These Maple Streusel Coffee Cake Squares from Amber Shea Crawley‘s Practically Raw Dessertsare a perfect summertime dessert as they don’t require a hot oven to prepare and they can be eaten right out of the fridge. If you’re not a fan of walnuts, almonds or extra pecans can be used in their place. If you happen to have mesquite powder on hand, add 2 teaspoons to the batter along with the coconut flour for a delightful flavor enhancement.
 
Ingredients:
·      1 cup dry walnuts

·      1 cup dry pecans

·      1/2 cup old-fashioned cup old-fashioned rolled oats

·      1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

·      1/8 teaspoon sea salt

·      1/4 cup coconut flour

·      1/2 cup pitted dates
·      1 teaspoon vanilla extract
·      1/4 cup + 1 tablespoon maple syrup, divided

·      1 tablespoon coconut palm sugar
Preparation:
1.    In a food processor, combine the walnuts and pecans and pulse a few times, until the nuts are roughly chopped. Add the oats, cinnamon, and salt, and pulse just until the nuts are coarsely ground (be careful not to overprocess). Transfer 2/3 cup of the nut mixture to a small bowl and set aside.
2.    Add the coconut flour to the remaining mixture in the food processor and pulse until just combined. Add the dates, 2 to 3 at a time, pulsing between additions until each date is well-incorporated. Add the vanilla and 1/4 cup of the maple syrup and pulse until the mixture clumps together. Transfer the batter to an 8-inch square baking pan (lined with plastic wrap for easy removal, if desired), using your fingers or a spatula to press it firmly and evenly into the pan.
3.    Add the coconut palm sugar and remaining tablespoon of maple syrup to the reserved nut-oat mixture in the small bowl. Use a fork to stir it together until it becomes sticky. Scatter the streusel evenly on top of the cake in the pan, and firmly press it down with your fingers or the bottom of a cup. Refrigerate until ready to cut and serve.
4.    Store the squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or in the freezer for up to a month.
Yield: 12 servings

From Practically Raw Desserts by Amber Shea Crawley. ©2013 Amber Shea Crawley. Used by permission from Vegan Heritage Press.

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