This is one of the easiest, no baking required, pop-it-in-the-freezer, vegan banana pie. I found the recipe on an Instagram post from, nutrition_facts_org. After making it and posting this photo on FaceBook I’ve had several recipe requests, so here it is on the blog for easy finding. If you want to receive short videos of helpful healthy information, subscribe to NutritionFacts.Org.

The Ingredient List

CRUST:

1 1/4 cup almonds

1/4 cup packed pitted dates (I used 6 – 8 Medjool dates, depending on the size of each date)

Pinch of salt

FILLING:

1 1/4 cup cashews (since these will be ground in the food processor, buying pieces is cheaper than buying whole cashews)

1-2 ripe bananas (I used 2 bananas)

1 tablespoon vanilla extract (I always spill over a few drops, never level the vanilla)

1/4 cup packed pitted dates (I used 6 – 8 Medjool dates, again depending on the size of each date)

Pinch of salt

1/4 – 1/2 cup water dribbled in tablespoon increments till you get a smooth creamy, not watery consistency. (The original recipe called for water, I used pineapple juice instead of water)

TOPPINGS:

1 – 2 ripe bananas. Strawberries and blueberries also make great toppings. Use your imagination.

1/4 – 1/3 cup shredded coconut, depending upon your love of coconut.

Chocolate pieces

The Preparation Method

Chill a 9-inch glass Pie Plate.

In a food processor or blender, (I use a food processor), blend the almonds until you see a flour-like texture. Add in pitted Medjool dates, and blend until the crust is sticky. Test stickiness by pressing a small ball of dough against the side of the processor.

Place this crust mixture into the chilled pie plate. Pat and manipulate the dough with the back of a spoon till it’s about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick on the bottom and up the sides. Keep the sides even in height all the way around the pie plate. I have found it helpful to keep a bowl of water on the counter, and I dip my spoon into it because it keeps the dough from sticking to the spoon.

Pie Filling

Add cashews, bananas, Medjool dates, salt and vanilla into the food processor. Blend until fully integrated. Add the liquid (water or pineapple juice) in one tablespoon increments till you have a creamy, ribbon-like smoothness. (the last pie I made used about 4 – 5 tablespoons)

Pour the pie filling on top of the pie crust and smooth out.

Cover, and place in the freezer. Allow to set at a minimum of 3-4 hours. Keeping it in the freezer makes for cleaner cut edges. Keep this pie only in the freezer. The refrigerator is not cold enough, and makes for a pudding pie with a slightly runny consistency. It’s even better after freezing overnight.

Use a sharp knife for cutting, and if necessary dip the knife in water to get a cleaner cut. Use a spatula to lift the pie piece smoothly.

Top the Pie with banana slices, and/or strawberries, and/or blueberries, and coconut before serving. You see cacao nibs in the photo above. Chocolate pieces are good on almost everything! In the above toppings list, I listed 2 ripe bananas. If you cut these and arrange them on the pie top, they will turn brown. It’s best to keep these bananas on-hand and top this pie at the time of serving.

PHEBE NOTES: Just some thoughts.

Cleaning Almonds, Nuts & Seeds

This is only an option, but I soak my almonds for 15-20 minutes in water. I add one tablespoon of white vinegar, or food grade hydrogen peroxide, or you may just use plain water. Then I rinse the almonds in a strainer and pat dry (leave the brown skins on).

I have a food dehydrator, so for drying the damp almonds, I set the air temperature on 110º. I dry the almonds at this setting for about 15 minutes. Since most people do not have food dehydrators, I recommend allowing them to air dry on a paper towel or cotton cloth for the same time. If you’re in a rush, turn your oven on the lowest setting, mine is 175º …then turn the oven off, just before it reaches this lowest temperature. Allow nuts to air dry in the warm heat for several minutes (3 to 5 minutes).

You do not want toasted almonds, just slightly dry almonds. Again, this is totally not necessary, unless you are a germaphobe like me.

This pie does not have to be only a banana pie. The next time I make this pie, I may use strawberries and have fresh steeped lavender to use as the liquid. Stay tuned…!

Phebe is always experimenting with recipes and flavors. She is certified through Matthew Kenney Academy in the Art of Raw Vegan Cuisine, she worked at The Tree of Life Center in Patagonia, Arizona as kitchen staff and growing micro-greens. She completed her Plant-Based Certification from eCornell and the T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutritional Studies.

Phebe creates The Literary Catcast Podcast.

Want to be a positive contributor to climate change:::begin to adopt a plant-based diet...and STOP using plastic sacks at the stores, carry a cloth bag(s) that can be tossed in the hot wash.