Vegan Double Chocolate Mousse Pie

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (176 C). Add the raw pecans (1.75 cups) to a bare baking sheet and toast for 10 minutes. Watch closely to prevent burning. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Start 10m timer

Once cool enough to handle, add the raw pecans (1.75 cups) to a food processor along with the unsweetened cocoa or cacao powder (0.33 cup), pitted dates (1.5 cups), pinch sea salt (1 healthy), and almond butter (1.5 tbsp). Mix until it reaches a fine meal. The mixture should hold together easily when pinched between your fingers. If too crumbly, add a bit more [almond butter] and blend until it’s more moldable. Set aside.

Option to line a standard 9-inch pie pan (or similar size pan) with parchment paper for easier removal.

Transfer the crust mixture to the pie pan and spread with your hands to form a loose crust shape. Then use a flat-bottomed object (such as a drinking glass) to press firmly along the sides and bottom to form a uniform crust that goes up the sides. Use your fingers to ensure the evenness of the crust’s top edges. Transfer to the freezer (uncovered is fine) to set while preparing the filling.

Add silken tofu (12 ounces) (drained and lightly patted dry) to a high-speed blender. Set aside.

Melt the dairy-free semi-sweet chocolate chips (1.75 cups) over a double boiler on the stovetop, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave in 30-second increments. Once melted, quickly add to the high-speed blender with the [silken tofu] and blend until smooth — about 1 minute — scraping down the sides as needed. Add vanilla extract (1 tsp) (optional) and blend again until smooth.

Pour filling over the crust and smooth into an even layer with the back of a spoon. Cover loosely with parchment paper and freeze until set (1 hour). Alternatively, refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until pretty firm for a slightly softer pie. Once set, store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days, or in the freezer for up to 1 month, well covered. Let thaw slightly from frozen before slicing. Start 60m timer

To serve, enjoy as is or top with [caramel sauce] and/or [coconut whipped cream] (both optional).