Chocolate Mousse Pie
Plant-based | No-bake | Gluten-free option | Secret ingredient
A heavenly vegan mousse pie with a surprising secret ingredient: acorn squash. The squash creates a creamy, silky texture when blended with cocoa and dates. No one will guess it’s not a traditional chocolate mousse!
Ingredients
Section titled “Ingredients”| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rolled oats | 2 cups | Use certified GF if needed |
| Date paste | ½ cup | |
| Raw cashews | ¼ cup | |
| Cocoa powder | 1 tbsp | Unsweetened |
| Ground flaxseed | 1 tbsp | |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tbsp | Pure |
| Sea salt | ½ tsp | Optional |
Filling
Section titled “Filling”| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Acorn squash | 4 cups | 1¼ lbs peeled, seeded, cubed |
| Cocoa powder | ½ cup | Unsweetened |
| Date paste | 1 cup | |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tbsp | Pure |
| Tahini | 1½ tsp | Or almond butter |
| Fresh berries | For garnish | Strawberries or raspberries |
Method
Section titled “Method”-
Make crust: In food processor, combine oats, ½ cup date paste, and cashews; pulse to break down. Add cocoa powder, flaxseed, vanilla, and salt. Process until crumbly. (Dough won’t completely bind—don’t add water.) Transfer to 9-inch tart pan with removable bottom. Press into base and up sides.
-
Steam squash: Steam squash cubes in steamer insert over boiling water, covered, until tender when pierced with fork, about 20 minutes. Remove and cool.
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Make filling: In blender, combine cooled squash, ½ cup cocoa powder, 1 cup date paste, vanilla, and tahini. Blend until smooth and creamy.
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Fill and chill: Pour filling into crust. Chill overnight or at least 4 hours, covered.
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Garnish: Top with fresh berries just before serving.
Squash alternatives: Buttercup, kabocha, or pumpkin can substitute for acorn squash
Date paste: Blend 1 lb pitted dates with 1 cup water until smooth
Cashew-free: Use sunflower seeds instead of cashews for nut-free version
Make ahead: Perfect for making 1-2 days before serving
Storage
Section titled “Storage”- Refrigerate: Up to 5 days, covered
- Freeze: Not recommended (texture changes)
- Note: Must chill at least 4 hours to set properly
Nutrition (per slice, 8 slices)
Section titled “Nutrition (per slice, 8 slices)”- Calories: ~249
- Protein: 6g
- Carbs: 47g
- Fiber: 7g
- Fat: 5g
Adapted from: Darshana Thacker / Forks Over Knives
Prep: 45 min | Chill: 4+ hours | Serves: 8