Vegan Chocolate Fudge Pie

Is there anything better than a chocolate pie? Nope. Didn't think so. This Vegan Chocolate Fudge Pie is especially perfect! Rich, velvety chocolate fudge filling all encased in a flaky piecrust...what could a person want more? Great for holiday parties or "just because" occasions. Let's learn how to make it!

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Vegan Chocolate Fudge Pie Ingredients

For the Crust

• Single Piecrust: The single piecrust serves as the base and structure of the chocolate fudge pie. It provides the necessary texture and thickness to support the rich, chocolatey filling. In this vegan recipe, the piecrust is typically made without animal-based ingredients such as butter or lard, ensuring that the entire dessert remains vegan-friendly. Use this recipe.

For the Filling

• Full Fat Coconut Milk (1 c): Full-fat coconut milk is used in the filling to add creaminess and richness to the chocolate fudge. It provides a smooth texture and a subtle coconut flavor that complements the chocolate. Additionally, it's a common ingredient in vegan recipes to replace dairy-based ingredients like heavy cream.
• Non-Dairy Chocolate Chips (12 oz): Non-dairy chocolate chips are the star ingredient for creating the chocolate fudge. They melt and provide the intense chocolate flavor and texture that make the pie so delectable. These chips are used to maintain the pie's vegan status, as they don't contain milk solids or other dairy products.
• Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor of the pie by adding a sweet, aromatic note. It complements the chocolate and contributes to the pie's well-rounded taste.
• Coconut Cream (from the can, chilled overnight) (1 c): Coconut cream is another source of richness and creaminess in the filling. Chilling the coconut cream separates it from the liquid, allowing you to use the thick, fatty part in the recipe. This not only adds to the pie's texture but also imparts a delightful coconut undertone, which works harmoniously with the chocolate.
• Powdered Sugar (⅔ c): Powdered sugar sweetens the filling and helps to achieve the desired consistency and texture for the coconut cream that will ultimately be folded into the chocolate filling.
• Extra Coconut Cream and Chocolate Shavings: Additional coconut cream serves as a luscious topping for the pie. It can be whipped to a fluffy consistency and provides an extra layer of coconut flavor and creaminess. The chocolate shavings are not only a visually appealing garnish but also add a delightful texture and an extra touch of chocolate flavor, making the pie even more decadent.

Steps to Make Vegan Chocolate Fudge Pie (with pictures)

Prepare Piecrust

1. Make the Piecrust: Begin by making a single piecrust following this recipe. Once the crust has chilled as a disk for at least 2 hours, transfer it to a heavily floured surface. Roll out the dough into a 10-11 inch circle. Using your rolling pin, carefully transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie pan. Fold under the edges and crimp using your thumb and forefinger or a fork. Poke holes in the bottom and sides of the crust using a fork to aid in ventilation. Place piecrust in the freezer to chill for about 20 minutes.
2. Prep: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 C) and place a large bowl and the prongs of an electric hand mixer into the freezer. Remove piecrust from the freezer. Lightly brush the edges of the crust with nondairy milk and sprinkle them generously with coarse sugar. Scrunch up a sheet of parchment paper and lay it into the unbaked pie shell. Pour ceramic pie weights over the paper and spread out as evenly as possible using your hands. 
3. Bake Piecrust: Set piecrust on center rack of preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes. Remove from oven and lift out the pie weights using the parchment paper. Return piecrust to the oven sans weights and bake for 15 minutes more. Remove piecrust from oven and set it somewhere to cool completely.

