Chocolate Tofu Pie

This is a well known vegan dessert that I've seen on many blogs, recipe websites, and at a few potlucks that I've attended.  It's super easy to make with just two main ingredients:  chocolate chips and silken tofu.  But don't let the inclusion of tofu fool you into thinking this is healthy!  It's very rich and very decadent.  You can use any type of pie crust and add a variety of fresh fruit or nut toppings.  I went with an almond-oat crust and hemp seeds for the topping.  What can I say?  They created an illusion of healthfulness.  :)

Makes one 9-inch pie

Crust

1 cup rolled oats, ground (or oat flour)

2 cups almond meal (or whole almonds, ground)

1/8 teaspoon salt

6 tablespoons canola oil

4 tablespoons maple syrup

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1. Preheat oven to 325°F.
2. Grind the oats in a blender or food processor until finely ground.  Transfer to a large bowl.
3. If you don't have almond meal, grind the almonds until finely ground.  Mix the almond meal/ground almonds and salt with the ground oats.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the canola oil, maple syrup, and vanilla extract.
5. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
6. Press the mixture onto the bottom and sides of a 9-inch pie pan using your hands or a spatula.
7. Bake for 15 minutes, rotate the pan in the oven, and then bake for another 15 minutes.  (30 minutes total)
8. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool while you make the filling.

Filling

1 10 oz. package of vegan chocolate chips, melted

1 12 oz. package of silken tofu

2 tablespoons maple syrup

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon coffee extract (optional)

1. Melt the chocolate chips using a double boiler or microwave. (instructions here)
2. Blend the melted chocolate with the rest of the ingredients in a blender or food processor until smooth. 
3. Spread the filling evenly into the pie crust and smooth out the top using a spatula or spoon.  Add your topping, if using one.
4. Refrigerate overnight, or for at least 2 hours until the filling has set. 

The best part about this pie is that it looks like you've spent the whole day making it when in reality, it only took an hour.  Even better, you can cut that time in half if you use a pre-made pie crust.  No one will ever guess that there's tofu in this pie.  All I tasted was chocolate, chocolate, and more chocolate. :)

Enjoy!