We continue Suite of Sweets for Sweethearts today with another amazing sweet recipe and cookbook review and giveaway! This Paleo No-Bake Chocolate Pie with a Raw Graham Cracker Crust from The Paleo Chocolate Lovers’ Cookbook graced the cover of Paleo Magazine a few months ago.
I’m pretty certain that issue was a bestseller! I know how happy I was to see it hit my mailbox before we headed out on a camping trip last fall. This recipe is just one of 80 amazing recipes in Kelly Brozyna’s (The Spunky Coconut) new cookbook.
Paleo No-Bake Chocolate Pie with Raw Graham Cracker Crust from The Paleo Chocolate Lovers’ Cookbook
Honestly, Kelly’s cookbooks just keep getting better and better. This is her fourth cookbook and it is really exceptional in many ways.
First, it’s incredibly beautiful. The cover, designed by Kelly’s husband, Andrew, is dark and rich and conveys a sense of decadence and indulgence, which is exactly how one wants one’s chocolate, right?
Chocolate Pie from Paleo Chocolate Lovers’ Cookbook on Cover of Paleo Magazine
I remember when Kelly was working on this cookbook and she talked about borrowing bakeware, cutlery, dishes, and more, from friends and family to use in her photos. She even picked a certain color palette and it’s just lovely.
Black and white photos are used as the chapter lead-ins. They add a sense of nostalgia as well as the perfect contrast to the colorful photos that follow.
Now don’t get me wrong, you don’t need to be looking at Kelly’s photos and thinking about all these things, but the components work so well and contribute to a feeling of extreme happiness and comfort. Yes, while reading a cookbook.
I seriously didn’t want to pull away from the pages on my first read through. Chocolate recipes can be difficult to photograph, but Kelly clearly had no problems. If you’re one who likes to curl up on the sofa and savor beautiful cookbooks like I do, this cookbook is right for you!
But what about the recipes you might ask. Julie of OMG. That’s Paleo? and Julie Bauer’s Paleo Cookbook described The Paleo Chocolate Lovers’ Cookbook so well: “Paleo cooks are becoming more and more creative by the minute and this book is an example of that. This cookbook is flat out an amazing treat cookbook.”
Admittedly I’ve only made a few recipes to date. It’s just Mr. GFE and me at home and neither of us has co-workers to share food with anymore, so I limit the recipes I make—sweet and otherwise.
That leads me to something else you need to know about this cookbook, it is not just sweet recipes, there’s also a chapter on savory dishes. Small amounts of chocolate are used to deepen savory flavors and/or balance spiciness.
Chocolate is well known for its role in mole sauce (and there’s a recipe for that in this book, too!), but did you know that chocolate can play a role in creating a robust barbecue sauce? Honestly, Kelly could bottle this sauce and sell it. I’d be sure to have it on hand at all times!
She calls it “crazy good,” and she’s right! But since I don’t think Kelly has plans to do that, you should know that once you have the ingredients on hand, it’s a breeze to make!
The Almond Banana Cacao Smoothie was the first recipe I made. It was so simple, yet so delicious and satisfying. Then I made the Toasted Coconut Chocolate Chunk Cookies.
If you like all those things—Coconut (Toasted Coconut!), Chocolate Chunks, and Cookies—you will LOVE these cookies. If I’d created this recipe, it would become my signature recipe because those are all favorite things of mine and these cookies are just perfect in their texture, taste, and chewiness. Plus, again, they’re easy to make, but impressive. Folks will hang around the kitchen waiting for these cookies to cool enough to eat!
Happy Day When The Paleo Chocolate Lovers’ Cookbook Arrived
Kelly is another longtime friend of mine. (Yes, I’m blessed with some amazing people in my life!) We met through blogging and then “in real life” and became really good friends. We’ve laughed together, disagreed, and cried together—all those things that good friends and passionate people tend to do. I know I am a better person because of Kelly’s friendship.
Kelly’s family’s journey has involved going gluten free to heal a number of health issues and then more recently going grain free and paleo to experience a new level of wellness. Blogging is an interesting thing in the level of transparency displayed; i.e., exactly how much the blogger shares of his/her own personal life. Most of us become bloggers to help others and in doing so we simply have to tell our stories.
At times, that’s easy to do and even helpful as it can be cathartic, plus we can get much-needed support from our readers when we’re facing challenges. However, at other times, it can be difficult to tell our stories.
They’re our stories or our loved one’s stories after all and they can often be complicated as well as extremely personal. They’re stories that don’t take the pretty, straight and narrow path so to speak. Those stories can be so very hard to share.
