Vegan Date/Fig Bars

 

Dough

2 tbsp. ground flax seed

1/4 cup almond milk

1/2 cup olive oil

3/4 cup coconut sugar

1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

1 3/4 cups whole wheat pastry flour

1/2 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. salt

Date/Fig Filling

1 lb. dried figs or dates

2/3 cup water

1/4 cup agave nectar

2 tsp. finely grated citrus zest (I used lemon)

 

Instructions

Line an 8 x 8 square metal brownie pan with enough aluminum foil so that it folds over the sides of the pan by about an inch. Spray bottom of covered pan with a little non-stick cooking spray. Preheat oven to 350 F.

In a large saucepan combine figs/dates, water, agave nectar and lemon zest. Bring to boil over medium heat, reduce to a simmer and stir occasionally. When figs begin to soften in about 8 to 10 minutes continue to cook but mash figs with a firm spatula or a fork to create a chunky, moist paste.

If mixture starts to look overly dry add two tbsp. of water and stir, dribbling in additional water to mixture if necessary. Remove filling from heat and set aside. Puree in a food processor until desired texture is reached.

In a large mixing bowl combine ground flax seed, almond milk,  oil, coconut sugar and vanilla extract until smooth, mixing for about 1 1/2 minutes. Sift in whole wheat pastry flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Stir to form a soft dough, gather into a ball with your hands and divide into two sections. Shape each section of dough into a square shape about an inch thick
.
Place one half of dough between two large sheets of waxed paper. 

Peel off to top layer of waxed paper and flip dough directly into the prepared baking pan. Remove top layer of waxed paper and press the dough firmly into the pan. Spread entire fig/date filling over the dough, making sure to evenly spread all the way to the edges. Prepare the top crust with the remaining dough the same method as bottom crust, flipping on top of filling and pressing dough evenly and all the way to the edges.

Bake for 20 to 22 minutes until crust is golden and puffed. Remove from oven and place pan on wire rack to cool. When completely cool remove bars from pan by grabbing the edges of the foil and lift everything out of pan and flip over onto cutting board. Peel off foil and slice into 12 bars. Store in a tightly covered container.