DATE AND CASHEW SLICE (GLUTEN FREE & NO BAKE)

Since starting the Loving the Tefal Cuisine Companion group 2 years ago, I have noticed that a lot of members seem to have dietary challenges and being gluten free (for either medical or lifestyle reasons) seems to be the most common.  So I have decided to start posting up some gluten free recipes to help these people out.  I will start with what I know - the sweet stuff and then branch out into proper meals.  This slice is amazing.  Honestly, when I had a taste of the filling I was blown away - I could have eaten the whole lot with a spoon, it was that good. Converted from an AWW recipe.

DATE AND CASHEW SLICE (GLUTEN FREE & NO BAKE) 

1 3/4 cups of raw cashews
1 cup coconut flour
1/4 cup coconut oil melted
1/4 cup maple syrup
1 tbsp golden syrup
1 1/2 cups fresh dates, pitted
1/4 coconut oil, melted (extra)
1/3 golden syrup (extra)
pinch of salt

1 tsp vanilla essence

Topping
1/3 cup cocoa powder
1/2 cup coconut oil, melted
1/4 cup maple syrup

1. Soak cashews in cold water for one hour and drain.
2. Grease and line a 16 x 26cm slice tin with baking paper and allow paper to extend over the sides of the tin.
3. Place 1/4 cup of the soaked cashews, coconut flour, coconut oil, maple syrup and golden syrup in the bowl with the kneading blade. Pulse for 10sec. Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Pulse for a further 15 seconds.
4. Press dough firmly into the tin. Place tin in the freezer for ten minutes whilst making the filling.
5. Don't bother washing the jug. Place remaining cashews, dates,extra coconut oil and golden syrup, salt and vanilla essence in the bowl with the kneading blade. Pulse for 10sec then scrape down the sides. Press the turbo button and hold for 15-20 seconds until the mix is a smooth as possible.
6. Spread filling over the base evenly and then place in the freezer for 10 minutes whilst making the topping.
7. Mix the cocoa powder, coconut oil and maple syrup together. When the base and filling are chilled, pour the topping over and spread evenly.  Chill for 2-4 hours or overnight.

Note: if you prefer you can substitute cacao powder for the cocoa.