Prepare the Filling and Set

1. Melt the Chocolate: Pour coconut milk in a small saucepan and bring to a simmer. Add nondairy chocolate chips to a large bowl. Pour the heated coconut milk over the top of the chocolate chips along with the vanilla extract. Allow the mixture to sit for 2 minutes before whisking until smooth. Let the filling cool, stirring occasionally to prevent it from solidifying.
2. Whip the Cream: Remove the mixing bowl and prongs from the freezer and remove your can of coconut cream from the fridge. Scoop the solid cream out of the can, leaving the water behind. The cream from the can should measure out to about a cup but don’t worry if it’s a little less. Add the cream to the cold bowl along with the powdered sugar. Beat with the chilled prongs of an electric hand mixer for about 2-3 minutes or until stiff peaks form. Place the bowl of cream in the fridge until ready to use.
3. Make the Filling: Once the piecrust and the chocolate mixture has cooled you can finish making the filling. Add your whipped cream into the bowl with the melted chocolate and fold together gently. You don’t want to over-mix or whisk as these methods will remove the air. Pour chocolate filling into cooled pie shell and even out the top using a rubber spatula. Place the pie in the fridge to set for at least 4 hours. Overnight works best.
4. Serve: When it comes time to serve, you can whip up another batch of whipped cream using the same method used above. Combine 1 cup of cold, canned coconut cream and ⅔ c powdered sugar in a chilled bowl and beat until stiff peaks form. Pile it on the center of the pie or scoop onto individual slices to serve. 

Tips for Making a Vegan Chocolate Fudge Pie

1. Choose the Right Ingredients: Select high-quality vegan ingredients, such as non-dairy chocolate chips, coconut milk, coconut cream, and a vegan pie crust. Be sure to read the labels to ensure they are free of animal-based products.
2. Prepare a Proper Vegan Pie Crust: You can make your vegan pie crust from scratch using a recipe that substitutes traditional butter with plant-based options like coconut oil or vegetable shortening. Alternatively, you can purchase a pre-made vegan pie crust from the store.
3. Melt Chocolate Gently: Melt the chocolate as directed in the recipe. This is a gentle melting method AND it's the best way to melt chocolate without having to get it too hot. See recipe below for further direction.
4. Use Full-Fat Coconut Milk and Chilled Coconut Cream: Opt for full-fat coconut milk to provide richness to the pie filling. Chill a can of coconut cream overnight, and use the thick, creamy part from the top of the can to make the pie extra creamy.
5. Flavor Enhancements: Feel free to add other flavorings to the filling, such as a pinch of sea salt for a salty-sweet contrast, or a dash of espresso for a deeper chocolate flavor.
6. Chill for the Right Amount of Time: Refrigerate the pie for several hours or overnight to ensure it becomes firm and fudgy. This allows the flavors to meld together and the texture to set.
7. Garnish Creatively: Before serving, garnish the pie with extra coconut cream (whipped or in dollops) and chocolate shavings for a visually appealing and delectable touch.
8. Serve at the Right Temperature: Vegan chocolate fudge pie is best enjoyed slightly chilled or at room temperature. It can be served as is or with a scoop of vegan ice cream for an extra treat.

Pre-Baking Piecrust

Pre baking pastry crust before adding the filling is necessary when making pies that set in the refrigerator. Here are some of the key reasons why you should put some effort into the pre-bake.

1. Maintaining Texture: A good pre-bake will give the pastry desirable texture. The initial baking sets the structure of the crust and allows it to maintain its flakiness or tenderness even when filled and chilled.
2. Prevent Bubbles and Puffing: When conducting a pre-bake, it's important to prevent the formation of air bubbles or puffing in the crust. If you don't poke holes with a fork or use some kind of pie weights, the trapped air might cause the crust to rise unevenly or create undesirable bubbles.
3. Enhancing Flavor: Pre-baking can add a deeper, slightly toasted flavor to the crust, enhancing the overall taste of the final baked product.
4. Control Over Browning: When Pre-baking you have a good amount of control over the degree of browning on the crust. You can decide how much you want it to brown in the oven by just watching it carefully as it bakes.
5. Adjusting for Ingredients: Depending on the specific ingredients in the pie filling, you may also need to adjust the pre-baking time and temperature. Pre-baking gives you a chance to adapt the crust to the specific needs of your recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it difficult to make a vegan chocolate fudge pie?

No, making a vegan chocolate fudge pie is not difficult. It typically involves simple steps such as preparing a vegan pie crust, melting non-dairy chocolate chips, and mixing the filling ingredients. The key is to use high-quality vegan ingredients.

What can I use as a vegan pie crust?

You can use a variety of vegan-friendly pie crust options. Look for pre-made vegan pie crusts at your local grocery store or make your own using ingredients like coconut oil, vegetable shortening, or plant-based margarine instead of butter. That said, it is always best to make your own!

Are all chocolate chips vegan?

