Save
This vegan chocolate pie is my favorite dessert when I want something rich and satisfying without dairy or eggs. It feels indulgent but is surprisingly simple to put together, making it perfect for a spontaneous treat or a special occasion that everyone can enjoy.
I discovered this recipe on a whim when I needed a gluten-free vegan dessert for friends. Since then it has become a staple I come back to over and over.
Ingredients
- Baked vegan pie crust: I used a chocolate gluten-free vegan crust which pairs beautifully with the filling. Look for a crust that is firm enough to hold the filling yet tender.
- Dairy-free chocolate: I choose 72% cacao for a dark, rich taste but 60 to 65 percent semi-sweet chocolate works if you prefer it sweeter. Buy good quality chocolate for better meltability and flavor.
- Canned pure sweet potato: this adds natural sweetness and creaminess along with some body to the filling. If fresh, cook and mash well until smooth.
- Smooth raw almond butter: for nut-free, sunflower seed butter is an excellent substitution. Use unsalted to control the salt balance.
- Non-dairy milk: adds creaminess and helps blend everything without making the filling runny. Use the amount needed for texture.
- Vanilla extract: enhances the chocolate notes and rounds out the flavor.
- Sea salt: a small pinch brings out the chocolate's richness and balances sweetness.
- Organic cane sugar (optional): only add this if you use darker chocolate or want it sweeter. Remember cold desserts need to be a bit sweeter for flavor to stand out.
Instructions
- Build The Chocolate Base:
- Melt the dairy-free chocolate gently in short bursts in the microwave or over a double boiler. Stir frequently as soon as it begins melting to prevent scorching. The smooth melted chocolate is the core of the pie’s flavor.
- Blend the Filling:
- In a blender, combine sweet potato, almond butter, 3 tablespoons non-dairy milk, vanilla extract, and sea salt. Blend thoroughly until smooth. Add the melted chocolate and blend again. This mixture will be very thick so pause occasionally to stir the sides and ensure everything mixes evenly.
- Adjust Texture and Sweetness:
- If the filling is too stiff to blend smoothly, add a splash more non-dairy milk. Taste the mixture before adding sugar. Add up to three tablespoons if you want it sweeter but remember chilling will dull sweetness slightly.
- Assemble and Chill:
- Pour the filling into the baked pie crust. Smooth the surface gently with a spatula. Refrigerate uncovered until completely set, about two hours. After it firms up, cover and keep refrigerated until serving. The pie holds its shape well and can stay at room temperature for a few hours before serving.
My favorite ingredient in this recipe is the sweet potato. It adds such a subtle natural sweetness and gives the filling an almost mousse-like texture without any dairy or cream. I remember serving this at a family dinner where a non-dairy eater said it was the best chocolate pie they had ever had which made me proud to have found this simple yet delicious treat.
Storage Tips
Store the pie covered in the refrigerator for up to four days. The crust will stay crispish but not soggy. Leftover slices wrapped tightly keep well too.
Ingredient Swaps
Almond butter can be swapped with sunflower seed or tahini for different flavor tones and to avoid nuts. Non-dairy milk can be oat, soy, or almond based depending on preference.
Serving Ideas
Serve topped with fresh berries, a sprinkle of chopped nuts, or a dollop of coconut whipped cream for extra texture and a fresh contrast to the dense chocolate.
This pie is truly a staple in my dessert rotation. Its blend of creamy, chocolatey goodness with the subtle sweet potato base feels special yet approachable. It’s perfect when I want to impress without fuss and always gets rave reviews. If you love chocolate but want something vegan and a bit different, this tart is worth a try.
Frequently Asked Recipe Questions
- → What type of chocolate works best?
Use dairy-free chocolate with 72% cacao for a rich, dark taste or semi-sweet 60-65% for a sweeter balance.
- → Can I substitute the almond butter?
Sunflower seed butter is a great nut-free alternative that maintains creaminess in the filling.
- → How should I melt the chocolate?
Melt chocolate in short microwave increments while stirring, or gently over a double boiler to avoid burning.
- → Why use sweet potato in the filling?
Sweet potato adds natural sweetness and a smooth texture, creating a creamy and balanced filling without dairy.
- → How long should the pie chill?
Refrigerate uncovered for about two hours until firm, then cover and keep chilled until serving.
- → Can the pie be kept at room temperature?
Yes, it stays firm for several hours at room temperature but retaining it chilled is best for texture.