I really admire Kelly for being willing to tell the difficult stories and share the tough feelings. She did that in this recent post where she shares the latest with her middle daughter, Ashley. (It’s one of her posts on Recovering Ashley.)
Kelly talks about the “blame monster” in this post and it’s truly worth a read by everyone. To be clear, it’s not a negative post; it’s very positive as Kelly is talking about her beautiful daughter, but it is also a very honest and eye-opening post and many of you will be able to relate.
What does all this have to do with Kelly’s cookbooks? Well, I don’t believe you can separate the cookbooks from the motivation and drive behind them. Kelly’s recipes and cookbooks come from her own family’s history and her passion for helping other individuals and families heal while still enjoying delicious food.
We all know that healing is not a given when certain ingredients are removed and new dietary approaches are followed. But Kelly excels in this area. I mean who knew that 80 recipes that would make chocolate lovers deliriously happy could also be paleo—i.e., gluten free, grain free, dairy free, and refined sugar free?
Paleo No-Bake Chocolate Pie with the Raw Graham Cracker Crust
She’s sharing the recipe with us for SSS! Swoon! And by the way, this divine pie is not just paleo, it’s also vegan.
Paleo No-Bake Chocolate Pie with Raw Graham Cracker Crust
Ingredients
Crust Ingredients
- 1 cup (100 g) walnut halves and pieces
- ¼ cup (about 4) soft, pitted Medjool dates
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of sea salt
Filling Ingredients
- 1 cup coconut cream* (see notes)
- ½ cup (about 8) soft, pitted Medjool dates
- 3 ounces dark chocolate, melted
- ¼ cup melted coconut oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- To make the crust, in a food processor with an “S” blade, purée the walnuts, dates, cinnamon, and salt for about 20 seconds or until very fine.
- Transfer the crust mixture to a glass pie dish, and press it across the bottom and halfway up the sides.
- Rinse the food processor.
- In a small saucepan, heat the coconut cream just slightly.
- Add the heated coconut cream, dates, chocolate, coconut oil, and vanilla extract to the food processor, and purée for 1 minute or until the filling is dark and completely smooth.
- Pour the filling over the crust and chill to set.
- When you’re ready to serve the pie, top it with whipped coconut cream.
- Store any uneaten pie in the refrigerator.
Notes
*For the filling, use the cream at the top of a can of separated full-fat coconut milk. To get it to separate, refrigerate a couple of cans overnight.
Originally published February 9, 2014; updated June 3, 2018.
Heather @Gluten-Free Cat says
Kelly is such a sweetheart. I only got to meet her once, but she left a lasting impression. I do love her recipes and a book all about chocolate? I’m in! Valentine’s and chocolate just go hand in hand. 🙂
Heather Brandt says
I’m a grain free chocolate lover!
Katrina says
My kids love chocolate! So why not enjoy some healthy delicious recipes!
April says
I am a long time follower of Kelly and have loved every one of her recipes I’ve tried! Thank you for the giveaway!
April says
liked on fb #1
April says
Liked on FB #2
Maggie says
Truly an amazing cookbook Shirley, I couldn’t agree more. While Kelly is soooo creative, she also has a way of keeping her recipes very simple. I love that about her. She truly has a gift. And chocolate IS hard to photograph 🙂
Dori says
I have frequently given Kelly’s books as gifts, and they have been life changing! This chocolate book sounds like a wonderful splurge!
Tiffany Ches says
I first came across The Spunky Coconut a year ago when I was looking for a gluten free cake for my daughter’s first birthday and found her ever so scrumptious Vanilla Bean Cake which was a mega hit for everyone especially my daughter who got her very own cake. I’ve made it a couple other times with different variations and am making it again for her second birthday. I’ve since made her banana bread as well… Holy Yum! <3
Claire says
I’m approaching an important birthday & my brother’s wedding, so I wanted to lose a few pounds. After trying some fad ‘natural’ supplements that didn’t work, some friends turned me on to the Whole30 diet plan & the Paleo lifestyle.
After doing some research, I decided this was the best approach for me for my long term health, I even convinced my man to join me! lol. However, I’m still very new at this, only two weeks in, & we both have a sweet tooth. I MISS CHOCOLATE! I really don’t want to slide back to eating junk.
When I stumbled across this page, my face lit up 🙂 I have followed the facebook pages & look forward to trying some recipes. [We’re getting bored of plain meat & veg with no dessert.]
Terisa says
I’m a gluten free diabetic that loves chocolate. It is so to find a chocolate treat that won’t make me sick.Thanks for he opportunity to win the cookbook.
