Hiya Lovelies:
“One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.” -Virginia Woolf
You know how I’m always talking about the importance of self-love? Well, I like to think of food as a part of my self-love language.
Creating that wonderful balanced diet that makes you feel awesome is a total joy. Cooking something you love for yourself is like the the ultimate act of self-kindness. Taking that first bite of a dish you’ve been looking forward too? D-I-V-I-N-E!
And I have the ultimate healthy dessert that is all that and a piece of pie. (Like, literally!)
Peanut butter ice cream pie to be exact! Super bonus – this dessert still tastes sinful as can be. Total win!
Want to make some peanut butter ice cream pie for yourself? You know it! Let’s talk about how you can make that happen, and what’s in it for your health.
Before We Get Started
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How This Peanut Butter Ice Cream Pie Came To Be
When I was a little a friend of mine told me about a dessert that her family had made – Peanut Butter Ice Cream Pie. And I think my reaction went a little something like this…
It’s basically the ultimate dessert trifecta. Peanut butter, ice cream and pie all together at last! Could anyone ask for more?
But I never got to try it. I know! It’s so sad. That pie didn’t survive their house long enough for outsiders to enjoy a slice. I don’t blame them. But I’m still a teeny, tiny bit salty. (Just kidding ;))
So I filed that delicious possibility in the back of my mind as “must make and devour someday (sharing not necessary).” I get real serious about peanut butter anything, please don’t judge me!
I have a few hurdles to jump with this one…
Your girl is seriously lactose intolerant and has to keep it gluten free (autoimmunity yo!) So it may seem like a peanut butter ice cream pie is a total no for me. But, thankfully, you can get pretty creative in the kitchen.
Related: This is the Absolute BEST Healthy Homemade Ice Cream
Who knew little me would grow up to run a health blog and develop some mad healthy dessert creation skills! I think this was all the hands of fate, working up to that ice cream pie. (Ok, maybe not… but it’s a pretty nice bonus!)
Is Peanut Butter Good For You?
Obviously peanut butter is the super star of a peanut butter ice cream pie. But what’s really in it for your lovely body?
Call me a purist, but I personally think that the best peanut butter is a straight up natural one (and I’m a sucker for the crunchy stuff!)
Lots of peanut butters out there come with an ingredient list a mile long, full of sweeteners, salt, corn, vegetable oils and a ton more. Basically a bunch of needless junk that gets in the way of that true, delicious peanut butter flavour! Because all you really need to make peanut butter is, well, peanuts.
The best part? When you treat yourself to pure, amazingly fantastic peanut butter you’re also loading up on tons of copper, manganese, vitamin B3, molybdenum, folate, biotin, phosphorus, vitamin E and niacin. Oh and we’ve also got protein and healthy monounsaturated fats in the house too! Holla! (source)
But what do all of those nutrients really have to offer you?
The monounsaturated fats found in peanuts heart you! Well, they *heart* your heart. But I like to think that that’s basically the same thing. Regularly consuming peanuts can help to lower your risk of cardiovascular disease (source).
And if the whole high fat thing has you worried about gaining weight, let’s ease those fears.
These are good fats and have a zero percent interest in affecting your waist line. In fact this study found that people who enjoy nuts at least twice a week are less likely to gain weight than those who don’t. Don’t let healthy fats scare you away! The right fats are really good for you, and a hugely important part of a healthy diet.
But wait, there’s more!
Niacin, another goodie in that nommy peanut butter, has some amazing benefits your big, beautiful brain. Regularly enjoying niacin rich foods like peanut butter can help to protect you from Alzheimer’s and cognitive decline (source). That’s one exciting bonus!
There’s also a fantabulous flavonoid found in peanut butter called resveratrol that might help to prevent the risk of stroke (source). More studies are needed, but that is one super awesome maybe!
