Easy and Satisfying Paleo Pecan Squares
(gluten-free, dairy-free, grain-free, vegetarian)

You can have your cake and eat it too! Make these paleo pecan squares free of gluten, grains, dairy, refined sugar, and corn syrup. In place of those ingredients, use dates, coconut flakes, water, pecans, and cashews.

Total time: 35 min

Ingredients for 16 servings:

• 2 cups of pitted dates (divided)
• 1 1/2 cups of cashews (soaked for 1 hour and drained)
• 1 cup of unsweetened coconut flakes
• 3/4 cup of water
• 2 cups of pecans

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350ºF (177ºC).
2. Create the crust by combining half of the dates and all of the cashews and coconut flakes together in a food processor. Process until a thick, evenly distributed mixture forms.
3. Line a square baking dish with parchment paper. Press the crust mixture down evenly into the dish. Take some time to really pack it in there so the crust doesn't crumble.
4. Take the remaining dates and finely chop them into pieces. Place chopped dates in a saucepan with the water. Place over medium-low heat and stir continuously until a thick gooey mixture forms. Remove from heat and stir in about 3/4 of the pecans. Then transfer the mix into the baking dish over the top of the crust. Press the remaining pecans evenly into the top to make it pretty.
5. Place in the oven and bake for 20 minutes.
6. Remove from oven and let cool completely before lifting the parchment paper out of the dish and cutting into squares. Enjoy!

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to four days. Freeze for up to three months.

1 serving is one square. An 8 x 8-inch baking dish was used for 16 servings.

Nutritional facts about this recipe that make you feel healthy:

Good for Heart Health

This recipe is rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats from cashews and pecans, which are known to support heart health by reducing harmful cholesterol levels and increasing beneficial cholesterol. The presence of potassium also contributes to maintaining a healthy blood pressure.

Good for Digestive Health

The high fiber content in this recipe, primarily from dates and pecans, aids digestion and promotes a healthy gut. Fiber is essential for maintaining regular bowel movements and can help prevent constipation.

Good for Bone Health

The recipe contains calcium and magnesium, two essential minerals for bone health. Calcium is necessary for the development and maintenance of strong bones. At the same time, magnesium is involved in bone formation and influences the activity of osteoblasts and osteoclasts, cells responsible for bone health.