This caramelized peanut and chocolate pie was a huge {and I mean HUGE} hit with my guests the other day. I actually didn't expect it to be such a crowd-pleaser. I didn't expect it to be anything really -- just wanted to use up some peanuts I had on hand... and then chocolate came to mind... and caramel... and then a few friends turned up...
The amount of excitement just at seeing this pie was overwhelming -- I didn't expect that at all. I think I must be too far removed into my world of weird flavor combinations sometimes to recognize the beauty of simple classics because my guests at all over this little pie in seconds. And there were arguments over the last slice... I guess there's a reason why chocolate and peanuts and caramel are a thing :) {hello snickers bars, turtles, etc. why didn't I think of making this combo into a pie earlier?!?}.
And of course I love that my totally "conventional"-eating friends gave such rave reviews to a dessert that's gluten-free, vegan, and refined sugar-free. That to me is the ultimate proof that using good ingredients can only lead to incredible things!
This pie was truly delicious and is super {and I mean SUPER} easy to make and doesn't require too many ingredients or anything strange. In fact, if you've got some peanuts, peanut butter, a sweetener, a few dates, and cacao you're pretty much set!
If you wanted to make a paleo version, just use almonds and almond butter in place of the peanuts and pb in this recipe. If you have any other substitution questions -- ask away in the comments. My only strong recommendation is to use organic peanuts and pb to keep this dessert wholesome.
Caramelized Peanut and Chocolate Pie
A crowd-pleasing peanut and chocolate pie with notes of caramel. Picky eater approved, and gluten-free and vegan.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 7" pie
- Category: Pie
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Dessert
Ingredients
Chocolate Pie Shell:
- 2 cups raw peanuts {you can roast them first for a stronger flavor if you like}
- 4 medjool dates
- ¼ cup cacao powder
- 1-2 tablespoon maple syrup
- 3 tbsp coconut oil, soft
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- dash of salt
Peanut Pie Filling:
- 1 cup smooth peanut butter
- ½ cup maple syrup
- 3 tbsp coconut oil, softened or melted
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp salt
Caramelized Peanuts Layer:
- 1 cup raw peanuts
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- dash of salt
Instructions
- Place all pie shell ingredients in a food processor and process into a fine crumble. Scoop the mixture into your tart/pie pan and press into shape to form a crust. Stick in the freezer to firm up slightly while you work on the next step.
- Place all filling ingredients into a clean food processor and process until the mixture is combined. Scoop into the prepared pie shell and smooth out. Place in the freezer while working on the next step.
- Place caramelized peanut layer ingredients into a small non-stick pan. Bring to a simmer on medium heat and allow the mixture to simmer for about 5-10 minutes until the maple syrup thickens slightly. Carefully pour this mixture over the pie and spread it out to distribute it evenly. Place pie in the refrigerate for a few hours to set a little {or in the freezer for 30 minutes for a faster version}. Enjoy!
Notes
Store any leftovers in the fridge. Double for a 9" pie
Jodi says
I don't have medjool dates. Do you have a measured amount you would recommend to sub regular pitted dates?
The Real Person!
Hi Jodi, you can use 4-5 regular dates, but make sure to presoak them first so that they are softened (unless they are super fresh and soft already).
chloé says
I have been looking for a recipe like this for months! This is the best dessert e-ver! Thank you SO much!
The Real Person!
You're welcome :) Happy you like it!
Evi @ greenevi says
I would give anything now to be able to try this gorgeous pie! I'm totally in love ❤️
The Real Person!
Thanks Evi ♥
Casey says
Oh my gosh. This looks DELECTABLE. I need to make it stat!
The Real Person!
Thanks Casey! Peanuts + chocolate + more caramelized peanuts can't be but delectable :)
Steph @ Steph in Thyme says
What a stunning dessert! No wonder it was a crowd pleaser. And such simple ingredients, too! Reminds me of when I was young, my mom left out a dip recipe for me to make for a party while she was finishing up work. Well, I thought a clove was a whole head of garlic, so I used that in the dip! We had a good laugh and baked the dip longer, and it turned out to be a roasted garlic artichoke dip. The dip went so fast and everyone wanted the recipe. It's so funny what pleases people at parties, often times the best recipes are unintentional!
The Real Person!
I agree -- so many of my best recipes were completely unintentional creations. And that is a funny story, though I have to say I'm a huge garlic fiend and that dip sounds amazing :)
Melissa @ Vegan Does It says
So decadent! We are peanut butter fanatics over here, so this pie is pretty much the perfect treat for us!
The Real Person!
Yes, this is totally a peanut butter addicts kind of a treat ;)
Shirley @ gfe & All Gluten-Free Desserts says
Audrey--Just went I think you can't possibly create a dessert recipe more amazing than the last one, you do! What an irresistible recipe. I think I'd like to try it with almonds and almond butter or cashews and cashew butter. Or maybe try one after another, the original and every other possible version. ;-)
Shirley
The Real Person!
I know, right? :) Thanks Shirley! I think this would be wonderful with all those flavors. Maybe I'd add pecans + pecan butter to the mix to for fancier occasions :)
Sheena @ Tea and Biscuits says
Audrey, the caramelized peanuts look amazing! I need to make an effort to find some for my son so we can make this, he would love it. He has tree nut allergies (not peanuts though) and most peanuts in grocery stores are cross contaminated with tree nuts.
The Real Person!
Thanks Sheena! So interesting about your son's allergies. The other way around is so much more common -- i.e. no peanuts but other nuts are ok. If he likes this though and can't find peanuts, I think sunbutter + sunflower seeds would work just as well.
Harriet Emily says
This looks incredible Audrey!!!! I haven't really used peanuts before in a raw dessert, but this has certainly inspired me! I looove caramelised nuts too. I always used to snack on honey roast peanuts - yet I've never tried making anything like it at home. I'm definitely going to have to caramelise some now!! This is one seriously amazing dessert - and I can't wait to try it! In regards to my favourite peanut butter treat, it has to be either smothered over chocolate, apple or banana! So yummy!
The Real Person!
pb + chocolate/apple/banana is the best! I actually think this tart would be really great if the pb was reduced a bit and some banana was added in as well -- that's my plan for next time I make it. Just wanted to keep things simple this time around :)
Life Diet Health says
WOW! This looks amazing and I bet it tastes even better! I'm almost tempted to go and make this right now (its 11.40pm) but I guess I should wait until I have more time! It's one of the first posts I've seen which has truly made me feel hungry! :) Thank you so much for sharing! :) :) :)
Nissrine @ Harmony a la Carte says
I never eat peanuts anymore because I can't find them raw, organic, unroasted or at least unsalted here in Italy, but this looks delicious.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
O wow, those caramelized peanuts <3 Anything with peanuts and I'm a fan! Crazy decadent treat!
Natalie @ Feasting on Fruit says
Anyone who thinks that Reese's are the ultimate pairing of chocolate + PB obviously has never seen this pie! Peanuts are one of those ingredients that I don't use a lot because the good ones, especially raw, are hard to find. But I do love the flavor. And that caramel topping...yum :)
The Real Person!
I know, Natalie -- I had to scout out raw peanuts a little while ago and it was a considerable effort finding some. But when I did, I bought loads -- which explains this pie ;)
Ali the Skinny GF Chef says
You must have a very happy family! I love this recipe and have shared it with my daughter. She made it right up and said her 3 boys went crazy for it!
The Real Person!
Oh, that's amazing, Ali -- thanks for sharing. So happy the boys loved it! :)