Caramel Slice, Healthy Style!

Last weekend my sister Nicole made the most delicious vegan, gluten free, sugarless caramel slice for my baby shower! It was seriously amazing and a massive hit amongst all of my guests (and me of course). She came across the recipe on the website gluten-free-vegan-girl.com, so credit must truly go to this talented lady, but thank you Nicole for making such delicious and "healthy" treats for my baby shower! Well enough from me, here is the recipe as requested by many! :P 

Ingredients

Cashew "Shortbread" Crust

• 1/2 Cup Pitted Dates
• 1 1/2 Cups Raw Cashews
• 1-2 Tbsp Water
• 1 tsp Vanilla Essence

Caramel Layer

• 2 Cups Pitted Dates
• 1/2 Cup all-natural Peanut Butter
• 3-4 Tbsp Water
• 1 tsp Vanilla Essence
• Pinch of Salt

Chocolate Layer

• 1 Cup Pitted Dates
• 1/2 Cup all-natural Peanut Butter
• 1/2 Cup Chopped, Dry Roasted Peanuts (optional)
• 4-6 Tbsp Cacao Powder
• 2 Heaped Tbsps Coconut oil (solid form) melted into liquid
• Pinch of Salt

Directions

1. (Crust) Place all the ingredients for the crust, except for the water, in a food processor and process until you have a crumbly dough. If necessary, gradually add the water to reach a desired consistency. It should be able to hold together when pinched between your fingers. Line a rectangular baking dish with baking paper or glad wrap before firmly pressing down the dough using your palms. 
2. (Caramel Layer) Blend all the caramel ingredients together until you have a creamy paste and spread this over the base using a spatula. Place this in the freezer while preparing the final layer.
3. (Chocolate Layer) Melt coconut oil until liquid. Place all ingredients in a food processor and blend until you have a creamy paste. It will not be anything like regular melted chocolate and it should easily be pressed between your fingers without sticking. Press into a flat, rectangular shape and place on top of the caramel layer. Push down into all the corners of the tray. Using a pastry brush, brush a thin layer of water on top. (Optional - place chopped peanuts on top and push down until they have stuck into the chocolate layer, to ensure they stick properly). Place back in the freezer & allow to set overnight. To serve, simply cut into squares and serve!

Happy cooking every one! 

Love Martha 

Nutrition Republic :)