Healthy Key Lime Pie Energy Bars: Easy Vegan & Gluten-Free Snack! 🌟🍋🥥

Ingredients:
For the Base:
1 cup / 140g raw almonds or cashews
1 cup / 150g Medjool dates, pitted
Pinch of salt

For the Key Lime Filling:
1 1/2 cups / 210g raw cashews, soaked for at least 4 hours or overnight, drained
1/2 cup / 120ml full-fat coconut milk (from a can, refrigerated) or coconut cream
1/3 cup / 80ml fresh key lime juice (or regular lime juice)
1/4 cup / 60ml maple syrup or agave nectar
2 tablespoons / 30ml melted coconut oil
1 tablespoon / 6g lime zest (from key limes or regular limes)
Pinch of salt

Directions:
1. Line an 8x8 inch (20x20 cm) square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
2. Make the base: Add the almonds/cashews to a food processor and pulse until coarsely ground. Add the pitted Medjool dates and a pinch of salt. Process until the mixture sticks together when pressed between your fingers. If too dry, add another date or a teaspoon of water.
3. Press the base mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Place the pan in the freezer while you make the filling.
4. Make the filling: Rinse the food processor bowl. Add the soaked and drained cashews, coconut milk/cream, lime juice, maple syrup/agave, melted coconut oil, lime zest, and salt. Blend on high speed until completely smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed. This may take a few minutes.
5. Pour the key lime filling over the chilled base in the pan. Spread it out evenly.
6. Cover the pan and freeze for at least 4-6 hours, or until the filling is firm.
7. Once firm, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Let them sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before slicing into squares or bars with a sharp knife.
8. Store the bars in an airtight container in the freezer. Let them thaw slightly before eating.

Recipe Information:
Preparation Time: 25 minutes (plus soaking time) | Freezing Time: 4-6 hours | Total Time: 4.5 - 6.5 hours | Calories per Serving: Approx. 250-300 per bar (if cut into 9) | Number of Servings: 9-12 bars

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