These berry chocolate “cheesecake” squares are completely delicious and easy to make. They are free from all dairy and happen to be gluten and soy-free as well. They are full of anthocyanins from the berries, healthy fats from the nuts, and antioxidants from the chocolate.
1 1/2cupsof raw cashews, soaked overnight in water
1/4teaspoonof sea salt
1/4cupof agave or maple syrup
1Tablespoonof lemon juice
1teaspoonof vanilla
1/2cupof melted coconut oil
1/2cupof berries of choice (blackberries, blueberries, strawberries; frozen are ok)
the chocolate:
3/4cupof chocolate chips
1/8cupof almond milk (or other non-dairy milk)
Instructions
Begin by making the crust. In a food processor, process the walnuts, almonds, sea salt, and cinnamon until a fine crumb is achieved. Add the pitted, coarsely chopped dates and syrup and process again until it comes together and becomes sticky. If you pinch the mixture it should hold together.
Place parchment paper or plastic wrap into a 8'x 8' square baking dish, letting it hang over the sides a few inches so you can lift it out later. Press nut mixture firmly into the bottom in an even layer. Put it the freezer to chill.
Put chocolate chips in a small heat safe bowl. In a small saucepan heat non-dairy milk and pour over chocolate, stirring to melt. Will take 30 seconds to 1 minute. Set aside. In a blender, put all filling ingredients. Blend 1-3 minutes until completely creamy, scraping down the sides as needed. Add a little water if needed to make it totally smooth.
Pour filling on top of nut mixture, and spread chocolate on top of that. Cover whole dish in plastic wrap and place in the freezer for at least one hour, but up to overnight. To serve, remove from freezer and lift the entire dessert out onto a cutting board. Remove parchment/plastic wrap from the bottom and cut into cubes.
Notes
Try and use fresh berries when you can. They are drier than frozen and work best, but frozen will work in a pinch. Just thaw and drain them well.