Pumpkin Pie/Pudding

I LOVE PUMPKIN. I actually stock up on canned pumpkin in the fall so I can eat it all year round. I already posted some pumpkin recipes this fall: Vega Pumpkin Smoothie and Creamy Curry Pumpkin Soup. I love that you can make pumpkin sweet or salty. Pumpkin is actually very healthy! It contains fiber and lots of minerals and vitamins. It is especially high in beta-carotene (vitamin A) which is the same thing that makes carrots orange. Often, pumpkin is made unhealthy in the form of pumpkin pie with lots of sugar and cream. So, here's an easy pumpkin pudding/pie-filling recipe that's vegan and low in sugar. You can use cashews or tofu as the base (cashews are somewhat healthier). You can also just use the spices you probably already have instead of buying "pumpkin pie spice."

 

Ingredients

16 oz. silken tofu OR 1 cup soaked raw cashews

15 oz. can of pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie mix)

2/3 cup agave nectar or maple syrup

1 Tbsp. pumpkin pie spice OR:

          1 tsp. cinnamon

          1/2 tsp. nutmeg

          1/2 tsp. ginger

          1/4 tsp. allspice

1/2 tsp. salt

Pie crust (optional)


 

 

 

Directions

If using cashews, soak for a few hours in the fridge before preparing. They get a light purple hue, this is normal. Put all ingredients into a blender or food processor and blend until completely smooth. You can just eat the pumpkin pie pudding like this, but place in the fridge for an hour or so to chill. If you want to make pie, just use this as the filling for a pre-made pie crust and cook for about an hour at 350 degrees. Chill the pie for a few hours before eating.

 

I love this recipe because it is easy to make and tastes delicious and is a much healthier version of pumpkin pie. I like it in both pudding and pie form. My boyfriend requested whipped cream on his pie because he doesn't like "sugar-free desserts." One day I will convince him that sugar is toxic. I've also been eating this recipe before running all month and it's worked out really well! The agave and pumpkin contain great carbs for sustained running and its easy on your stomach.