Vegan Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie

When someone tells me they're not a pie person, I make them this Vegan Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie and they always change their mind. I'll be totally honest, this dessert is less pie and more cookie. Sure there's a tender, flaky crust but the filling gears more in the direction of a big, sweet, buttery cookie. This is a union I feel we should all be able to get behind. Boozy, nutty AND chocolatey!? Nothing better. Let's learn how to make it!

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Vegan Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie Ingredients

For the Crust

• Single Piecrust: The single piecrust acts as the base and enclosure for the pie filling. It provides a foundation and structure to hold the pie's contents together, ensuring a crispy, golden crust that complements the rich, sweet filling.

For the Filling

• Pecan Halves (2 cups): Pecan halves are a key ingredient in pecan pie. They provide a delightful crunch and nutty flavor, making them the highlight of the pie's filling. They add texture and richness to the overall taste.
• All-Purpose Flour (¾ cup): Flour is a binding agent in the filling, contributing to the pie's texture and consistency. It helps thicken the filling and holds the ingredients together when baked.
• Sugar (½ cup) & Light Brown Sugar (¼ cup): Both white and light brown sugars are sweetening agents. They add sweetness to the pie while contributing to the texture and moisture of the filling.
• Baking Powder (1 tsp): Baking powder is a leavening agent. It helps the pie filling to rise slightly during baking, giving it a softer, lighter texture.
• Melted Vegan Butter (½ cup): Vegan butter serves as a substitute for traditional butter, adding richness and flavor to the pie filling. It helps bind the ingredients together and contributes to the overall richness of the dessert.
• Bourbon (¼ cup): Bourbon enhances the flavor profile of the pie with its distinctive taste, adding depth and complexity to the filling. It infuses a subtle boozy note that complements the sweetness of the pecans and chocolate.
• Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Vanilla extract adds a pleasant aroma and flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the pie. It contributes a subtle sweetness and rounds out the other flavors.
• Nondairy Chocolate Chips (1 cup): Nondairy chocolate chips provide a rich, chocolatey element to the pie. They melt during baking, creating a luscious, decadent layer that combines with the pecans and other ingredients to create the signature taste.

Steps to Make Vegan Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie (with pictures!)

1. Make Piecrust: Follow this recipe to make a single piecrust. Stop once you have a disk of piecrust wrapped in plastic chilling in the fridge.
2. Roll out Dough: Remove pie dough from fridge and allow it to sit out for about 10 minutes to thaw. Roll it out until it is ¼-1/8 inch thick. Using a rolling pin, transfer the piecrust to a 9-inch pie pan. Tuck the edges of the crust under and crimp using your thumb and index fingers. Poke some holes in the bottom and sides of the crust using a fork. Place the pie pan in the freezer to chill while you prepare the filling.
3. Toast Pecans: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the pecan halves out on the baking sheet and bake in preheated oven for 5 minutes to toast lightly.
4. Make Filling: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, brown sugar and baking powder. Pour in the melted vegan butter, bourbon and vanilla extract. Mix until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips and toasted pecans. 
5. Assemble: Pour the prepared filling into the unbaked pie shell and even out the top with a rubber spatula. Arrange the pecan halves in a swirl pattern if desired. Lightly brush the crust with nondairy milk using a pastry brush and sprinkle generously with coarse sugar. Wrap the edges of the crust tightly (but gently) with tinfoil to protect them from burning.
6. Bake: Place pie on center rack of preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes. Take pie out and remove the tinfoil. Place pie back in the oven to bake for an additional 10-15 minutes watching carefully.

Tips for Making Vegan Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie

1. Vegan Pie Crust Selection: Ensure you're using a vegan-friendly pie crust. Check the ingredients to ensure there are no animal-derived products like lard or butter. Do this regardless of whether you are making the crust yourself or purchasing it pre-made. Many store-bought pie crusts are accidentally vegan, but it's always good to double-check.
2. Ingredient Quality: Use high-quality vegan butter, nondairy chocolate chips, and other ingredients. Quality ingredients can significantly impact the final taste and texture of the pie.
3. Mixing the Filling: Evenly distribute the ingredients for the filling. Make sure the flour is evenly spread out and there are no lumps. This ensures a consistent texture and flavor throughout the pie. Take care not to over-mix.
4. Prevent Over-Browning: Cover the pie loosely with foil during the baking process if you notice the crust or pecans browning too quickly. This prevents them from burning while the pie finishes baking.
5. Cooling Process: Allow the pie to cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing. This helps the filling set and makes it easier to cut neat slices.
6. Serve with Accompaniments: Vegan whipped cream or dairy-free vanilla ice cream can be wonderful accompaniments to the pie. They also complement the flavors and add extra indulgence to the dessert.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a pre-made pie crust for a vegan chocolate bourbon pecan pie?