Oh, and peanut butter has a huge beef with gallstones! Which is a win for you if they run in your family. This study found that eating at least 1 ounce of a nuts per week can lower your risk of developing gallstones by as much as 25%. That’s like 2 tablespoons of peanut butter or a handful of nuts a week. I’ve got you covered with the peanut butter ice cream pie!
Related: Healthy No Bake Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cookies (Vegan, Gluten Free)
Friendly reminder – keep that peanut butter in the fridge.
Peanuts should be stored in a cool and dry environment because there’s a gross fungus called Aspergillus flavus that is obsessed with peanut butter. And, sadly, it can be a pretty big health concern! But it’s not a fan of the cold, so we can avoid any unpleasantries by keeping our PB in the fridge. Boom!
Bananas Rock It In The Nutrient Department Too
There are lots of ingredients helping the peanut butter shine in this recipe! And bananas are a big one. Here’s what they have to offer you…
These yellow delights are packed with vitamin B6, manganese, vitamin C, potassium, fiber, copper and biotin. The potassium supports your heart health by working to keep your blood pressure regulated. And it might even help to protect you from atherosclerosis (the hardening and narrowing of your arteries). Woop woop! (source)
Your digestive system gets in on the action too!
Your microbiome adores the prebiotics found in bananas, which ultimately helps to support your digestive system. Total win! Not bad for a humble little banana, eh?
Oh, and this pretty little fruit can even help to prevent heart disease (thanks to its fiber content) and lends it’s hand in cholesterol regulation (thanks to those wonderful fats). (source)
You may think that those nutritional bonuses are the reason I featured bananas in this peanut butter ice cream pie. But I call them a bonus for a reason… truthfully, I just love bananas (about as much as I love peanut butter)! But really I’m happy they love us back.
Related: How To Make An Awesome Golden Milk Smoothie
How To Make A Killer Peanut Butter Ice Cream Pie
I’m sure that it’s absolutely no surprise that I like to make sure that all of the ingredients are rocking it in the health department! If you need help tracking down good brands here’s what I’m using:
For Peanut Butter I personally prefer the Nuts to You brand. And I love to stick with crunchy! But smooth will work wonders in this recipe too. And any brand that keeps it simple in the ingredient department will work wonders. Sweetened PB might take the sweetness of this recipe too far.
I’m also a big fan of the Namaste Foods Raw Goods Egg Replacer. It’s easy to mix, gluten free, vegan, kosher certified and those ingredients are marvelous! It’s a key player in all of my baked goods these days.
Related: Mouthwatering, Savoury Mini Gluten Free, Vegan Potato Pancakes
I make no claim that this tastes like the original peanut butter ice cream pie.
Mostly because I literally have no idea what that tasted like. But this is my imaginary dream come to life. And I’d like to think that it would stand up next to the original.
After imagining a triforce of peanut butter ice cream pie deliciousness for years, I’m so incredibly happy with the results! And I know you won’t be disappointed either! Not only is it delicious, it’s full of awesome ingredients that are good for your bod. <3
Fair warning, you need to soak cashews for at least 4 hours (to overnight) and pop a can of coconut milk in the fridge overnight to make this goodness happen. I know, not having it quick kinda sucks. But I promise that the wait is worth it.
Ready to eat? Let’s do this!
Peanut Butter Ice Cream Pie
This homemade peanut butter ice cream pie is the healthy dessert recipe you need to try! Made with with goodness like peanut butter, bananas, coconut milk, maple syrup and coconut flour, it still tastes as sinful as can be. Did I mention this is a dairy free, gluten free, vegan dessert? Booyah!
Treat yourself to some ;). I won't judge if you don't share!
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 Banana
- 2 Egg Replacers I used Namaste Foods Egg Replacer - You can also use eggs but please buy local from farms that raise happy, healthy chickens <3
- 1/2 Cup Coconut Flour
- 1 Tbsp Maple Syrup
- 1 Tsp Vanilla Extract
- Coconut Oil To grease the pie plate.
