Hey there folks! I hope everyone has had a great weekend. I just got back home from spending most of the weekend with my family to celebrate my parents 40th wedding anniversary. My sisters, niece and I all invaded their house to spend the night and just enjoy time as a family. It has been quite a while since all of us slept under one roof again as we are all well into our adult lives. The weekend turned out to be the perfect opportunity to whip up something for the latest @cookwithus competition (contest post here).
I don't often make dessert recipes, but I thought it would be fun to stick with a sweet option for the pie theme this week. Though it is a dessert, I still prefer not to use a lot of processed ingredients so the final product was a wonderful treat, while still being pretty healthy with the main ingredients coming from whole foods. My dad loves carrot cake, so when I was coming up with my idea I knew I wanted to incorporate carrots somehow. My mom just likes anything I make, so I knew I could please her with just about anything my brain could come up with. I am still not amazing at baking, thus the idea to do a frozen variation seemed like the perfect idea to please us all. ;)
The base layer of the pie is pretty simple. A raw standard combination of nuts and dates to make a chewy, naturally sweet crust. I also had to find a way to add in a little of my favorite ingredient--flavored balsamic! Once I had settled on my main flavors of carrot, coconut and pineapple I opted for the tangerine balsamic vinegar to impart just the slightest citrus note to the crust. It didn't come through a lot, but it was just enough to elevate the basic ingredients to form the perfect base for the rest of the layers.
The first layer was where I brought in my carrot. I really wasn't sure how it was going to come out, but let me just assure you that carrot nice cream is absolutely fantastic! I roasted my carrot to soften it up before blending it with my frozen banana and a little bit of coconut milk. It would have been a great treat on its own, but it also paired really well with the next layer where I brought in some pineapple. Since this was my first time making this, I wasn't one hundred percent sure on my portions of each layer. I probably could have done just a bit more carrot to make the first layer as it turned out pretty thin once I spread it out. I may play around with my proportions next time just to see how it ends up. Once I topped the final layer with coconut whipped cream it was actually the perfect amount of filling and all of the flavors balanced really well!
The little bit of coconut throughout made everything rich and creamy, while the bananas and dates added just enough sweetness on their own without having to add any sugar except for a tiny little bit in the whipped cream. Of course I'm a sucker for any kind of nutty crust, so that was a great base to add a little bit of texture to the frozen layers. Everyone enjoyed it in my family, which was the true sign of success!
Triple Layer Nice Cream Pie
Makes 1 pie
For the crust:
- 1 cup raw almonds
- 1 cup raw pecans
- 1 1/2 cups pitted & chopped medjool dates
- 1/3 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1 tablespoon tangerine balsamic vinegar (optional--can sub for fresh citrus juice like orange or lemon)
Place the nuts in a food processor and pulse until broken down into small pieces. Add in the remainder of the ingredients and blend until a chunky dough forms. Remove from the food processor and press evenly into a pie plate. Make sure to press the crust all the way up the sides. Set aside and make your filling.
Carrot Nice Cream Layer:
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1 cup sliced frozen ripe banana
- 4 tablespoons coconut milk*
Place the carrots in an oven safe dish with a few tablespoons of water. Roast in the oven until soft (about 30 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit). Let cool then place in a blender with the banana and coconut milk. Blend on high until smooth and creamy.
Pour out to make a smooth layer on the crust in the pie dish. Place in the freezer for about an hour to let it harden and set.
*I used the liquid from a can of coconut cream since I was going to use the cream for my whipped third layer. Just place your can in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes and scoop out the hard top layer for the cream. Use the remaining liquid for the nice creams.
Pineapple Nice Cream Layer:
- 1 cup chopped fresh pineapple
- 1 1/2 cups sliced frozen ripe banana
- 4 tablespoons coconut milk
Add all of your ingredients to the blender and process until smooth and creamy. Take your pie dish out of the freezer and smooth out over top of the carrot layer. Place back in the freezer and let harden for at least an hour, or overnight.
