Apple Cinnamon Bars with Coconut Vanilla Frosting

Even though they look decadent, these bars are  a great afternoon energy boost or post workout snack. That’s the beauty of raw desserts. With the protein from the nuts, healthy fat from the nuts and coconut, and carbs from the dried fruit, these are truly filling, satisfying, AND nourishing.

Ingredients

Apple Cinnamon Bars

• 2 1/2 cups almonds
• 1 cup shredded coconut
• 1 cup finely chopped, packed dried apples
• 2/3 cup pitted packed dates, chopped
• 2 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2-4 teaspoons water, as needed

Coconut Vanilla Frosting

• 1/2 cup raw cashews
• 1/2 cup almond milk or water
• 3 tablespoons coconut nectar
• 3/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 6 drops vanilla medicine flower essence, optional but boosts vanilla taste a lot
• 1/4 cup + 1 tablespoon melted coconut butter
• 5 tablespoons melted coconut oil

Instructions

Apple Cinnamon Bars

1. Grind the almonds down to flour in a food processor.
2. Add the coconut, apples, dates, and cinnamon. Grind until completely broken down.
3. Add the vanilla and water, starting with 1 teaspoon water.
4. Process again. The mixture must hold together easily. Moist but not too wet.
5. Press the dough firmly into the bottom of a 9″ pan.

Coconut Vanilla Frosting

1. Blend the cashews, almond milk, coconut nectar, and vanilla in a high speed blender until completely smooth.
2. Add the coconut oil and butter. Blend to incorporate.
3. Pour the liquid mixture over the bars.
4. Chill in the fridge or freezer until the frosting is set.
5. Sprinkle with chopped dried apples and/or cinnamon.
6. Slice into bars.