Lauren S. says
I am really excited for this book because I have celiac (and eat grain-free most of the time), and my boyfriend follows a paleo diet (and LOVVVVES chocolate). I would love to revamp my GF baking skills to include paleo recipes, as well.
Lauren S. says
I “Like” The Spunky Coconut on Facebook and enabled notifications
Lauren S. says
I “Like” GFE on Facebook and enabled notifications
Sheila S. says
The pie looks amazing! I love chocolate and just recently went gluten free so I can’t wait to try this recipe. I’d love to try other recipes in the cookbooks!
Sheila S. says
I “liked” gfe on Facebook and enabled notifications 🙂
Sheila S. says
I already “liked” The Spunky Coconut on Facebook, I enabled notifications.
Michelle says
Love chocolate and that there are several easy to make gf recipes. Would love to try more!
Stephanie says
I love Kelly, I love the Spunky Coconut, and I want this book. I’m also definitely making this pie! Maybe tonight? YUM!
Janice says
Have gone grain free and having trouble getting dessert recipes to feed my husband and he is a chocolate lover.
Sharon says
I own Kelly’s other cookbooks and would love to own this one as well. She has such a lovely and simple approach to cooking healthy foods. Thanks Shirley!
Sharon says
I like gfe on facebook.
Sharon says
i like Spunky Coconut on fb
Deb King says
Longtime fan of the Spunky Coconut. Am GF. Already follow you also.
Lori Brandt says
I have been gluten-free for many years and grain free for several, and I love anything by Kelly!
Pat @ Elegantly, Gluten-Free says
You’ve made me want to read Kelly’s cookbook for the literary side of it now before I even get around to the chocolate recipes 🙂 I understand that, though, because I read her posts and…she just has that ability. Thank you both!
Kathryn says
I bought that issue of Paleo just because of that beautiful pie on the cover. Kelly’s site was such a help when we first went gluten free. Her first book was great – but all chocolate??? Amazing.
Nicole says
I am paleo and a huge chocolate aficionado, so I would LOVE to win this book!
Marta says
I’d love to get my hands on her cookbook! I love everything I’ve tried from her website. Thanks!
Stefanie says
Love chocolate and can’t wait to try this recipe 🙂
Stefanie says
Already like gfe on Facebook
Stefanie says
Already like the Spunky Coconut on Facebook
Melissa says
I’m pretty sure that I’ve loved chocolate since birth, so this book would be great for me.
Sarah says
I am a grain free chocolate lover! Can’t wait to make this recipe.
Sarah says
I like gfe on FB!
Sarah says
I like The Spunky Coconut on FB!
Molly (Sprue Story) says
I’m not paleo or grain-free, but how could anyone resist photos like that pie or the crepes stack on the front cover? Anything with lots of dates, nuts, and chocolate sounds good to me!
Cassidy @ Cassidy's Craveable Creations says
I love Kelly’s recipes! I have her ice cream cookbook and I would love to have her Chocolate Lovers cookbook as well!!!
Karen says
newbie at the gluten free. LOVE chocolate, LOVE desserts, LOVE food! Can’t wait to try this. PS LOVE to exercise (good thing huh!?)
Margrét says
Mmmm looks absolutely yummie! Love the walnuts in the crust 🙂
Monique C. M. says
That pie looks amazing! I’m excited about the graham cracker crust, sounds so versatile. I’ve never cooked with dates but I think I’ll take the plunge after seeing this. Honestly, the only desserts I’ve been eating lately is just chocolate. I need to get back to making noms for myself. Thanks for the review and giveaway, Shirley!
Nancy says
I just love all your posts and your recipes! I can’t wait to try this one! It is mouth-watering, melt in your mind good!
Thank you…and I would love to be a winner of your cookbook! Feeling lucky today! Smile.
itzia says
I love chocolate and I’m trying to go grain free.
itzia says
i like gfe on facebook and have selected to get notifications.
itzia says
i like the spunky coconut on facebook and have selected to get notifications.
Kim H says
I have always loved chocolate – but don’t have as much as anymore because it has to be dairy free – so can’t just grab the candy bar in the store – that’s probably a good thing for my hips!!!lol. This recipe look great – and would love to win this book for more!
Michaela says
I follow Kelly’s blog and am a huge fan of everything coconut (oil, cream, flour…). Her cookbook looks amazing and right up my alley!
Sara Bruce says
This recipe looks so delicious. I can’t wait to try it, as well as others in your book. In addition to being dairy free, I now have to make sure I am also Gluten free.
Eileen says
I am a bonafide chocoholic. NEED this book !!!