Peanut Butter Ice Cream
- 1/2 Cup Cashews Soaked for a few hours to overnight to soften them
- 1 Banana
- 1 Can Coconut Milk Best if refrigerated overnight (your peanut butter ice cream will be ready faster that way ;))
- 1/2 Cup Peanut Butter I prefer a natural, crunchy peanut butter - Cashew or almond butter would also work
- 1/4 Cup Maple Syrup
Instructions
For The Crust
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
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Prepare your egg replacer and blend it with the bananas in a food processor (you can also use a mixing bowl and egg beater if you'd prefer)
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Add the coconut flour and maple syrup and blend until the mixture thickens.
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Grease a 9” pie pan with coconut oil and press the dough evenly throughout.
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Prick the dough with a fork a few times (this lets steam escape so your pie crust doesn't puff up or crumble) and place in the oven.
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Cook for 10 to 15 minutes (the crust should brown slightly).
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Let cool to room temperature before moving on to the peanut butter ice cream filling.
For The Peanut Butter Ice Cream
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Break up the cashews in a food processor.
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Add the Banana, Maple Syrup and Coconut Milk and blend until well combined.
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Lastly, add the Peanut Butter and continue to mix until you have a thick, creamy consistency.
(I recommend using a natural peanut butter; Mother Nature’s delicious peanuts are perfect all by themselves. And the maple syrup and banana’s add all the sweetness you need in this pie ;))
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When the pie crust is cooled to room temperature, pour the filling into the pie crust and refrigerate for a few hours to overnight to allow the peanut butter ice cream to thicken.
Or pop it in the freezer for a couple of hours if you want in on this goodness sooner (this is what I do!)
Or eat it all now, I won’t judge you <3.
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Enjoy the yumness!
Optional Garnishes
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If you want some extra yum, garnish with sliced banana, cacao nibs, coconut chips and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
This is so much greater than my imaginary dreams of sweetness. I had never considered that I could make something so good and still be kind to my body! It’s amazing what you can do with a little creativity and wholesome ingredients! I hope you enjoy it too. <3
Are you excited to try (devour) this peanut butter ice cream pie? What’s your idea of a delicious dessert trifecta? Any recipes you’d like to see at mshealthesteem.com next? Share your thoughts and feels in the comments below!
Oh, and if you make this goodness and share it on social media I would LOVE to see it and gush over the yumness with you! Be sure to tag me @mshealthesteem <3.
Health and love,
Thought of the day: Sweet dreams can be fantastic realities!
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shirleydehmtharp
This looks awesome! I must try it very soon!
Ms. Health-Esteem
I’m so excited to hear that Shirley! I hope that you adore it 🙂
Bryan Carey
I love peanuts and I like that the recipe also calls for cashews- another thing I can’t get enough of. This dessert would match really well with a sweet, nut brown ale!
Sara
I love that you gave an ale to go with is! Thanks for the suggestion. I have a sister that would be bonkers excited to try the pairing. I hope you get to give it a go too 🙂
GretchCannon
This sounds so delicious, thank you for sharing!
Sara
I’m so glad you like it Gretch! Thank you! Wish I could give you a piece to try.
Spencer
Oh, this looks really good. I love PB.
Sara
Right?! PB is basically food magic. 🙂 Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts!
chef mom
it’s look delicious
Sara
I’m so happy you think so! Thank you :). It tastes just as wonderful, I promise! <3
Shannon
This recipe sounds amaze balls! I love that it’s healthy and vegan. I love peanut butter! I love all the references to the health benefits of the ingredients you used. Great blog! I have to pin this for later!
Sara
Aww yay! Thank you Shannon! Peanut butter is basically magic :D. I’m glad you like it too. I hope you get to treat yourself to a piece someday!
Anne Clark
Sara, looks great and healthy too! How awesome is that?!
Sara
Total awesome, right? I’m a sucker for a healthy dessert! I wish I could give you a piece to try <3.