An easy date caramel pecan pie with no added sugar. This fruit-sweetened dessert is easier than it looks. All you need is one food processor to make a quick date caramel and a simple oat crust. Top the pie with coconut whipped cream, pecans and flaky sea salt to take it to the next level.
This recipe was shared all the way back in 2016. It’s been updated with new photos and more details to help you make the best caramel pecan pie.
How to Make a Date Caramel Pecan Pie:
Here are the steps to make an easy date caramel pecan pie at home.
- Make the Oat Crust
Add the oats and pecans in a food processor. Process for about 10-20 seconds. Add 1/4 cup of coconut milk and vanilla. Process until the dough sticks together. Add 1-2 more tablespoons of coconut milk if it’s too dry. Press the dough on the bottom and the sides of the pie dish. Bake for 10 minutes. Let it cool completely.
- Prepare the Date Caramel
While the crust is baking, prepare the caramel. In the same food processor (crumbs removed), add the dates, coconut milk, salt and vanilla. Blend until smooth.
- Assemble
Spread the date caramel on the baked and cooled crust. Top with a sprinkle of flaky salt, pecans and coconut whipped cream if desired.
Easy Date Caramel Pecan Pie FAQ:
I recommend using Medjool dates for the best results. These have a sweet caramel-like flavor and will be easier to blend. If using other types of dates, or if your dates are very dry, you might need to soak them for one hour in hot water before using them in the date caramel.
You can use leftover date caramel to sweeten oatmeal or as a dip for apples. You can also make this caramel frappuccino, no-bake salted caramel thumbprint cookies or make caramel chocolate cups similar to these ones. If you want less leftover date caramel, feel free to only make a half batch. It may be more difficult to blend into a smooth caramel, unless you have a small food processor.
If you dislike coconut, or if you’re allergic, you can replace it with another plant-based milk, such as almond or oat milk.
This recipe can easily be made gluten-free by using gluten-free certified oats.
If you’d like to make a nut-free version of this recipe, you could try using toasted sunflower seeds in the crust and skipping the pecan topping. It would no longer be a “caramel pecan pie”, but it could make for a delicious nut-free caramel pie.
For more details on making homemade date caramel, I recommend checking out my full recipe here.
More Date Caramel Recipes:
- No-Bake Salted Caramel Thumbprint Cookies
- Vegan Caramel Frappuccino
- Salted Caramel Energy Bites
- Healthy Caramel Peanut Butter Apple Slices
- Caramel & Coconut Latte Overnight Oats
Easy Date Caramel Pecan Pie
Ingredients
Oat and Pecan Crust
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup pecans, raw or dry roasted, unsalted
- 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons low-fat coconut milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon fine grain sea salt
Date Caramel
- 2 cups pitted Medjool dates
- 1 cup low-fat coconut milk, or plant-based milk or choice
- 1/2 teaspoon fine grain sea salt, optional
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, optional
Optional Toppings
- Sprinkle of flaky salt
- Pecans
- Coconut whipped cream, recipe below
Instructions
Make the Crust
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a pie dish with parchment paper or lightly grease with vegan butter.
- Add the oats and pecans in a food processor. Process for about 10-20 seconds. You can leave some texture, but not too much or the crust will be more crumbly. Add 1/4 cup of coconut milk and vanilla. Process until the dough sticks together. Add 1-2 more tablespoons of coconut milk if it’s too dry.
- Press the dough on the bottom and the sides of the pie dish. Bake for 10 minutes. Let it cool completely.
Make the Date Caramel
- In the same food processor (crumbs removed), add the dates, coconut milk, salt and vanilla. Blend until smooth, about 2-3 minutes.
- Spread the caramel evenly on the crust.
- Chill in the fridge 1-2 hours if desired to make it easier to cut and hold together. The caramel will remain soft.
- Serve with a dollop of coconut whipped cream, pecans and a sprinkle of flaky salt if desired.
Notes
If you make this date caramel pecan pie, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! And if you try this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram!
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