RAW PUMPKIN BARS - GLUTEN AND VEGAN

RAW PUMPKIN BARS - GLUTEN AND VEGAN

By onegreenplanet.org - Erin Druga

Bottom Layer:

300g/1 1/2 cups pitted dates

75g/1/2 cup pecans

40g/1/4 cup walnuts

20g/1/4 cup shredded coconut

80g/1/4 cup organic maple syrup

Top Layer:

225g/1 1/2 cup soaked cashews*

120ml/1/2 cup cold water

55g/1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree

1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 1/2 teaspoons organic maple syrup

Toppings (Optional):

2 tablespoons pecans

1 tablespoon walnuts

Drizzle of melted chocolate

Instructions

Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper and set aside.  Combine bottom layer ingredients (dates, pecans, walnuts, coconut, syrup) together in a food processor and pulse for at least 30 seconds until everything is mixed together.  Transfer mixture to dish and use a spatula to flatten it out. Place dish in refrigerator.  For the top layer, combine cashews and water together in a blender and pulse until cashews form a creamy texture.  Transfer to a large bowl and add pumpkin, cinnamon and syrup and stir either by hand or with an electric mixer.  Pour over top of bottom layer, add toppings if you wish and allow at least 30 minutes for bars to harden.  Cut into bars and enjoy!