This glossy and elegant Vegan Pecan Pie will be a show-stopper during the holidays. With a rich caramel flavor and nutty, sweet filling, there is no dessert that will blow you away as much as this one.
If there’s one pie (other than Vegan Pumpkin Pie, of course) you need to have at the holiday dinner, it’s this Vegan Pecan Pie. It’s sensationally sweet and salty, and packed to the brim with pecans. Top each slice with a dollop of vegan whipped cream or vanilla ice cream and you have the best crowd-pleasing dessert.
In traditional pecan pie recipes, the filling is made with eggs, butter, and corn syrup. And while my vegan version is inspired by this recipe from Sally’s Baking Addiction, it’s made with completely different ingredients (that aren’t complicated).
You’ll find simple ingredients, like coconut cream, maple syrup, cornstarch, cinnamon, and brown sugar in the filling. A little orange zest brightens it up white a splash of bourbon enhances every bite. Maple syrup is what really highlights the warmth and comfort.
The filling is thick and sweet, just like caramel. Pecans add a salty bite throughout, and the homemade buttery crust is the perfect finisher. Good luck stopping after one slice!
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Ingredients and substitutions
- Pie crust - My simple vegan pie crust is easy to make from scratch and perfect for this pie. It becomes soft, buttery, and flaky when baked, and doesn’t need to be blind-baked beforehand. To keep this recipe as quick and easy as possible, use a storebought vegan-friendly pie crust instead.
- Coconut cream - You can use full fat coconut milk instead. The creamy white part near the top of the can and a small amount of liquid is ok to use.
- Maple syrup - For extra sweetness and warmth. Make sure you use real maple syrup for the very best flavor (it’s crucial here!).
- Vegan butter
- Brown sugar - Both brown cane sugar and regular brown sugar can be used.
- Bourbon - A splash of bourbon is added to the filling to enhance its deep, rich flavors. You can leave it out if you want.
- Cornstarch - This is a crucial thickener in the filling.
- Orange zest - Optional, but adds a refreshing brightness and helps to balance the caramel filling.
- Vanilla extract
- Cinnamon
- Salt
- Raw pecan halves - Because it just isn’t a pecan pie without a heap of pecans.
How to make a vegan pecan pie
Step 1: Make the crust. If you haven’t already, make the vegan pie crust. When it’s ready, press it into a 9-inch pie plate.
Step 2: Make the caramel filling. Add all of the ingredients (except the pecans) to a saucepan on the stove. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it’s slightly thick (just like caramel).
Step 3: Add the pecans. Take the pot off the heat and stir in the pecans.
Step 4: Assemble and bake. Pour the pecan filling into the pie dish. Spread it into an even layer and add a few pecans on top or in the middle for decoration. Bake until the crust is golden brown and the filling is thickened and bubbling.
Step 5: Let it cool. Leave the pie to cool completely at room temperature. Transfer it to the fridge to chill for at least 1 hour. Once it’s firm, slice and top with vegan whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream. Enjoy! For full ingredients and instructions see printable recipe card below.
Tips for success
- To make a gluten free pecan pie, substitute the vegan pie crust for your favorite gluten free pie crust.
- You can use another dairy free milk if you don’t have coconut cream or milk.
- If the filling still looks runny after the 35-minute bake time, give it plenty of time to set in the fridge (at least 2 hours). It should set and thicken after cooling!
- Pecan pie is delicious when served either warm or cold. To serve warm slices, heat them individually in the microwave for up to 30 seconds.
Storing
Store: Baked pecan pie can be covered and stored in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freeze: Wrap the baked pie in plastic and tin foil and freeze for 2 to 3 months. Let it thaw in the fridge before serving.
Want more vegan holiday desserts?
- Salted Caramel & Pecan Bars
- Easy Vegan Apple Pie
- Pumpkin Bread
- Vegan Pumpkin Cheesecake
- Chocolate Pudding
Enjoy everyone! Happy Day! Please feel free to comment below and give this recipe a rating. Your feedback is greatly appreciated!
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PrintVegan Pecan Pie
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 Servings
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This glossy and elegant Vegan Pecan Pie will be a show-stopper during the holidays. With a rich caramel flavor and nutty, sweet filling, there is no dessert that will blow you away as much as this one.
Ingredients
- simple vegan pie crust or use store bought
-
½ cup canned coconut cream or full fat coconut milk
-
⅓ cup maple syrup
-
⅓ cup vegan butter
-
½ cup + 2 tablespoons brown cane sugar or brown sugar lightly packed
-
Splash of bourbon (1 to 2 tablespoons -completely optional)
-
2 and ½ tablespoons cornstarch
-
Zest of 1 small orange
-
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
-
½ teaspoon cinnamon
-
Pinch of salt
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2 cups raw pecan halves, rough chopped plus a small handful unchopped for garnish if you like
Instructions
- Prepare pie crust according to instructions, press into pie plate and refrigerate until needed (or use a store bought 9 inch unbaked crust). Then preheat oven to 350°
-
In a medium-size saucepan (pot) stir together all the ingredients -except the pecans- until the cornstarch is mixed in and dissolved.
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Bring mixture to a low boil over medium-heat while stirring or whisking constantly. Let cook for 1 to 2 minutes until slightly thickened (like caramel), it won't be very thick. Remove from the heat and stir in the pecans.
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Pour the filling into the prepared pie plate and spread evenly. Add a few pecans to the middle of the pie in a decorative pattern if you like. I usually make a small flower pattern (9-10 pecan halves)
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Bake for 35 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the filling is thickened and bubbling.
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Let cool to room temperature on a cooling rack on the countertop then move to the fridge to firm up the filling (an hour or so) . Serve warm or cold with vegan whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Enjoy! For step by step photos, tips and more see above post.
Notes
- Store: the pie will keep covered in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freeze: pie can be frozen for 2-3 months, wrapped well. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
- Bourbon is completely optional and the pie is incredibly delicious with or without it.
- For gluten free vegan pecan pie use a gluten free pie crust. (recipe coming next😊)
- Sprinkle a wee bit of sea salt before serving for a sweet salty contrast
- Prep Time: 10 Minutes
- Cook Time: 35 Minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Stovetop and oven
- Cuisine: American, Canadian
Tracey
It was delicious and enjoyed by my family, thanks
The pie crust was GREATh
Verna Rindler
Oh thank you! I am so happy you all enjoyed it 🙂
Gaven
Yummers!!!! 10 stars!
Verna Rindler
Thank you!!
Gloria
One of the best pies I’ve made! Came across recipe on Facebook and I’m so glad I made it! We all Enjoyed it after dinner last night there wasn’t a slice left! This is going in my holiday recipe box asap!! Thank you!
Verna Rindler
You made my day! I am thrilled you all enjoyed the pie! 🙂
emily
Thank you I am making this pie tomorrow, really looking forward to it!
Verna
Oh nice enjoy!