 2 tablespoons mini vegan white chocolate chips or powdered sugar

Garnish: fresh mint sprigs

Place 12 mini muffin cups liners in muffin tin. in food processor, a small one if you have it, process together pecans, coconut, and one quarter cup of figs or dates, and salt. Process until the mixture starts to hold together. If It holds together when pinched between your fingers, it is the right consistency. If not, keep adding figs or dates, one or two at a time. Divide mixture among lined muffin cups and press into bottoms. Fill each with chocolate mousse. (If there is any mousse left over, spoon into a carton and chill, covered, for another use.) Refrigerate for an hour or so and then prepare chocolate ganache, swirling about 1/12 of the mixture in the center of each tart. While ganache is still soft and pliable, press a raspberry gently into the center and garnish with white chocolate chips. Return to refrigerator until chilled through. If using powdered sugar, dust just prior to serving. Serve with mint sprigs if desired. For a quick cool-down treat, freeze the tarts for about a half hour before serving.

Vegan Chocolate Mousse (easily doubles):

8 ounces firm or extra-firm tofu (if you purchase blocks in 14 ounces rather than 16, use half or 7 ounces)

6 ounces vegan chocolate chips, melted and cooled slightly

1/4 cup sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla

1/2 teaspoon almond extract (it masks the slightly off-taste of silken tofu)

Pinch sea salt

Optional: 1 tablespoon raspberry liqueur

Place tofu in bowl of large food processor and process until creamy. Add remaining ingredients and process until smooth, creamy, and completely combined, scraping down sides of bowl as necessary. This mousse sets up quickly and can also be served on its own or as a cake filling.

Vegan Chocolate Ganache:

2 tablespoons non-dairy milk, half-and-half or creamer

1/4 cup vegan chocolate chips

Heat non-dairy milk in small cup in microwave or until very warm. Whisk in chocolate chips and let cool until very spreadable, but not warm enough to melt mousse.

#vegan #veganrecipes #veganfoodshare #veganfoodporn #plantbased #plantbasedrecipes #plantbasedfoodshare #plantbasedfoodporn #vegantarts #plantbasedtarts #veganchocolate #plantbasedchocolate

December 10, 2017 by betsy

Vegan Mini-Chutney & Cocowhip “Pies”
Ready in a (Ginger)Snap

These pretty little mini-pies make holiday pie “baking” a snap. A gingersnap.

I am so happy to share this cheater “recipe” with you, the brain child of my good friend, Mary Beth Watson. It is really just a 3-ingredient lickity-split process.

After one bite, no one will care how little time you spent laboring in your kitchen.

Ingredients:

Anna’s or your favorite brand crispy scalloped (preferably) vegan gingersnaps

Chutney (apple-pecan or, for Christmas, cranberry-orange-walnut “sauce” works nicely)

So Delicious brand Cocowhip or your favorite vegan whipped cream

To make each mini-pie, top one gingersnap with a spoonful of chutney followed by a dollop of Cocowhip. That’s it! Make as many or as few as you need just before serving time.

December 5, 2017December 5, 2017 by betsy

Best Vegan Salted Maple Brandy (or Bourbon) Pecan Pie
(Classic Texture)

If a traditional pecan pie–with even more pecans–is what you crave, this pie is perfection and as easy as, well, you know.

Most recipes call for 2 cups–or even just 1 1/2 cups–pecans. Why? Mine calls for 3 for the best filling-nut ratio. This is no time to skimp.

A week ago, I published my other favorite pecan pie, though that one has a more custardy texture, as it is made from a tofu and cornstarch-based custard. Bob the omni liked that one but he much prefers this one, which he eats with his chocolate ice cream that is always in the freezer. He did admit that another flavor of ice cream would be optimal.

So serve either pie with vegan vanilla ice cream and/or vegan whipped cream–perhaps a little drizzle of brandy or bourbon–enjoy, and then let us know what you you think. Happy Holidays!

Note: If you eschew booze, just replace it with 3 tablespoon water and 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice, as Veganegg has a somewhat pronounced, slightly savory, flavor that needs countered with the assertive flavor of alcohol or with an acid.

1 prepared vegan pie crust, homemade or purchased

1 1/2 cups pecan pieces

1 1/2 cups pecan halves

Non-stick spray

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

6 tablespoons Veganegg

3/4 cup water

1/4 cup brandy or bourbon

3/4 cup maple syrup

1 cup demerrera sugar

3 tablespoons melted vegan butter

2 tablespoons molasses (not blackstrap)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon almond extract

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

Topping: vegan vanilla ice cream, vegan whipped cream like So Delicious Cocowhip

Set out pie crust if frozen. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spread pecans in a single layer on a baking sheet, spray with nonstick spray, sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, and toast for 3 minutes. Remove from oven and set aside to cool.

