Vegan Pumpkin Pie

Here's a vegan pumpkin pie recipe that's perfect for the fall season. This recipe uses plant-based ingredients to create a delicious and creamy pumpkin pie filling without any animal products.

Ingredients:

For the Pie Crust:

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/2 cup cold vegan butter or coconut oil (solid, not melted)

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 3-4 tablespoons ice-cold water

For the Pumpkin Pie Filling:

• 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)

• 1/2 cup full-fat coconut milk (from a can)

• 1/2 cup brown sugar or coconut sugar

• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch or arrowroot powder

• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pie Crust:

• In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.

• Cut the cold vegan butter or coconut oil into small pieces and add them to the flour mixture.

• Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the fat into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.

• Gradually add the ice-cold water, one tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough comes together.

• Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

2. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

3. Roll Out the Pie Crust:

• On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled pie crust into a circle large enough to fit your pie dish.

4. Transfer the Crust to the Pie Dish:

• Carefully transfer the rolled-out crust to a 9-inch pie dish and gently press it into the bottom and sides.

5. Prepare the Pumpkin Pie Filling:

• In a mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, coconut milk, brown sugar, maple syrup, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt until well combined.

6. Fill the Pie Crust:

• Pour the pumpkin pie filling into the prepared pie crust.

7. Bake:

• Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 15 minutes.

• Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for an additional 35-40 minutes, or until the filling is set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

8. Cool and Serve:

• Allow the pie to cool completely on a wire rack before serving. You can refrigerate it for a few hours or overnight for best results.

• Serve with vegan whipped cream or coconut whipped cream, if desired.

• Enjoy your delicious vegan pumpkin pie!

Storing Pies Sustainably in Compostable Containers

When it comes to preserving the deliciousness of your homemade pies, choosing the right storage method is key. But what if you're not just concerned about keeping your pies fresh, but also about reducing your environmental footprint? That's where compostable pie containers come into play.

Compostable pie containers offer an eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastic or aluminum options. Made from materials like cornstarch or sugarcane, these containers are designed to break down naturally in composting systems, leaving behind no harmful residues. So, not only do they keep your pies fresh, but they also help you reduce plastic waste.

Here's how to make the most of compostable pie containers:

Freshness Preservation:

Compostable containers work just as effectively as their plastic counterparts in preserving the freshness of your pies. They're designed to seal in flavors and prevent your pies from drying out or absorbing unwanted odors from the fridge.

Environmental Impact:

By choosing compostable containers, you're taking a small but meaningful step towards reducing plastic pollution. When disposed of correctly in a composting facility, these containers will naturally decompose, returning valuable nutrients to the soil.

Versatile and Durable:

Compostable containers come in various sizes and shapes, suitable for different pie types. They're also microwave-safe, making reheating leftovers a breeze. Just be sure to remove any non-compostable elements like stickers or labels before composting.

Proper Disposal:

To fully embrace the eco-friendly aspect, make sure your local composting facility accepts these containers. Avoid sending them to landfills where they won't decompose as intended.

So, the next time you bake a scrumptious pie, consider investing in compostable pie containers. Not only will your pies stay delicious, but you'll also be contributing to a greener, more sustainable future, one slice at a time.