Yes, you can use a pre-made pie crust, but ensure it's vegan-friendly by checking the ingredients. Many pre-made pie crusts are accidentally vegan, made with vegetable oils instead of butter or lard.

Can I use a different type of alcohol instead of bourbon in the pie?

Yes, you can substitute other alcohols like rum or brandy if preferred. However, they will impart different flavors to the pie compared to bourbon.

Are there gluten-free alternatives for the flour in this recipe?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend as a substitute for regular flour. Make sure it includes a binding agent such as xanthan gum if the blend doesn't already contain it. Keep in mind that using gluten-free flour will change the texture/setting of the pie.

Can I omit the chocolate chips in the pie?

Yes, if you prefer a traditional bourbon pecan pie without chocolate, you can omit the chocolate chips. The pie will still have the rich flavors of pecans and bourbon.

FAQ's Continued

Can I use regular bourbon in my vegan chocolate bourbon pecan pie?

Yes, you can use regular bourbon if you're not concerned about keeping the pie completely vegan. However, if you want to maintain a vegan recipe, make sure to use a vegan-friendly bourbon or whiskey brand, as some alcoholic beverages may involve non-vegan processing agents.

Can I make this pie without alcohol?

You can omit the bourbon if you prefer a non-alcoholic version of the pie. You might also want to add a little more vanilla extract or a suitable non-alcoholic flavoring to maintain the intended flavor profile.

How do I prevent my pecans from sinking to the bottom of the pie during baking?

To prevent pecans from sinking, make sure to toast the pecans before using them (as directed in the recipe below); this can help them stay suspended in the filling.

Can I use a different type of nut in place of pecans?

While pecans are the traditional choice for pecan pie, you can experiment with other nuts such as walnuts, almonds, or cashews to create a unique variation of the pie. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture will change accordingly.

How to Serve Vegan Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie

Serving a vegan chocolate bourbon pecan pie is fun! Here are some suggestions on how to present and enjoy this delectable dessert:

1. Warm or Room Temperature: Allow the pie to cool to room temperature or slightly warm it in the oven before serving. The flavors often come through better when the pie isn't too cold.
2. Plating: Slice the pie into portions and carefully plate each slice. You can use a pie server or a sharp knife to ensure clean cuts.
3. Accompaniments: Serve with vegan-friendly accompaniments such as dairy-free vanilla ice cream, coconut whipped cream, or a dollop of vegan custard. These additions complement the flavors of the pie and add extra richness.
4. Drizzle or Dust: If you want to add an extra touch, consider a drizzle of chocolate sauce or a sprinkle of cocoa powder on the plate for decoration and an additional hint of chocolate.
5. Garnish: Garnish each slice with a few pecan halves or a dusting of powdered sugar for an appealing presentation.
6. Beverage Pairing: Pair the pie with a hot beverage such as coffee, tea, or even a non-dairy milk-based hot chocolate. The contrast of a warm drink with the rich flavors of the pie can be delightful.

Remember, the best way to serve the vegan chocolate bourbon pecan pie ultimately depends on your preferences and the occasion. Further, feel free to experiment with different serving styles and accompaniments to find the presentation that best suits your taste and the dining experience you wish to create.

How to Store Vegan Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie

To properly store a vegan chocolate bourbon pecan pie and maintain its freshness, follow these guidelines:

At Room Temperature:

If you plan to consume the pie within 1-2 days, it can be stored at room temperature. To illustrate, place the pie, covered, on the countertop away from direct heat or sunlight. Ensure it's covered with plastic wrap or placed in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.

Refrigeration:

If you intend to keep the pie for longer than 2 days, store it in the refrigerator. Cover the pie tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil or transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigeration helps to preserve the freshness of the pie.

Freezing:

If you want to store the pie for an extended period, it's possible to freeze it. Here's how:

• After the pie has completely cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
• Place the wrapped pie in an airtight container or a resealable freezer bag for added protection.
• Ensure it's stored in a flat position to avoid squashing the pie.
• Label the container or bag with the date for easy tracking.
• When you're ready to enjoy it, allow the pie to thaw in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing helps maintain the pie's texture.

Tips for Storage:

• Always store the pie in a way that minimizes air exposure to prevent it from becoming dry or absorbing any off-flavors.
• Avoid storing the pie in the fridge with strong-smelling foods, as it might pick up odors.
• If you're freezing the pie, consume it within a month for the best quality.

Remember, when storing any baked goods, their texture may change slightly over time. Storing it properly can help maintain the pie's flavor and quality for a longer period.

If you make this recipe, please tag @censoredbaker on Instagram!

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