Vegan Almost Raw Coconut-Pecan Pie Bars
Source: Oh, Ladycakes Category: Vegan Desserts
Prep Time: 40 min Chill time: 8 hrs Total Time: 8 hrs 40 min Makes 9-12 bars
Gluten Free I Refined Sugar Free
About this recipe
This delicious and easy to make dessert is a frozen variation of a traditional pecan pie. It is gluten-free and refined sugar-free, and I didn't even have to make any changes to the original recipe. Combining cashews and dates for the filling makes it silky smooth and sweet, but not overly so, and using the pecans and salt for topping adds crunchiness and deepens the flavor. Definitely a must try.
Ingredients:
Coconut-Pecan Crust:
1 1/2 cups raw pecans (I use Nature's Eats Pecan Halves)
1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut (I use Bob's Red Mill Shredded Coconut, Unsweetened)
Pinch of pink Himalayan salt (I use Sherpa Pink Gourmet Himalayan Salt, 5 lbs Fine Grain)
1 Tbsp. unrefined coconut oil, melted (but not hot) (I use Kirkland Signature Cold Pressed Unrefined Organic Virgin Coconut Oil)
1-2 Tbsp. pure maple syrup (I use Butternut Mountain Farm, 100% Pure Maple Syrup From Vermont)
Creamy Date Filling:
1/2 cup raw cashew pieces, soaked 4+ hours or overnight, drained and rinsed (I use Sincerely Nuts Raw Cashews Whole & Unsalted No Shell)
14-16 medjool dates, pitted and soaked in hot water for 30 minutes and drained (I use Terrasoul Superfoods Organic Medjool Dates)
1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk, room temperature
1/2 tsp. maple syrup
Heavy pinch of pink Himalayan salt
1/4 cup unrefined coconut oil, melted (but not hot)
Topping:
1 1/2 cups raw pecans, divided
Unsweetened coconut flakes or shredded coconut
Pink Himalayan salt
Instructions:
1. Prepare the ingredients.
2. For the crust: In a food processor fitted with the S blade, blend the pecans, shredded coconut, and sea salt into a fine meal. While the processor is running, slowly drizzle in the coconut oil – followed by 1 tablespoon of the maple syrup – and blend just until combined; about 15-20 seconds. Press the mixture between your fingers to make sure it sticks together, if not add the additional tablespoon of maple syrup and blend until combined. Firmly press the mixture into a square 8" pan (or two smaller pans) lined with parchment paper; set aside.
3. For the filling: In a high-powered blender, blend the cashews, dates, almond milk, maple syrup, and sea salt on high speed until smooth and creamy; about 1-2 minutes. Reduce the speed to low and slowly drizzle in the coconut oil, then increase the speed to high and blend for 30-45 seconds (using the tamper as needed). Once you’re finished blending, the filling will likely be full of air bubbles so pulse the mixture 20-30 times to ensure most of those get removed.
4. To assemble the bars, finely chop 1/4 cup of the pecans and sprinkle them over the crust. Cover with the creamy date filling then tap the pan on the countertop a few times to release any air bubbles. Top with remaining pecans, flaked or shredded coconut, and sea salt. Chill bars in the freezer for at least eight hours before serving.
5. When you're ready to serve, use a sharp knife and quickly slice through the bars (if you slice them slowly, the pecans will smoosh the filling).