Fudgy Salted Banana Pie with Pretzel Crust

Through the years, I have grown a true appreciation for pie- from the process to the end product. I enjoy making pies just as much as I enjoy eating them. Cake used to top my list of favorite desserts, but pie is topping that list now. There is something truly comforting and satisfying about pie. Pie is therapy, beautiful therapy. Producing pie is a truly beneficial stress relief. 

Healthy pie? Well, healthier pie than one might think. This pie is a combination of chocolate, bananas and peanut butter fitted inside a crust of pretzels, cocoa powder and honey roasted peanuts. The bananas took the place of eggs, thus bringing with them wonderful nutrition. I used a semi-sweet chocolate and dark cocoa powder. In addition to the salty pretzels, a generous sprinkle of sea salt was applied. The resulting flavor is one that may even pass for breakfast. Pie for breakfast, oh but of course. Every day of your life is a special occasion, so why not have pie for breakfast. 

This pie is a lovely alternative for those with an egg allergy. And might I add, the elimination of eggs allows one to have as much fudgy batter as one wants; licking the spoon is priority here. Butter can be substituted with a vegan spread if desired. 

Fudgy Salted Banana Pie with Pretzel Crust

Pretzel Crust

1 cup pretzel crumbs
1/4 cup honey roasted peanuts, pulsed
1 tbsp cocoa powder
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted

1) Preheat oven to 350
2) Combine pulsed peanuts, cocoa powder and pretzel crumbs. Add melted butter and stir until appearance of wet sand.
3) Press crust into pie pan and bake for 5 to 7 minutes. Cool completely and refrigerate. 

Fudgy Salted Banana Filling

1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate pieces
1 stick of butter
1/2 cup peanut butter
1 1/2 bananas, pureed
1/4 cup dark cocoa powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 cup flour
1/4 tsp baking powder
1 tbsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup chocolate chips

1) Melt chocolate, peanut butter, and butter over bain marie (or microwave safe bowl in intervals) until blended and fully melted. Whisk in cocoa powder, let cool.
2) Whisk in banana puree and vanilla extract until combined. Whisk in dry ingredients, whisking until fully incorporated. Fold in 1/2 cup chocolate chips. 
3) Pour into pie shell and bake for 30-40 minutes until filling is set.
4)Sprinkle pie with generous amount of sea salt. Refrigerate until set before serving. 

Enjoy!