It’s funny how every year I somehow forget that I am so obsessed with pies.  In the summer it’s all about the ice cream (anything that involves chocolate!).  As soon as fall comes around, though, I can’t get enough pumpkin and pecan pies.

Pecan pie has that gooey super sweetness that is so delicious.  In my version, I wanted to go with better-for-you sugar options, and being a chocoholic, I also had to go with a chocolate crust.

This captures the gooeyness and sweetness of the traditional pecan pie without being cloyingly sweet.  The crust stays crisp, and it cuts beautifully, no runny filling here!!  Dates are high in sugar, but also full of fiber and other micronutrients that are not present in refined sugars.  So while this dessert is a treat, its one you can feel good about eating.

Health highlight of pecans: Pecans are anti-inflammatory and rich in antioxidants (in amounts that rival berries).  One study showed those who ate nuts (like pecans) regularly (more than 5 ounces per week) were less likely to suffer heart attacks.  Pecans are a very good source of manganese, which serves several important functions in your body including protection from free radical damage.  Nuts are rich in nutrients, but not considered a nutrient dense food because of the high calorie count.  In moderation pecans are an excellent source of healthy fats, as well as full of healthy nutrients like calcium, iron, fiber, and protein.