Raw Chai Bars

Raw Chai Bars

8 servings Total Time: 30 min.

Base:

½ cup raw cashews

1 cup dates (pitted)

1/3 cup raisins

¾ cup raw pecans

¼ tsp sea salt

½ tsp cinnamon

¼ tsp ground ginger

nutmeg (freshly grated)

2 pinches ground cardamom

ground cloves (about 1/16 tsp)

¾ tsp pure vanilla extract (or the seeds scraped from 1 vanilla bean)

1 ½ tsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)

½ tsp organic lemon zest

Frosting:

½ cup raw coconut butter (packed, not oil)

¼ cup pure maple syrup

1 tsp apple cider vinegar

2 pinches cinnamon

2 pinches sea salt

1. Line a loaf dish or similarly sized small pan with parchment paper.
2. Place the cashews, dates, and raisins in the food processor.
3. Pulse until the nuts and fruits are crumbly, then add the pecans and remaining ingredients and process again, scraping down the sides of the bowl a couple of times, until the mixture has come together and becomes sticky (don't over-process, as pecans can make mixture too oily if overworked)
4. Transfer the mixture to the prepared loaf dish
5. Press the mixture firmly into the pan (using a small piece of parchment is easiest)
6. Prepare the frosting: Combine all the ingredients in a mini food processor, or mix very well by stirring in a bowl). Smooth the frosting over the base.
7. Refrigerate for an hour or more until set. Cut into bar or squared and serve!