Peach Pecan Bars
 
Prep time
Cook time
Total time
 
Serves: 16 squares
INGREDIENTS:
  • Base layer
  • 1 cup pecans, soaked for 3-8 hours and rinsed well
  • 1 cup dates, pitted
  • ½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
  • ¼ cup hemp hearts
  • ¼ cup freshly squeezed orange juice (from 1 orange) or coconut water
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • Middle layer
  • 4 peaches, peeled and sliced thinly (slices don't have to be uniform, it's easier to arrange if they not too perfect)
  • Top layer
  • 1 packed cup cashews, chopped and soaked for 3-8 hours and rinsed well
  • 1½ packed cups peaches, peeled and diced finely
  • 2 tablespoons chia seeds
  • 2 tablespoons raw honey or maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons coconut water (or fresh orange juice)
DIRECTIONS:
  1. Time permitting it is best to soak the nuts for 3-8 hours in advance to assembling the bars. It makes them easier to break down, improving the texture, and it also helps make them easier for our bodies to digest. Rinse them thoroughly in a sieve and shake them a couple times to get rid of excess water (don’t worry about drying them).
  2. Place the base layer ingredients in a food processor and pulse until blended and a dough is formed. If you don’t have a food processor it will take a bit longer- mince the nuts and dates and mash them together with the hemp seeds, coconut and orange juice using a potato masher or kneading motion with your hands. Set up a baking dish (around 9x9") with a plastic wrap or parchment paper lining. Place the base layer in and pat down until it is evenly dispersed.
  3. Place the peaches over the base layer in two thin layers, arranging the peaches so that they are touching without any space in between. Press down lightly all over the top, ensuring that they are compact.
  4. Blend the top layer ingredients in a food processor or blender until very smooth. Pour the mixture over the peaches and use a spatula to gently level it out.
  5. Freeze the dish for 3 hours so that it hardens up, then remove, cut and lift the squares out and store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to a few months.
Recipe by Love from the Land at https://www.lovefromtheland.com/peach-pecan-bars/