The vacations are a time for celebration, gathering, and let’s be sincere, indulging in a few of the greatest meals. From buttery pies to chocolate-loaded treats, dessert tables virtually glow this time of 12 months. And whereas indulging is a part of the enjoyment, there’s one thing particularly satisfying about lightening up a basic with out dropping any of its allure. That’s precisely what this more healthy spin on Reese Witherspoon’s well-known Chocolate Pecan Derby Pie is all about: the identical wealthy, Southern flavors, simply made a bit of extra healthful, and much more feel-good.
The Wholesome Swaps (and Why They Work)
A more healthy dessert shouldn’t style like a compromise. The secret is selecting swaps that increase vitamins and improve taste and texture (and avoiding ones that take them away). Right here’s how this makeover improves the unique recipe:
1. Butter → Coconut Oil + Applesauce
Swapping a part of the butter with unsweetened applesauce reduces saturated fats and lowers energy, whereas coconut oil retains the feel wealthy and moist. Applesauce provides a lighter, much less fatty possibility, and coconut oil maintains softness, so you continue to get that indulgent chunk—simply with out the heavy end.
2. White Flour → Entire Wheat or Oat Flour
Swapping refined flour for entire wheat or oat flour provides fiber, which helps stabilize blood sugar, retains you happy longer, and provides a refined nuttiness that pairs completely with the pecans and chocolate.
3. Cane Sugar → Coconut Sugar + Maple Syrup
Utilizing coconut sugar quite than refined sugar provides you a lower-glycemic sweetener which will cut back a spike in vitality (or cravings). Additionally, including a contact of maple syrup brings out the pie’s pure sweetness and depth with out overwhelming it.
4. Semi-Candy Chocolate → Darkish Chocolate
Whilst you can actually use semi-sweet chocolate for those who want a sweeter, creamier taste, darkish chocolate (70% or greater) incorporates much less sugar and extra antioxidants, making it richer and extra satisfying with fewer components.
5. Conventional Crust → Entire Wheat or Nut-Primarily based Crust
A complete wheat or nut-based crust supplies additional fiber and wholesome fat, making a nutrient-dense base on your filling. The slight toastiness taste additionally pairs completely with heat cinnamon and roasted nuts.
More healthy Chocolate Pecan Derby Pie Recipe
Substances
- 3 giant eggs, barely overwhelmed
- â…“ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
- ¾ cup entire wheat flour or oat flour
- â…“ cup coconut sugar
- 1 ½ tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup darkish chocolate chips (70%+)
- ¾ cup pecans, chopped
- ¾ cup walnuts, chopped
- 1 pre-baked entire wheat or almond flour pie crust
- Non-obligatory: unsweetened coconut whipped cream or Greek yogurt for topping
Directions
- Preheat oven to 320°F.
- In a big mixing bowl, whisk collectively the eggs, applesauce, melted coconut oil, flour, coconut sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, and vanilla till clean.
- Fold in the dead of night chocolate chips, pecans, and walnuts.
- Pour the combination into your ready crust and unfold evenly.
- Bake the pie for 35 minutes, or till the filling has set and the highest is flippantly golden.
- Let cool barely earlier than serving. Take pleasure in with a spoonful of Greek yogurt or coconut whipped cream for a creamy, balanced end.
By giving this Southern favourite a healthful makeover, you’ll be able to take pleasure in a dessert that feels indulgent but nonetheless aligns together with your well being targets. With aware substances and aware consuming, you’ll be able to have a good time the season’s sweetness with out going overboard. In any case, the vacations are about stability, pleasure, and having fun with what you like in a approach that makes you are feeling good.