Angela B says
Thinking of attempting Paleo on top of GF, would love to have some handy recipes.
Angela B says
like GFE on FB
Angela B says
Like Spunky Coconut on FB
PJ C says
I’ve been a fan of Kelly and The Spunky Coconut for a few years now and have purchased two of her previous books. I am a chocolate lover; gluten, egg and dairy free, along with corn, legumes, and nightshade free. Add diabetic to that and it makes for a difficult time finding recipes. Thanks for all your help.
Elizabeth M says
I love chocolate for sure! I’m not strictly Paleo, but I do work Paleo meals in multiple times a week.
Barbara Hill says
I invited a friend with Celiac disease to Thanksgiving dinner and discovered how hard it is to live this lifestyle. The research I did to be able to enjoy a meal with a friend helped me discover my own issues with gluten. Need more great recipes!
Brenda Frauenhoff says
My husband is Paleo and my cooking has been really uninspired. I can’t even imagine making treats for him! This would help
Jenee says
LOVE chocolate!!
Do you have any substitute recommendations for the dates? I’m not paleo, just gluten-free, and I don’t have dates on hand. Thank you!
Shirley says
Jenee–Dates are pretty unique in their properties for sweetness, binding, and texture. This is probably not a good recipe to attempt when you don’t have dates. Sorry. 🙁
Shirley
Monique says
If I use Aroyo coconut cream from the carton, for this recipe, will it work?
Thanks.
Shirley says
Hi Monique–Kelly specifically mentions that she uses that brand of coconut milk in her FAQs on her site so if you get your coconut cream from that, it should work fine. Click on her link and confirm that you are both using the same product. 🙂
Shirley
Monique says
Hi I know she uses that brand but the coconut cream in the carton is a different product by Aroyo. It is a liquid so wondering if it will set properly?
Thanks.
Shirley says
Monique–Did you click on the specific link to the product she uses here? It “appears” to be what you are talking about, at least to me.
Monique says
I can’t find the FAQ section on her site.
Shirley says
The links were in my comments. Here’s the link by itself: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B008ZWILNS/redrampant-20
Monique says
Found FAQ section but it does not help me. The coconut cream I have does not separate into a gelled top like the coconut milk in the can does so worried that in liquid from the dessert will not set. See my point? Thanks for trying to help. :o)
Monique says
The previous links did not work. That ones does and yes that is the product.
Shirley says
Strange on the links. So you are good to go then? 😉
Monique says
No. Still same question. She does not say in this recipe to use Aroy-D coconut cream. She says to use coconut milk in a can and let separate and use the gelled coconut cream from top of can. Aroy-D coconut cream is in liquid form.
Shirley says
My suggestion is to ask your question directly on her Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Spunky-Coconut/
Monique says
Already did thanks.
Shirley says
Okay, good!
Linda collier says
Kelly is one on my favorite bloggers. Thanks for sharing!
Lena says
I love Kelly’s books and I’m a huge fan of her blog as well. She is truly inspirational. I would be honored to have a copy of her last book.
insiya says
Just heard of Kelly and The Spunky Coconut through you right now. Will definitely check her out! Who isn’t a chocolate lover by the way? I love chocolates: dairy free, gluten & grain free. So going to try out your recipe of chocolate pie, since I recently got a carton of medjool dates 😉
insiya says
Like GFE on facebook!
Amy Burke says
Will for sure try this one. And the one on the front cover looks fabulous too! Love gfe and spunky coconut!
Denise R says
I have a gluten allergy and I love chocolate and desserts. Hard to find good tasting gluten free foods
Deb King says
I am THRILLED to win a copy of Kelly’s “The Paleo Chocolate Lovers’ Cookbook”. Can’t wait to ‘dig in’! Thanks so much!
Shirley says
Yay, Deb! Congrats to you! I know you’ll have fun making Kelly’s recipes. 🙂
Shirley
Sarah says
I’m so excited to win a copy of this cookbook!! I’ve had my cans of coconut milk in the refrigerator waiting until I have time to make this chocolate pie!
Shirley says
So glad to hear that you’re ready to make Kelly’s Chocolate Pie! Congrats on winning her book. 🙂 You’ll have so much delicious fun making all of Kelly’s amazing recipes!
Shirley
Shirley says
LOVED this pie! Second try I also added a bit of instant coffee – awesome!!!!!
Shirley says
Hi Sandi–Welcome to gfe! 🙂 Adding some coffee to Kelly’s pie sounds like an excellent idea to me! 😉 Thanks so much for taking the time to leave your recipe review and improvement here.
Shirley