This easy Crustless Pecan Pie is made without corn syrup, is gluten-free, vegan, and paleo! This healthy, lower sugar, egg-free, dairy-free, and grain-free recipe for the classic holiday dessert has all the flavors you know and love with sugar-free and keto options! A sweet and nutty Southern treat perfect for the Thanksgiving and Christmas season!
Is it possible to make a classic pecan pie without the crust, corn syrup, dairy, and eggs? You better believe it is! Sweet and nutty, gooey and crunchy; it’s everything you LOVE about an old-fashioned pecan pie without all the added nonsense. Pecan pie 2.0 is finally here to make your holiday season 100x better! Of course, who says crustless pecan pie is only for the holidays? This one will be a staple year-round!
Why is pecan pie so bad for you?
A traditional Southern Pecan Pie is a far cry from anything that could be deemed “healthy”. It’s a dessert through and through, and probably the least healthy of the holiday pies. It’s made with corn syrup, brown sugar, butter, eggs, and pecans. Plus a buttery crust to hold in all that sweet nuttiness! I was never a fan; while I don’t like pies to begin with (it’s a texture thing), pecan pie always sounded like the worst! It’s just a slice of gooey sticky sugar syrup with nuts: too much sugar, fat, and calories.
Can you make pecan pie without corn syrup?
Luckily, we can clean up this pie’s sugar profile and skip the Karo syrup! You don’t need the heavily refined corn syrup (which is full of a lot more than just corn sugar!) to make one. Just something sticky and sweet. You’ll see variations using brown rice syrup, honey, maple syrup, molasses, or agave. Combine a liquid sweetener with some brown sugar and you’re good to go! The low-sugar pecan pie variation contains: sweetened condensed coconut milk, Swerve brown sugar sweetener, and golden syrup. To make it paleo, swap the golden syrup with maple, molasses, or even a keto sweetener.
Can you make it without eggs?
The structure of the pecan pie filling is all based on the syrupy sugars and eggs. That’s why it’s slightly jiggly when done but still holds its shape. Since eggs are a NO over here, the perfect solution to make an eggless pecan pie is to use some flaxseed as a binder! No need to starch or grains, just a simple flax egg mixture does just fine. You can’t even tell the mixed flax seed is in there since they blend with the brown colors.
How to make a Crustless Pecan Pie
We’re using the term “pie” loosely here, but this gluten-free pecan pie is more like a vegan creme brulee. It has a crunchy, brittle-type of “crust” around the edges and top, but is gooey and pudding-like in the center.
What you need:
- Condensed Coconut Milk (make it homemade and paleo but boiling down coconut milk and coconut sugar or granulated sugar-free sweetener)
- Brown Sugar Sweetener (or use preferred dark brown sugar)
- Sugar Syrup (brown rice syrup, golden syrup, pure maple syrup, molasses, honey, agave, sugar-free syrup)
- Milled Flax Seed
- Pecans
- Vanilla Extract
- Cinnamon
Making the pie:
- Mix together the flaxseed with 1/2 cup of water and allow it to gel for 5-10 minutes.
- Mix together the three sweeteners in a large bowl, then add the flaxseed egg.
- Crush 1 cup of your pecans and fold them into the sticky sugar mixture along with the vanilla and cinnamon.
- Line a 9-inch pie pan with parchment paper and pour in the pecan mixture. Decorate the top of the mixture with extra pecan halves.
- Bake the pie at 400°F for 20 minutes, remove the pie and allow it to cool and set for about 20-30 minutes.
Notes on making it sugar-free and keto:
- Condensed Coconut Milk = Homemade condensed coconut milk with coconut milk and granulated erythritol
- Brown Sugar-Style Erythritol
- Sugar Syrup = Sugar-Free Maple
This pecan pie without corn syrup is:
- Gluten-Free
- Vegan
- Allergen-Friendly (Dairy-Free, Soy-Free, Egg-Free, Peanut-Free, Wheat-Free, Sesame-Free, Corn-Free)
- Paleo
- Oil-Free and Butter-Free
- Sugar-Free Options
- Keto Options
Making your pecan pie ahead of time
When making this sugar-free pecan pie ahead of time, you’ll need to cool it completely and store it in the fridge. Do not freeze this crustless pie. Depending on the sweetener combination you use, the pie may be harder or softer, regardless, you will need to bring the pie to room temperature before slicing it. Line your pie dish with parchment paper! If you don’t it will be difficult to get out of the pan.