Not all chocolate chips are vegan. Make sure to check the ingredient list when selecting chocolate chips. Look for options labeled "vegan" or those that contain cocoa solids, cocoa butter, and sugar without any dairy products like milk solids or milk fat.

What's the best way to chill the pie and set the filling?

After assembling the pie, let it cool to room temperature, and then refrigerate it for several hours or overnight. This helps the pie filling set properly and develop its fudgy texture.

FAQ's Continued

Can I make the pie in advance?

Yes, you can make the pie a day or two in advance. Indeed it actually benefits from sitting in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to meld together. Just be sure to cover it to prevent drying out or absorbing odors from the fridge.

Can I make this pie gluten-free?

Yes, you can make the pie gluten-free by using a gluten-free pie crust or by adapting your favorite gluten-free crust recipe. Ensure that all other ingredients are also gluten-free, including the chocolate chips and any flavorings you add.

Can I add other ingredients like nuts or fruit to the pie for texture and flavor?

Yes, you can personalize your vegan chocolate fudge pie by adding ingredients like chopped nuts (e.g., walnuts or almonds) or fruit (e.g., raspberries or sliced strawberries). Just be mindful of how these additions may affect the texture and sweetness of the pie.

Can I make mini chocolate fudge pies instead of one large pie?

Absolutely! You can make mini pies by using small tart pans or muffin tins. Adjust the baking time accordingly; mini pies will require less time to bake.

How to Serve Vegan Chocolate Fudge Pie

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to serve this delectable dessert:

1. Chilling: Ensure that the pie has been properly chilled and has had sufficient time to set in the refrigerator. This is crucial for achieving the fudgy consistency.
2. Slice Carefully: When you're ready to serve, use a sharp, clean knife to slice the pie. Run the knife under hot water to make clean cuts. Wipe the knife dry between cuts for a neat appearance.
3. Garnish Options: There are various ways to garnish and enhance the presentation of your vegan chocolate fudge pie:
   • Whipped Coconut Cream: Add a dollop of whipped coconut cream on top of each slice. You can sweeten the coconut cream with a bit of powdered sugar or your preferred sweetener.
   • Chocolate Shavings: Sprinkle chocolate shavings or curls on top of the pie. These not only add a touch of elegance but also provide extra chocolate flavor and texture.
   • Fresh Berries: Serve each slice with a handful of fresh berries, such as strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries, for a burst of color and a fruity contrast.
   • Dusting of Cocoa Powder: Lightly dust the top of each slice with cocoa powder using a fine sieve for a classic finishing touch.
4. Serve at the Right Temperature: Vegan chocolate fudge pie can be served either slightly chilled or at room temperature, depending on your preference.
5. Accompaniments: You can serve the pie on its own, or consider offering a scoop of vegan vanilla or coconut milk ice cream as a delightful accompaniment. Vegan whipped cream is another option to enhance the dessert.
6. Add a Drizzle: If you want to get creative, you can also add a drizzle of vegan chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, or a fruit coulis for extra flavor and presentation.

How to Store Vegan Chocolate Fudge Pie

Properly storing vegan chocolate fudge pie is essential to maintain its freshness and prevent it from drying out or absorbing unwanted odors in the refrigerator. Here's how to store it:

1. Cool to Room Temperature: Before storing the pie, allow it to cool to room temperature after it's been prepared and served. Do not put a hot pie directly into the refrigerator, as it can create condensation and affect the texture.
2. Cover the Pie: Use a piece of plastic wrap or aluminum foil to tightly cover the entire pie. Also ensure that the wrap is in direct contact with the surface of the pie to prevent air exposure. This helps maintain the pie's texture and prevents it from drying out.
3. Label and Date: If you have multiple items in your fridge, it's a good practice to label the wrapped pie with the date. In summary, this makes it easier to track the freshness.
4. Refrigerate: Place the wrapped vegan chocolate fudge pie in the refrigerator. It should be stored on a flat, stable surface, such as a shelf, to prevent it from getting tipped over or squished by other items.
5. Keep Away from Strong Odors: Vegan chocolate fudge pie can absorb odors from other foods in the refrigerator. To avoid this, store the pie away from strongly scented items like onions, garlic, or pungent cheeses.
6. Avoid Freezing: This recipe does not keep well in the freezer. Plan accordingly.

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

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