Ingredients
Scale
Shortbread
- 1/2 cup coconut oil
- 1/2 cup maple sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 Tbsp. flaxseed meal mixed with 6 Tbsp. water
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- pinch fine sea salt
- 1 cup walnuts, toasted & chopped, divided
- 1/2 cup vegan semi-sweet chocolate chips
Date-Coconut-Walnut Topping
- 1 cup chopped dates soaked in 1 cup water for about 20 minutes (do not discard the water)
- 1/2 cup toasted unsweetened coconut flakes (small variety)
- 1/2 cup toasted, chopped walnuts (see above)
- 1 tsp. arrowroot powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375-degrees and line a 9-inch x 9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Prepare the topping first. In the bowl of a food processor, process the dates with the soaking water until broken down into small pieces. Add the arrowroot powder and pulse several times to incorporate. Scrape the dates into a small bowl and stir in the toasted coconut flakes and a 1/2 cup of the toasted walnuts. Set aside.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the coconut oil, maple sugar, applesauce, flaxseed meal mixture, and vanilla extract and process until thoroughly mixed.
- Carefully add the flour and sea salt and mix – starting on a slow speed – until a sticky dough is formed. Add the remaining 1/2 cup of walnuts and all of the chocolate chips and pulse a few times. Scrape the dough into the prepared pan and pat down until evenly distributed.
- Pour the date mixture on top of the dough and press it into the dough here and there. If you like, sprinkle a few additional chocolate chips on top. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until firm in the center. The edges will brown and crisp a bit.
- Let bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then carefully remove (lifting with the parchment paper) and set on a wire rack. Allow to cool completely before cutting into 16 squares.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 16
- Calories: 274
- Sugar: 14
- Sodium: 12
- Fat: 17
- Saturated Fat: 9
- Unsaturated Fat: 7
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Protein: 4
- Cholesterol: 0