Pumpkin Pie Raw Dessert

pumkinpiespice

One of the best ways to satisfy the old sweet tooth is to create raw desserts using a few simple ingredients. I generally combine almost equal amounts of dates and nuts. Dates are super sweet, have no added sugar and provide fiber, calcium and iron. Cashews are packed with protein and iron.

During our Fall Total Wellness Challenge I swore off baked goods and anything with white flour for 30 days. When I had a craving for dessert I pulled out my food processor and got to work. I made this sweet snack several times and even brought a batch to a party! This time I substituted pumpkin pie spice for chocolate and the result was quite delicious. The finished product tastes a little like caramel. Yum!

Ingredients

1 overflowing cup dates, pitted
3/4 cup raw cashews
1/4 cup pecans
1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1/4 tsp salt

Directions

Put the dates into a food processor and pulse until broken up but not paste-like. Add nuts, spice and salt. Continue processing until mixture become like dough. Bits of nuts should be visible.

Remove mixture from processor bowl. The easiest step is to roll the dough into small balls, about 1″. If you prefer bars, simply roll the dough into one large ball then put into a large ziplock bag. Using your hands or a rolling-pin, flatten the dough to about 1/2″ and form into a long bar. In both cases refrigerate for 30 minutes to set. If making squares carefully remove the bar from plastic and cut into desired size squares or bars.
If you don’t have pecans just use 1 cup of cashews.
Happy Fall!