Servings: 10-12 (because it's rich, you want to cut small slices)
Author: Pamela
Ingredients
Crust:
1cupraw almondsor pecans or walnuts
1cupsoft Medjool datespitted (about 10)
¼cupunsweetened shredded coconut
¼teaspoonsea salt
Filling:
3cups1 pound raw cashews, soaked for at least 5 hours or overnight, and drained
2/3cupfresh lemon juice
2/3cupunrefined coconut oilmelted (if you have a Vitamix, no need to melt)
2/3cupraw honeynot vegan or Grade A maple syrup (vegan, but not raw)
Seeds from 2 whole vanilla beansor 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
2cupsfresh strawberriesmy preference or raspberries (thaw completely if frozen)
Instructions
Place almonds, dates, coconut and salt in a food processor and process until the mixture holds together (it should be sticky). Transfer the mixture onto the bottom of a 9” spring-form pan and press firmly, making sure that the edges are well packed and that the base is relatively even throughout.
In a Vita-Mix or food processor, place all filling ingredients (except strawberries) and process on high until very smooth. This may take a minute or two.
Pour about 3 cups of the mixture onto the crust and smooth with a spatula. Add the strawberries to the Vita-Mix/food processor and blend until smooth. Pour the strawberry mixture onto the first layer of filling. Place in the freezer until solid. Cover with foil to protect from freezer burn.
To serve, remove from the freezer at least 60 minutes prior to eating. After it has defrosted, store in the refrigerator until ready to eat. Run a thin knife between the cake and the pan and then release the springform ring. Serve on its own, or with fresh fruit. Store leftovers in the refrigerator if you plan to eat within a few days. Otherwise, store leftovers in the freezer.
Notes
Unfortunately, there is no substitute for the cashews which become very creamy when blended, nor the coconut oil, which solidifies when refrigerated and gives the cake its firmness, otherwise it would be a gloopy mess.