Raw Layered Date Bar

Ok. Let's be serious now. This is one of my FAVORITE desserts. Hands down-top 5!!!

This dessert is RAW. This dessert is HEALTHY. This dessert has great protein for after workouts. This dessert will satisfy your sweet tooth and not make you feel or say..."Oh why did I eat that?" This dessert is filled with GOODNESS. Period. Point. Blank. Good. Ness. Even my kids love this one!! And let's just say, if I haven't convinced you enough already...this pan is gone within 2 days. Yep. I am actually surprised it lasts that long. But it is rich and satisfying, so one slice will keep you happy for at least 2 hours or so. Oh and this dessert is VEGAN. Yep, Vegan can taste soooo good!

Once I open a restaurant, I will serve this for sure! 

Ingredients:

1st Layer: (Nut Layer)
1 cup almonds (I like to *soak mine overnight-Benefits)
1 cup pecans (or you can use walnuts or hazelnuts-which I also *soak)
1/2 cup hemp seeds (optional)
2 cups medjool dates (always remove pits and hard top. Dates with the pits still in them remain moist and are easier to use)
2 Tb almond butter

*You can dehydrate the nuts after you soak them (optional), but keep them raw. That is where all the nutrition is.

Add nuts and hemp seeds to food processor until small pieces (not finely ground). Add dates and almond butter and mix til combined. Press down into 9x9 square pan. *If your nuts are still moist from soaking, you might not use as many dates.

2nd Layer: (Caramel Layer)
2 cups medjool dates
1/2 cup almond milk or water
6 Tb almond butter
2 Tb 100% maple syrup
1 Tb coconut oil
1/2 cup finely shredded unsweetened coconut (optional)

Mix in food processor until well combined. If too thick, add a tablespoon of almond milk to thin. Spread on 1st layer.

3rd layer: (Cacao Layer)
1 cup medjool dates
3 Tb cacao powder
2-4 Tb maple syrup
1 tsp coconut oil
1 heaping Tb almond butter
2 Tb chia seeds (optional)
1/4 cup almond milk (or little more at a time to thin if needed)

Mix in food processor until well combined. Spread on 2nd layer.

Refrigerate. This will firm it up, if you can wait that long. I have to eat a piece before I put it in the frig. If you eat it with your fingers, you will definitely be licking them because this is a soft bar. Enjoy!!