In a large bowl, whisk together Veganegg with water and brandy or bourbon. Whisk in all remaining ingredients. Set aside 32 pecan halves and spread all the rest into pie crust. Sprikle with sea salt remaining on baking sheet. Place pie pan on baking sheet, pour filling evenly over the top. Decorate the top with concentric rings of pecan halves and bake for one hour. Pie will seem quite “loose” but will firm up as it cools. Because of this, you may need to gently reposition some of your decorative pecan halves.

Cool completely, cover, and chill for a couple of hours. Serve topped as desired.

November 28, 2017December 4, 2017 by betsy

Best Vegan Salted Maple Brandy (or Bourbon) Pecan Pie
(Custardy Texture)

I got inspired AFTER Thanksgiving to experiment with pecan pie. The one at our repast was not vegan, so I couldn’t partake.

On a recent trip to Duck, NC, Bob had a scrumptious pecan tart with bourbon ice cream and salted caramel sauce which I had to taste for research purposes. I felt the caramel sauce was overkill. And I knew I wasn’t going to make ice cream just due to time, so I added the booze to the pie and served the slices with purchased vegan vanilla ice cream. Yes, please.

The question for vegan pecan pie bakers is silken tofu or no? I say yes, as I was never a fan of syrupy pecan pie. So, I like the slightly more custardy texture of this one, which slices beautifully. I hope you do too.

As I mentioned, this pie is addicting served with softened vegan vanilla ice cream. And while I deemed the caramel sauce too much of a good thing, everyone will look the other way if you drizzle a hint more brandy or bourbon over the top.

1 prepared vegan crust
3 cups whole pecans
Coarse sea salt
6 tablespoons vegan butter
1 cup demerrera sugar
¾ cup maple syrup
1 tablespoon dark molasses
4 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons flour
½ teaspoon sea salt
3 tablespoons brandy or bourbon
Juice of half a medium-large lemon (about 1 1/2 teaspoons)
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon almond extract
1 cup soft silken tofu
Optional: a few vegan chocolate chips
Flaky or coarse sea salt

Heat oven to 350 degrees. If pie crust is frozen, remove from freezer. Spray a baking sheet with non-stick spray, spread pecans in a single layer on sheet, sprinkle very lightly with sea salt, and roast in oven for 3 minutes. Set aside, but leave oven on.

In a medium saucepan, combine the vegan butter, sugar, corn syrup, molasses, corn starch, flour, and sea salt. Stir and cook over medium heat until mixture comes to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook, stirring, for another minute. Remove from heat and stir in brandy or bourbon, vanilla, and almond extract.

In a food processor, process the silken tofu until smooth. Add the maple syrup mixture and pulse again well combined. Reserve 28 of the pecan halves, add half of the remaining pecan halves, and break up the temaining ones as you add. Use a spatula to gently swirl them into the filling. Transfer filling to pie shell. Arrange the reserved pecans on top of the pie in two concentric circles. Dot with chocolate chips if desired.

Place pie on a baking sheet on the middle rack of your oven and bake for about one hour, until the crust is nicely browned and the edges of the pie are set. The center might still be a very slightly jiggly. Remove from oven, sprinkle with just a hint of flaky sea salt like Maldon or just a nice coarse variety and allow to cool completely before serving.

Serve with softened vegan vanilla ice cream (I like So Delicious No Sugar Added) or vegan whipped cream.

March 26, 2016December 12, 2021 by Betsy

Vegan Chocolate Chess Pie
with the Flavor and Mouthfeel of the Real Deal!

Yield: one 8-inch pie Vegan Chocolate Chess Pie

I don’t know quite why I got such a hankerin’ for this pie, but I did and the first experiment was an epic fail resulting in an epic oven cleaning.

But this? This is perfection!

Note: several hours before you plan to bake the pie, prepare the cashews:

1 cup roasted and lightly salted cashews or halves and pieces, covered with hot water in a small bowl and left to soak for 3 hours or until softened and most of water is absorbed, drained (you can use raw cashews, but I think the roasted have more of the desired rich flavor for this recipe)

1 1/2 cups natural granulated sugar (I like demerera)

1/2 cup flour

2 tablespoons flaxseed meal

4 tablespoons vegan butter, melted

1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons plain soy or almond creamer

3 1/2 tablespoons cocoa powder (I like to use Hershey’s Special Dark)

1/8 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 homemade or purchased 8-inch vegan pie crust, thawed (if frozen), and unbaked (I used Marie Callender’s for the sake of time, but I much prefer homemade)

Optional accompaniments: powdered sugar, vegan whipped cream, or vegan vanilla ice cream

Optional garnish: whole cashew nuts or pecan halves

Preheat over to 300 degrees. In a food processor, puree drawined cashews for 3 or so minutes until very smooth. Transfer mixture to a medium bowl and whisk in remaining ingredients until smooth and completely combined. Scrape into thawed pie shell and gently smooth top. Bake for 45 minutes or until set. Cool on a wire rack, cover, and chill for a couple of hours before slicing and serving plain or with a drift of powdered sugar, a dollop of vegan whipped cream, or a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream. Garnish, if desired, with a cashew nut or pean half.