How long can you keep it?
The pecan pie can be kept for up to a week if stored properly in the fridge. However, the sooner you eat it the better. Without eggs or butter, there is nothing inherently perishable in this pie.
How to serve your pecan pie
You can eat your pecan pie cold or hot. Since you’ll need to bring it to room temperature for easy cutting, you may want to warm up the cut slices on plates in the microwave to get the sugars all gooey and melty. Top the pie slices with some vegan ice cream, dairy-free whipped cream, or some homemade fluff!
The History of the Pecan Pie
Pecan pie has Southern origins where pecans were cultivated by Native Americans in Texas, Alabama, and Louisiana. When the French began populated the New Orleans region, they were introduced to pecans and some say they took a variation of classic Sugar Pies from Europe and used pecans in these sugary, buttery, custard pies. Karo syrup came along in the 1930s and popularised the dish via their corn syrups as a new use for them. The dark corn syrup is more like the rich molasses taste of traditional pecan pies, but light corn syrup could be used too for a less intense taste. (Corn syrup was never “traditional”. Karo just used their marketing powers and made it the mainstream sugar to use!) The pie has since then been associated with the holiday season, specifically Thanksgiving and Christmas.
More Crustless Pie Recipes:
Crustless Pecan Pie without Corn Syrup
Crustless Pecan Pie without Corn Syrup (Gluten-Free, Vegan, Paleo)
This easy Crustless Pecan Pie is made without corn syrup, is gluten-free, vegan, and paleo! This healthy, lower sugar, egg-free, dairy-free, and grain-free recipe for the classic holiday dessert has all the flavors you know and love with sugar-free and keto options! A sweet and nutty Southern treat perfect for the Thanksgiving and Christmas season!
- Prep Time: 10 Minutes
- Cook Time: 20 Minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 Servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1/2 Cup Condensed Coconut Milk*
- 1/2 Cup Brown Sugar Erythritol (or preferred dark brown sugar)
- 1/2 Cup Sugar Syrup**
- 1/4 Cup Milled Flax Seed + 1/2 Cup Water
- 1 Cup Crushed Raw Pecan Halves (plus more pecan halves for topping)
- 1/2 Tsp Pure Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla Extract
- 1/2 Tsp Cinnamon (to taste, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Mix together the milled flaxseed with 1/2 cup of water in a small bowl and allow it to gel for 5-10 minutes.
- Mix together the three sweeteners in a large bowl, then add the flaxseed egg.
- Crush the pecans halves and fold in 1 cup of the crushed nuts. Finally add the vanilla and optional cinnamon.
- Line a 9-inch pie pan or 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper and pour in the pecan mixture. Decorate the top of the mixture with extra pecan halves, as desired.
- Bake the pie at 400°F for 20 minutes, remove the pie and allow it to cool and set for about 20-30 minutes before slicing.
Notes
* Make homemade condensed coconut milk by boiling down coconut milk and coconut sugar or granulated sugar-free sweetener.
**Use your preferred pure maple syrup, molasses, honey, agave, or sugar-free syrup.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Slice
Keywords: easy, healthy, pie, pecans, sugar-free pecan pie, holidays, Southern pecan pie, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Southern, gluten-free pie, vegan pie, paleo pie, keto pie, gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, allergy-friendly, dairy-free, egg-free, soy-free, peanut-free, grain-free, paleo, sesame-free, sugar-free, oil-free, corn-free, kid-friendly
Now I feel complete! The Quartet of classic Thanksgiving pies is not complete on Strength and Sunshine! While pecan pie isn’t “allergy-free” (by nature it can’t be, haha!), it is allergy-friendly and this specific recipe or “formula” is healthier than anything out there! Let me know if you give it a try this year during the holiday season!
So tell me:
+ What’s your favorite Thanksgiving/Holiday pie?
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Shantana
That’s an awesome recipe. Will definitely have to try it out. Thank you for sharing.
Greetings from Sydney!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Hope you enjoy!
