Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana "Cream" Pie

Summer is coming to an end. Here in Seattle, we've experienced a record-breaking rainy winter and now breaking another record as the longest days without rain. The trees are starting to foliate, and not in a good way. Burnt out and parched, the tops of the trees are turning brown and crispy brown leaves are falling onto the ground. To say the least, it's been warm, but not overly hot.

And a nice cold dessert is exactly what my palate craved this summer. 

Earlier this summer I created this almost-raw chocolate peanut butter banana cream pie, a healthier alternative to what you would find in the grocery store. I am just getting around to posting this recipe now and hope this dessert will cool you off during the Labor Day weekend. 

I've been working hard this summer and will be spending Labor Day exploring a new city, Boston. I've also been applying for some opportunities to help me spread my "lifestyle inspired by nature" motto. Nature inspires me and I try to live most of my life from the heart. I've applied to the Weleda Global Garden Contest and if I make it into the top 6 in the USA, Weleda will choose one person from every country to visit Germany this fall to compete to become the next Weleda blogger and creative artist. Here the winner will visit various Weleda gardens, meadows and farms around the world. It would be my dream job! Can you take a moment to vote for me? 

Labor Day is an American holiday that should be taken more seriously. Sometimes I question, "Where are we headed as a society?" We are losing our cultural roots and our priorities are work, job titles, promotions and our career-mark on the world. Although not bad, we are all not meant to save the world. Some of us are meant to raise a family where others are meant to impact their community. 

We really need to step back from the work desk, decrease our consumeristic nature and enjoy the sweeter things in life. 

"What's better than peanut butter, chocolate and a banana?
-Stuart Rasch

I photographed this pie three-fourths of the way chilled due to losing natural daylight. I recommend consuming once completely chilled so that the pie sits better and it is easier to remove the spring foam. Packed with protein, this maybe one of the most healthy desserts you'll consume this summer. Enjoy!

Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana "Cream" Pie
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Waiting Time: 1-3 hours 
Equipment: 6-inch spring foam pan

Ingredients:
Crust
3/4 cup dates
1/2 cup walnuts
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Filling
2 cups cashews, soaked for several hours
3/4 cup peanut butter
2 large ripe bananas
2 tbsp maple syrup
splash of vanilla + salt
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Topping
1/3 cup chocolate chips
1 tbsp peanut butter 

Directions:
Begin by making the crust. Blend the walnuts and dates together until combined. Pack the crust into the spring foam pan. Next, Blend the filling ingredients together until smooth. Pour on top of the crust and smooth out the top with a spatula. 

Cover the pan and chill in the freezer for several hours or until chilled. Remove from the freezer and melt the chocolate on the stovetop (I place the chocolate in a bowl on top of a small pan with simmer watering). Drizzle the chocolate on top. Next, drizzle the peanut butter on top (if solid, warm the peanut butter the same way you melt chocolate on the stovetop). Let it sit for several minutes and then serve chilled. 

​Have a great labor day weekend and if you can vote for me on Weleda that would be greatly appreciated!! Weleda does not store any emails. 

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