Coconut Whipped Cream Layer:
- Solid cream portion from one can of cold coconut cream (reserve the liquid for the nice cream or other use)
- 1 tablespoon organic powdered sugar (optional)
Place the coconut cream in a cold bowl and whip for a few minutes with an electric beater or go old school with a whisk. Add in your sugar if using, then whip for another minute or two. Mine didn't come out quite as fluffy as a traditional whipped cream, but it was still smooth and rich for the final layer!
Smooth out over top of your pineapple layer to finish off the pie. Let thaw out for just a bit to soften before cutting. Enjoy!
Thanks to @chefsteve, @pandamama and @offoodandart for hosting a contest I hate missing because it is so much fun to join in and interact with everyone! I am looking forward to the next phase in partnership with the amazingly talented @docsmith!
(Banners by @woman-onthe-wing, @dksart and @bearone for @steemusa)
Congrats to your parents! Wish them happily ever after! ❤️❤️❤️
And the cake... Can I have a slice? Well, I think there's none left for anyone else reading this post I guess... 😋😋😋
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Haha, I wish I could have sent virtual slices all around! It definitely wasn't going to last long, though, not in my house anyway. ;) Thank you for the kind words and for stopping by!
This sounds so different but so delicious @ plantstoplanks :)
Thank you @lizelle! I think I might have to make it a warm weather staple in my household! :)
I will be having some tonight! :D
I think you're going to like it... ;)
You are sooooo lucky!!!
Yes! The pie was awesome! :)
I really like the roasted carrot nice cream. That's a great way to add some flavor! It must taste so good too when paired with the almond and pecan crust. Thanks so much for sharing this dish and I am so happy you got some nice upvotes! Well deserved!!
It's a toss up whether the crust or the carrot layer was my favorite part. I may have to make them again repeatedly to be able to tell for sure. ;) I'm so happy for the inspiration this week to really bring my A game to the contest and to the food-loving folks on Steemit!
What a creative way to incorporate carrots into nice cream! The tangerine balsamic vinegar sounds absolutely delicious in the nutty crust. I would love to have a slice of this nice cream pie now.
I was really happy how "nice" the carrot portion came out! ;) I wish we could all share our creations!
Mouthwatering! I want a piece of that so bad! 🤤🤤🤤🤤🤤🤷🏻♀️
Haha, I so wish I could send a slice to you! @dksart was happy I was able to bring a few slices of leftovers home so he could give it a try. :)
Delicious, I will definitely like to try this recipe.
Thanks for checking it out! I hope you get a chance to re-create it yourself!
Congrats to your parents, 40 years, wow! Of course everyone enjoyed this, it looks and sounds really delicious! I'm too lazy to make a cake, but I could have a huge bowl of that carrot nice cream on its own! 😋
Even if you just make the carrot nice cream, you won't be disappointed! It is rare that I go all out like this, but I figured the occasion called for something special. I'm more likely to just make a big bowl of the creamy stuff for a weekly treat. ;)
That truly was a special occasion which needed something exceptional! I think people wouldn't have appreciated as much if you had brought a huge bowl of carrot nice cream instead, even if it was delicious! 😄
Haha, very true. I'll keep the carrot nice cream to myself. ;)
Good job! You killed it with this one, grand slam! I love that it is layered, I love that it is frozen and I love that there is no added sugar. And 40 years? That’s incredible. What a beautiful example they’ve set for their children. “Congratulations on 40 wonderful years, many blessings to 40 more”. Everything about this post I love. Thanks for sharing your weekend with us @plantstoplanks.
Thank you so much for the kind words and the well wishes to my parents! They truly have set a great example for us in how to work at a lasting relationship. It hasn't always been easy, but they have always done their best to support each other and all three of us girls! This dessert was a sweet ending to a great celebration. :)
Sounds like it and it’s my pleasure. Relationships like that are the pillars or our society for all of us to learn from.
I just wanted to stop back by and say congratulations on hitting a trail. You more than deserve it!
Oh my, I would have never thought to put carrot and pineapple together in an ice cream pie... genius??
Every now and then I get a really good idea in the kitchen. ;) Thank you for the compliment!
