The Best Vegan Pecan Pie Recipe (easy + gluten-free) (2024)

The Best Vegan Pecan Pie- made with just 9 simple ingredients, you would never guess this pecan pie is made without eggs or corn syrup!

Now that we have a super easy pie crust, let us discuss the pecan pie. As in the BEST vegan pecan pie on the face of the planet.

Growing up in the south, I ate my fair share of pecan pie. I’m also confident that approximately zero of those pies were vegan. Most recipes call for eggs, butter and corn syrup. You know, typical southern ingredients.

But the reality is you don’t need all of that to make one bangin’ pecan pie. With just 9 simple ingredients you can whip up a healthier pie that everyone will love.

The Best Vegan Pecan Pie Ingredients

• Coconut Milk– Full fat coconut milk from a can is ideal for this recipe because the fat solidifies when cooled which helps the pecan pie set. It also provides a nice creamy texture without imparting an obvious coconut flavor.I haven’t tested the pie with alternative milks so if you decide to do so, please let us know how it turns out in the comments below.
• Corn Starch– This ingredient is essential to help bind and firm the pie so please don’t skip it! I haven’t tested it with arrowroot (because I find it to be more finicky than cornstarch) but it may work if you absolutely need it to be grain-free.
• Vegan Butter- Just a bit of butter helps us toast the pecans while also giving the pie it’s classic buttery flavor. Miyokos is forever my ride-or-die for vegan butter.
• Pecans- Obviously…some people like using whole pecans in pecan pie but I personally find the texture to be more pleasing when they are chopped. Which one you choose is up to you.
• Coconut Sugar- Coconut sugar gives the pie a delicious caramel like flavor and also keeps it refined sugar-free. That said, you can easily substitute brown sugar or granulated cane sugar if you like.
• Pure Maple Syrup- The hint of maple flavor is superb when paired with buttery pecans. I wouldn’t suggest substituting here.
• Vanilla Extract-Because everything is better with vanilla.
• Salt- Using just a small amount of salt yields a salty sweet flavor that will keep everyone coming back for more.
• Prepared Pie Crust-Whether you want to go the easy route and use a store-bought crust (my favorite brand is Wholly Wholesome) or use a homemade recipe like my vegan gluten-free pie crust is up to you. I prefer to parbake the crust to assure the bottom isn’t doughy but if you have a crust recipe that you like that doesn’t usually require parbaking then you can likely getaway without.

How to Make The Best Vegan Pecan Pie

Ok friends, this is the best part. It is crazy EASY.

1. Whisk together coconut milk and cornstarch. Set aside.
2. Warm the butter in pan. Add the pecans and toast for a few minutes.
3. Pour in the coconut milk mixture along with the remaining ingredients. Cook until mixture starts to thicken.
4. Transfer to pie crust. Bake for 30 minutes.
5. Allow to cool for at least 6 hours or overnight. Serve and enjoy!

Important Notes and Tips

1. It is essential that the coconut cream and milk in the can are thoroughly combined prior to using in the recipe. Sometimes a good shake before opening the can is adequate. However, if you still see separated cream after opening then I suggest pouring the contents into a saucepan and cooking over low heat while whisking, until combined. Alternatively, you can microwave the contents in a liquid measuring cup for 30-45 seconds and then whisk to combine.
2. Make sure to allow the pie to adequately cool in order to set. Mine usually takes at least 6 hours in the refrigerator but I always make it a day in advance to let it sit overnight.

Need more holiday recipe inspiration?

• Vegan Thanksgiving ‘Meatballs’
• Mushroom Lentil Loaf
• Simple Green Beans with Olive Oil and Shallots
• Shredded Brussels Sprout and Kale Salad with Pecan Parmesan
• Slow Cooker (Or Stovetop) Cranberry Sauce
• Best Vegan Green Bean Casserole
• Easy Vegan Scalloped Potatoes
• Easy Vegan Mashed Potatoes
• Vegan Porcini Mushroom Gravy
• Vegan Silk Chocolate Pie
• The Best Vegan Pecan Pie
• Sweet Potato Pecan Pie
• Pumpkin Gingerbread Pie