These vegan, gluten-free and refined sugar free bars are a process, but well worth it! Sweetened with maple syrup these are a healthier alternative to regular cheesecake. Ingredients like cashews and almond butter give these bars their rich consistency without the guilt!

Yield: 9 (2″ X 2″) bars

Ingredients:

Crust-

½ cup dates, pitted and chopped

1 cup oats

¼ cup ground flaxseed

1 Tablespoon coconut oil

1 Tablespoon maple syrup

½ teaspoon cinnamon

Sprinkle of salt

Filling-

1 ½ cup raw cashews, soaked overnight in water (then drain)

2 scoops collagen peptides (optional)

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon vanilla

2 Tablespoons coconut oil

¼ cup maple syrup

¼ cup almond butter

Sprinkle of salt

Topping-

1 teaspoon butter

1 apple (any kind), diced

¼ cup apple cider

Directions:

1. Line an 8 in X 8 in square baking pan with parchment paper or foil.

Crust-

• Place all ingredients in a blender or food processor and blend until a dough begins to form.
• Once combined, evenly press the mixture into the baking pan and set aside.

Filling-

• Place all ingredients in a blender and blend for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Once the mixture is smooth, evenly spread over the crust.

Topping-

• In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
• Add the apples and cider and cook for 5-10 minutes on medium-low heat until apples are softened and start to caramelize.
• Leave the apples to cool for 10 minutes before evenly pouring over the filling.

Freeze the bars for 1 hour before cutting!