Sim @ Sim's Life
I follow the Keto diet and totally miss having a pudding on some occasions. This looks super yummy and I think it may hit the spot, I will be trying this – thank you! 🙂 Sim x
★★★★★
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
This isn’t pudding, but hope you enjoy!
Sim @ Sim's Life
Pudding/ Dessert/ Afters – I am from the UK! 😉
Cristina - Memories of the Pacific
This is a great recipe, Rebecca! It’s great for those of us who have to follow a special diet, thanks 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Hope you enjoy.
Sharon
My brother and I cannot wait to try this! I’m making it for Thanksgiving. Thank you for posting vegan friendly options <3
★★★★★
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Awesome! Hope you both enjoy!
Anna Elizabeth
MMM this looks/sounds so delicious! I can’t wait to try it out myself
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Enjoy!
Helen
I want to make this for my vegan daughter and my gluten free son in law. But I am missing when you add the condensed coconut milk? Is is the whipped cream?
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
“Mix together the 3 sweeteners”. Sweetened condensed milk is a sweetener.
Helen
Oh! Okay, thank you!
Fallon
Spoke to my family back in CT last night. I let them know I’m making this for one of the desserts on Thanksgiving!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I’m sure everyone will love!
Amber S Battishill
This looks so good and I love that it doesn’t have corn syrup in it! Most pecan pies are wayy too sweet for me so need to give this a try!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It’s still super sweet, haha!
Molly
Okay, you’re speaking my language with this healthier pecan pie. It’s one of my personal favorites (if it’s a good, homemade one). I’ll definitely be giving this a try!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Everything is better fresh and homemade!
Cindy
This is perfect! I was looking for a healthy pecan pie recipe! Pinned. And trying it next week!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
That’s great, Cindy.
Chel
Okay, you have no idea how much I need this in my life! I love PECAN PIE so much. But, being plus-size and pregnant it’s hard to find it (when the cravings hit) that is decent and a bit lower fat. Mmm. totally pinning this for future reference! Thank you!
★★★★★
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, but this isn’t lower in fat…?
Petra
I love peacon pie but didn’t have any for long time. This looks so good
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It is the perfect time to make some!
Nadalie Bardo
So delicious! I love a pecan anything – and who needs a crust anyways?
★★★★★
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Crusts are the worst, haha! It’s ALWAYS about that filling!
Sharon
Finding a healthy pecan pie recipe can feel impossible, but now I’ve found one! Looks delicious.
★★★★★
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
As healthy as you can make it here!
Shayla Marie
This is one of our favorite holiday pies, my husband especially loves pecan pie!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Perfect time to try it out then!
Christa
Desserts are my favorite part of Thanksgiving! I’m in charge of them this year. Definitely adding this to my recipe list!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha! All the pies then!
Rachel
This looks delicious. I find it really hard to find simple vegan sweet treats so I will definitely be adding this one to my list. Would be great with a scoop of soya ice cream!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Really? Why do you find it hard?
Sarina Kinnunen
This look so delicious! Pies are one of my favorite things about the holidays!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, I’m glad you enjoy them!
Alex
This looks super delicious! Will definitely be making it for Thanksgiving:)
★★★★★
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Enjoy, Alex!
Melissa
Pecan pie is not common in my country so I have never try it. That means I have to make it myself!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Give it a go!
Nipa
We love pecans in our house, and often make pecan coffee cake around the holidays. Will add this recipe to our holiday options – love that it doesn’t contain any corn syrup! xo Nipa
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Coffee cakes are a holiday brunch must!
Laurin Lancaster
This sounds delicious! I love that it works for so many different diets and eating choices! I may have to make this for Thanksgiving!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
A great addition to any holiday table!
Valerie Rath
Yum! I love Pecan Pie! Unfortunately I am never successful when it comes to making pies but I have mastered the art of making fruit crisps.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Good thing this isn’t a typical PIE!
Nicole
This looks scrumptious! A great recipe for Christmas!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
First, Thanksgiving of course!
Richa
One of my favorite things about these holiday season is that, I love to cook different kind recipe Indian, western and some time cakes
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Enjoy this pie!
Sean
This sounds really good! We make our pie crust out of crushed pecans. I bet this would go well with that and make for a paleo or keto treat!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It already is…?