Oh this looks so luscious! I bet the carrot was wonderful especially pared with pineapple. This is really beautiful @plantstoplanks!
The natural sweetness in the carrot really is lovely in a dessert! I'm glad my dad is such a fan, otherwise I might not have thought to use it. Carrot nice cream is definitely going to be a thing in my house going forward. ;)
So pretty and looks so delicious. Banana dates coconuts, nuts and carrots blends really well in flavour. Yummy!
Thanks for your recipe. X
It really was a fantastic combination! I will happily make it again soon. :) Thanks for the very nice comment! :)
I would say I have seen one of the healthiest pie in recent times, being a Vegetarian myself it's hard to find some amazing mouthwatering pie/cake, you have done really amazing job :)
Thanks so much! It can definitely be a little challenging sometimes, but luckily with a little creativity fruit and nuts can be just as decadent as their more processed counterparts. Then you also don't have to feel bad about reaching for a second slice... ;)
Nice cake.. It has me salivating over here. Did I mention that I love cooking and learning different recipes is what I love doing because cooking is an art and art is beautiful
Thanks so much for checking it out! It's funny you say that about art because I never used to think I was creative or artistic. Connecting with my love for healthy and delicious food has awakened that side of me that I never knew I had. Keep creating and spreading beauty yourself!
I would like to learn new things based on cooking.. Any recommendations??
Ti would to learn new
Things based on cooking.. Any
Recommendations??
- trojan4
I'm a bot. I detect haiku.
The biggest thing is just getting in the kitchen and trying things out! I am not trained in any way, but after years of cooking I have found my groove. I love going to my local farmers market to get inspired by the beautiful fresh produce. I feel like that alone has improved my cooking so much because I really want to do it all justice.
I would definitely encourage you to check out the many awesome cooking contests around the community on here. Even if you don't join, if you just follow and check out the entries you will absolutely learn some tips and tricks. I love this one (@cookwithus) and @lenasveganliving's #fruitsandveggiesmonday, but there are definitely some others. Or even just following the #food hashtag may help you come across some stuff. If you are lucky enough to know some friends and family that cook then see if you can hang out with them in the kitchen on occasion, too!
Great advise Katie 🍒 🍌🍑🌿🍍🍓🍇
Will do just that.. Thanks for the pointer
Your parents are so lucky! I wish someone would make that for me. I love coconut and pineapple. I guess I will just have to do it myself.
Good thing you included so many pictures to make it easy to follow.
Haha, it's rare that I whip up something like this, as well, so they really were lucky. ;) This really wasn't too challenging to put together so hopefully you'll give it a try if you get a chance!
I am sure I will it is in the 90's here so a touch of something cold and tropical would be perfect for the next barbecue.
Absolutely dreamy pie Katie; what a great recipe! I bet everybody licked their plates. I know I would, lol 🍒 🍌🍑🌿🍍🍓🍇
Thank you Lena! Dave and I definitely savored the last few pieces the other night! :)
OMG @plantstoplanks this is just amazing!!! It looks so delicious and I think is pretty much pure genius on your part!!!! I must have a go at this myself. Sublime inspiration RESTEEMED👏👏👏👏👏
Side note - I am running a photo contest for amateur photographers and would love it if you would enter. cash prize of course💰
https://steemit.com/contest/@sallybeth23/new-pay-to-enter-photo-contest-for-amateur-photographers-win-steem
Thank you so much for the kind comment! I really don't make a lot of desserts, so I was really pleased how well this one came out. I will definitely check out your contest. Thanks for sharing it!
Wow really? Well you are rockin those desserts like a pro sweetie! 🤗❤️🌈🦋🌴
Wow, this looks so good!
Thank you @proanima! I'm glad I could do the flavor justice with a decent presentation! :)
yes, you have!
It always is refreshing and beautiful to spend quality time with family, happy 40th anniversary to your parent. 40 years is really huge!!
quite a twist to a traditional pie recipe, but it definitely looks delicious and healthy as well.
Nice creams are often a treat. And now layered on a nut crust and topped with whipped cream? I bet that must taste heavenly... No wonder everyone enjoyed having a taste of it. I really should give that a try..
