Raw caramel apple pie

Raw caramel apple pie
Raw caramel apple pie

I used to be a self proclaimed lover of all seasons, but over the years, my indecisive mind finally settled and I chose fall. Although the crunchy leaves and crisp, foggy mornings had a lot to do with my decision, I'd be lying if I said I don't look most forward to introducing heavy knit socks, infinity scarves, and oversized dresses (read: maternity dresses) (no, I'm not pregnant) back into my wardrobe.

Thom, however, likes to remind me how much the combination of those things makes me look like a pauper from the 16th century plague epidemic - which I used to think was a downright awful thing to say about the lady who supplies you with superfluous amounts of baked goods, then I looked at myself in the mirror yesterday and totally saw it. But damnit, I'm embracing it. Fat days don't exist when you wear dresses that are strikingly similar to a potato sack, and you don't ever have to worry about unbuttoning your pants at the dinner table (What, you don't do that?) - a huge plus for someone who doesn't know how to say no to food on a plate.

Caramel apple fillingCaramel apple hand pies

Speaking of fall, have you guys seen the fall issue of Chickpea Magazine? If not, you can view it right here. And if you like those adorable, little hand pies pictured above (they're caramel apple, too) (!!!!!), flip to page 26 to find the recipe. Meanwhile, I don't like to make demands like this, but you should really make the raw caramel apple pie. It's incredibly tasty. 'Nuff said. 

RAW CARAMEL APPLE PIE

16-18 medjool dates, pitted and divided
1 1/2 cups walnuts
3 medium apples, different varieties
1 cup filtered water, plus more for soaking
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp fine sea salt

Line the bottom of a round 8" tart pan with parchment paper; set aside. In a food processor fitted with the S blade, blend the walnuts into a fine meal. Add 8-10 dates and process for 20-30 seconds, just until the dates are blended and combined. Press the dough into the prepared pan, then cover with plastic and freeze until ready to use.

Add the remaining 8 dates to a small bowl and cover with water; soak for 10-15 minutes. While the dates are soaking, prepare the apples by peeling and coring them. Cut into 1/4" thick slices then chop into small chunks. Transfer to a small bowl and cover with a damp towel (and lemon juice, if you're worried about them browning). When the dates have finished soaking, discard the water. Add the dates, water, cinnamon and salt to a high speed blender and blend until smooth; about 15-20 seconds. Pour over apples and toss until the chunks are evenly coated.

Remove the pie crust from the freezer and pile with apple filling. Freeze for at least 45 minutes before serving. Pie will keep in an air tight container for up to 6 weeks, but I doubt it will last that long.

Yield: 8 large (or 16 small) servings

33 comments:

  1. 1. CONGRATS! So cool to have a magazine feature. 2. This raw apple pie looks....insane. I never would have imagined this was even a possibility, but I am in love. I hope I can find time in between doughnuts + my expanding waistline to make this dessert this fall!

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  2. "Fat days don't exist when you wear dresses that are strikingly similar to a potato sack, and you don't ever have to worry about unbuttoning your pants at the dinner table." Um, yes! This is why I think we should all embrace the skirt, dress, potato sack, or what have you. Would solve 95% of our body image issues, don't you think? :)

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  3. i love this cake stand, it adds so much to the photographs.
    x

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  4. You are so amazing! This pie looks to die for and thank you for the maternity dress tip...I am an abuser of Stretchy Pants at home with ovesized sweaters and shirts, boys just don't understand, at somepoint in your life the need to be comfortable at all times is a must even if it means I look like I never changed out of my yoga cloths :)

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  5. I am definitely a layer-er. One time time my boyfriend pointed out that I was wearing at least ten items of clothing and a scarf. Whoops.

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  6. Oh my goodness this looks amazing. I will definitely be making this after we go apple picking. I love the fall more than anything, I seriously can't get enough. I just wish it could last longer. Great recipe!

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  7. Yesss, this is the raw apple pie recipe I've been looking forward to since I saw it on instagram! Really beautiful, I bet it tastes just as good as it looks.

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  8. Think this would work with some type of seeds, rather than nuts? Because it looks ridiiiiiculously delicious.

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    Replies
    1. Anyone? Bueller? hahaha

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    2. Hi! Sorry, I didn't see your original comment. Yes! This would work with any type of nut or seed - you'll have to adjust the measurement, though.

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  9. I can't wait until my new food processor arrives and I can give this recipe a try! It looks like it would be a big hit on Thanksgiving!

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  10. Hello Ladycakes, this looks D-VINE!!!
    Gorgeous blog. You've got yourself a new fan :)

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  11. Just made it.... sooooo delicious.... just might be my favorite desert ever!!!

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  12. PUHLEAAASE. Pauper-plague dresses are where it's at, and your skinny self will make them all look good. Yay fall weather! I hope we can catch up soooooooon.

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  13. These are precious! I do love all seasons pretty equally, but I've been eyeing my enthusiasm for fall this year with some suspicion. Why is it just the best? I look forward to all those same things: formless clothes, huge chunky knits, crisp weather, spicy baked goods. UGH. I love it.

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  14. that looks absolutely AMAZING!!!

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  15. This looks fabulous! Fall is by far my favorite season too. It is the most inspiring for me as far as my kitchen creations. And your pics are gorg as always. xoxo

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  16. Good grief lady, you are my hero. These pictures are GORGEOUS! (just like you in your oversized dresses) Are you doing MoFo this year? aka: the place we met and fell in love. xo

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  17. I think I just died and went to heaven, just found your site, beautiful and stuff I CAN EAT too!

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  18. I am so excited to try this!! I've just discovered your blog and love it - thank you for these truly wonderful recipes.

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  19. I just made this for my hubby's birthday and it was utterly amazing! He's a tough critic but he loved it. Should it stay in the freezer or fridge to keep?

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    Replies
    1. So happy to hear that! Fridge for up to three days, freezer for long term. If freezing, let it thaw for 15 minutes before consuming.

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    2. Thank you! I have a feeling there won't be any left by the end of the day and I'll have to make another for Thanksgiving tomorrow! Now to try a few more recipes from your site - thanks so much!

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  20. I have been dreaming about this for days...think I'll make it on holiday Monday (Canadian Thanksgiving. I will be in danger od eating the whole thing by myself if I don't freeze it.

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    Replies
    1. That almost happened to me. Luckily, I pawned it off on some friends ;)

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  21. That looks so good, I love all of the flavours associated with fall but apples top the list.

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  22. Made this the other day and LOVED it. An amazing replacement for apple pie just in time for pie season. :) THANK YOU!!!

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  23. Can you make this with an already-made (store bought) graham cracker crust?

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    Replies
    1. I don't see why not. But then it wouldn't be raw.

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  24. Hi! Since I live in Sweden I can´t get my hands on medjool dates. :( But I have organic big dried dates. Could I soak them and use them? In that case, how long should I soak them? :)
    Thanks for the recipe!!! :D

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    Replies
    1. Hi Linnea! I've never used any other type of date, so I couldn't tell you. Soak until they're very soft!

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  25. Just made this and it is so very delicious! Yummmmmmm!!!! Lip smackin' good! Thanks so much for sharing this recipe. Big hit!

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