Vegan Key Lime Pie Bites

To make the crust, add the pecans and dates to a food processor or blender. Pulse a few times and then process for 1-2 minutes or until the mixture rolls into a ball in your processor. Grease 9 spaces in a muffin tin (I use coconut oil). Cut 1/2-inch wide and 6-inch long pieces of parchment paper. Place each in a muffin tin space with the edges sticking up on either side to create handles to remove the pies later. Divide the crust mixture into nine pieces and drop each into the muffin tin. Use your fingers to form the mixture into crusts by smoothing out the bottom and pushing the crust edges up the sides. Transfer the tin to the freezer for 15 minutes to set the crust.

To make the filling, add the coconut butter, 1/2 an avocado, lime juice, maple syrup, and a pinch of sea salt to a blender. Blend until the mixture is smooth (4-5 minutes). To assemble, spoon the filling into the crusts and smooth out with the back of a spoon. Return the muffin tin to the freezer for at least 45 minutes to set.

To remove the pies, carefully run a knife around the edge of each crust and use the parchment handles to gently lift the pies out of the tin. Store the pies in the refrigerator.

Tips:

• Coconut butter is not the same as coconut oil. Coconut oil is the oil extracted or wrung out from the coconut meat. Coconut butter is a blend of coconut meat and oil. You can make your own at home by blending a bag of unsweetened shredded coconut (the softer and moister, the better) for 8-10 minutes, stopping to scrape the sides until you have a smooth, buttery consistency. If you want to buy a jar of pre-made coconut butter, check your local Vitamin Shoppe, Target or Walmart.
• If you do not have pecans, baker and writer of this recipe Ashley Melillo says raw almonds, cashews and walnuts are viable substitutes.
• Do not soak the dates! Most Medjool dates are already sticky and soft enough for this recipe. Too soft, and the crust will feel greasy flimsy.
• To make this a full-size pie, double the recipe and use a springform pan lined with parchment paper to make it easy to slice and serve.