Looking for something different? These Chia Spice Bars have an exotic mix of ingredients but the result is surprisingly delicious. The dates provide a sweetness and the spices offer a ton of flavor.
When choosing nuts for these or other nut-based treats be sure they are raw rather than roasted. Most roasted nuts have added oil so they contain extra fat. Also, nuts may loose some nutrients during the roasting process.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1/2 cup raw cashews
- 1 cup pitted dates
- 3/4 cup raw pecans
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 tsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp lemon zest
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- pinch ground cloves
- dash salt
Frosting
- 10 pitted dates
- 3/4 cup soft tofu
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Soak all dates in hot water for at least 15 minutes.
Crust
- Line a 9x5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
- Place cashews and dates (leaving 10 dates soaking for the frosting) in a food processor and pulse until crumbly.
- Add all remaining crust ingredients and processes until a sticky mixture forms, stopping to scrape down sides as needed. Small nut pieces will remain.
- Firmly press mixture into the lined load pan to create an even crust.
Frosting
- Thoroughly combine all frosting ingredients in a food processor and then smooth over the crust.
- Place in the freezer for 1 hour, or until set.
- Cut into squares and serve topped with cinnamon and/or pecans.
- Store in a sealed container in refrigerator for up to a week or freezer for up to 3 months.
Did you make this recipe?Tag @whollyplantsblog on Instagram and hashtag it #whollyplants
For more plant-based treats check out: Samoa Cookies, Chocolate Snowballs, Thumbprint Cookies, Best-Ever Buckeyes, Festive Fruity Bites, Almond Joy Balls, No-Bake Gingerbread Balls, Pecan Pie, Chocolate Brownies, Key Lime Pie Pistachio Balls.
