I just finished 2 days of private classes with a client from Spain and we had a bunch of leftover bits from our time together so I went ahead and smashed that into these lovely little bars. A rich, deep brownie layered with refreshing, creamy vanilla and cherry cheesecake and covered in an almond textured chocolate. These are a delight and should be generously shared with people you love.
Ingredients
Fermented Cashew
250gcashews, soaked
2tspprobiotic powder
100gwater, or just enough to blend
Vanilla Cheesecake
1recipeFermented Cashewabove
150g(¾ cup) xylitol, powdered
40glemon juice
150gcoconut oil, melted
6-8dropsvanilla medicine flower extract or 1 tsp vanilla beansscraped from the pod
Cherry Layer
¼cupfreeze dried tart cherries
1tspbeetroot powderif needed to achieve bright colour
Almond Crunch Brownies
35gheaped oat flour
35g⅓ cup level ground almonds
35g¼ cup heaped cacao powder
35g(heaped ¼ cup)coconut sugar
1tsptamari
35galmond butter
2tbspcacao buttermelted
35g(3-4)fresh medjool dates, pitted
1-2tbspwateras needed to achieve texture
50g(¼ cup) activated or candied almonds
Chocolate Almond Coating
make this once the bars are set and ready to dip
100g(3.5 oz) cacao paste
40gcoconut oil
40g maple or honey
40gchopped almonds
pinchsalt
Instructions
Fermented Cashew
Blend the cashews with the probiotic powder and just enough water to create a thick mixture.
Transfer to a mixing bowl, press cling film or greaseproof paper right down on top of the mixture so as to not form a crust on top and pop in a warm space for 12 - 24 hours.
The mixture should be aerated and slightly sour smelling when you check on it.
Vanilla and Cherry Cheesecakes
Combine first set of ingredients in a high speed blender until smooth.
Pour ⅛ - ¼ of the vanilla into a container and place in the fridge to set, this will be for piping on top.
Pour the other ½ of the vanilla into a container and set aside at room temp until ready to pour onto the brownie base.
Add the cherry layer ingredients and blend to mix well.
Transfer the mix to a bowl and set aside at room temp until ready to use.
Almond Crunch Brownies
In a food processor combine the first set of ingredients and pulse.
Add the second set of ingredients and blend to combine. The mix should just come together in the processor, but not be so moist it forms a ball. If you think it needs more liquid, add 1 tsp at a time, process and add more if needed.
Pulse through the almonds right at the end.
Line a square baking tin with cling film -- mine was L 18cm x W 18cm x H 7cm
Press the brownie mix into the tin and smooth it down with the back of a spoon.
Pour on the vanilla cheesecake layer and sprinkle the top with candied or activated almonds to cover. Gently press them so they stick into the cheesecake as it sets.
Pop in the freezer to set this first layer, about 30 mins or until the middle is firm to the touch.
Spread on the cherry cheesecake layer and smooth it down with an offset spatula.
Pop the whole tray in the freezer to set again, about 30 minutes or until middle is firm to the touch.
Cut into rectangles or your choice of shape and place on a greaseproof paper lined tray. Pop in the fridge while you prepare the chocolate coating.
Chocolate Almond Coating
Melt the cacao paste and coconut oil over a double boiler.
Remove from the heat and whisk in the remaining ingredients.
Grab the bars out of the fridge, pick one up from the bottom (brownie) and dip the bar in so the entire thing gets coated. Allow excess to drip off before turning right side up and placing on a greaseproof paper on lined baking tray.
Continue until all bars are enrobed and then pop back in the freezer to set, about 5 mins.
Once the chocolate is set, pipe some vanilla cheesecake on top and serve right away of store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days. Store in the freezer for several months.