Gluten-free date crumble slice
This date crumble slice is a gluten-free and vegan dessert that is full of flavour and texture. Beware, it might not last very long!
Makes: 6 large slices or 12 small slices
Ingredients:
- 320 g (11 ½ oz) dried dates, pitted and roughly chopped
- 50 ml (1¾ fl oz) maple syrup
- 80 ml (2½ fl oz) freshly squeezed orange juice
- 165 g (6 oz) raw walnuts
- 145 ml (5 fl oz) tinned coconut milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 80 g (2 ¾ oz) coconut sugar
- 345 g (12 oz) gluten-free plain (all-purpose) flour
- ¼ teaspoon ground sea salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon bicarbonate of soda (baking soda)
Method:
1. Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C fan forced/350°F). Line the base and sides of a 17cm by 17cm square cake tin with baking paper, ensuring the paper hangs over the sides of the tin for easy removal.
2. Combine the dates, maple syrup and 120 ml of water in a medium saucepan over a medium–high heat. Bring to the boil, stirring frequently, for about 3 minutes or until the dates are pulpy. Remove from heat, stir in the orange juice and set aside to cool.
3. Pulse the walnuts in a food processor until a flour forms. Set aside in a large bowl.
4. Blend the coconut milk, vanilla and sugar in a food processor until combined. Add the flour, sea salt, cinnamon, bicarbonate of soda and walnut flour. Process until a dough forms, being careful not to overmix.
5. Evenly press three-quarters of the dough into the base of the prepared pan. Spread the date mixture over the top.
6. Crumble the remaining dough mixture over the date mixture so the dates are completely covered, pressing the dough gently into the date mixture with your fingertips.
7. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until golden. Allow to cool completely in the tin.
8. Remove from the tin and slice. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Note:
- You can replace the walnuts with gluten-free oats to make this recipe nut-free.
This is an edited extract from The Healthy Convert by Nicole Maree published by Hardie Grant Books RRP $24.99 and is available in stores nationally.
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