40 is definitely a great milestone! They have worked hard to get there.
Thanks so much for the compliment! I think we are all quite sad the last crumb is gone because it really was so delicious. I hope you get a chance to make it yourself! Have a lovely day!
They sure have!!
I can imagine how sad you guys were, I hope so too.
Thank You
Precious family time! It's so great that you made the pie with your family in mind. I enjoyed reading about how each ingredient was carefully chosen. The coconut cream, pineapple and carrot nice cream layers sounds delicious over that beautiful date-nut crust.
Love the last photo where it shows the beautiful layers!
Thanks for your pie entry @planstoplanks! And a huge congratulations on getting picked up by the whales. Yay! It's truly deserved!
I always appreciate your thoughtful comments! I was hoping for some nice layers, but they came out even better than I expected! Now I'm excited to experiment with even more flavor combinations.
Happy once again to take part in a fantastic week of entries!
howdy there plantstoplanks! oh man..haha..you really pulled off an amazing one this time, this is brilliant and healthy. No sugar, sweetened with dates, everything natural, it proves you can have dessert and it be healthy for you, great job, love it!
Thanks so much @janton! So happy you like it!
Wow - what a lovely unusual recipe @plantsoplanks - sounds so delicious - this weeks recipes have made me crave all sorts of things. Well done
There have definitely been some delicious entries once again this round! I have had a few friends scrunch their nose up at the carrot layer, but it was so subtle and blended perfectly with the rest of the dessert! I'm not afraid to stick some veggies in anywhere. ;)
Good for you - I LOVE carrot cake
Hi there @yeninsfer! Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving such a wonderful comment. I'm sure my parents will love to hear that people all of the world are wishing them congratulations. :)
The crust was definitely delicious enough that I may re-purpose it into energy bites, but the whole was even more delicious than the individual components!
Thanks to you for showing us step by step how to make the cake. Also thank you for sharing the joy of your family with us all. A big hug.
Mmmm this looks yummy and a pretty healthy recipe i didn't know that coconut cream can be wipped must try:)
It was my first time doing the coconut whipped cream, so I was happy to finally give it a try! It was a little denser than regular whipped cream, but still very creamy and an excellent topping!
Yes it must taste so much better than whipped cream even if it is a bit nore dense:)
Hiya! My foodie steemian!
You have received an upvote from SteemKitchen! 👍
This was given by hand and not by a bot. You have received this as motivation from us, so you can keep going on with your great dishes.*** I especially like that you have a lot of pictures and details in your post! ***
We are looking forward to see you soon on our discord server https://discord.gg/XE5fYnk ,
so we can exchange fresh new recipes and delicious meals with each other 🌮🍔🍩.
With friendly regards, your curator of today @avizor
Thanks @steemkitchen! I appreciate the support!
That is probably the biggest carrot i have seen !!!
God damn it where the hell i can buy this piece?! 😃
By the way you got here a very good and detailed description of your Cream Pie , so thanks for that ! i'm looking forward to see some more ;-)
Posted using Partiko iOS
Haha, gotta love the farmers market. ;) They've got all the best veggies that the supermarket wouldn't take because it doesn't fit normal standards.
I have a hard time keeping it short, so glad you enjoyed the description! ;)
Oh yes you are right, its the same in our supermarket.
They still throw away very good vegetables, although it still looks very good! Sometimes I think I have to intervene and sort out some fruits and vegetables,
It's a shame!
I think I could just eat nothing but the crust and be totally satisfied, that is gorgeous the crust would be like a pecan almond date pie all by its self, just add Karo syrup....
I'm definitely going to make some energy bites from it in the near future! I have done all different variations before, but this was the first time I thought to add a little of the flavored balsamic. A definite game-changer!
Now that sounds great, layer a pan with some dark chocolate. Add a little granola and some chocolate chips to the mix and you've got some pretty awesome trail mix/protein bars.
Hi plantstoplanks,
Visit curiesteem.com or join the Curie Discord community to learn more.
Thanks so much! It always means a lot to be selected and supported!