Caramel Vanilla Bean Cookie Slices

I was a bit hesitant on making this recipe, as I have never experiment with gluten-free baking before, but it turned out way better than I expected! These Caramel Vanilla Bean Cookie Slices are to die for.

The vanilla bean in the cashew filling is so rich and decadent that it pairs perfectly with the blondie. The date caramel filling is actually leftovers from my last recipe I posted!

Blondie Base 

Date Caramel Filling

Vanilla Bean Cashew Cream 

It is also……

Vegan + Gluten-free.

Caramel Vanilla Bean Cookie Slices

---

By: healthienut     Yields: 1 loaf pan or approx. 10 slices

Ingredients: 

Blondie bars

• 1 1/2 cups gluten-free flour blend (I used Minimalist Baker’s recipe) 
• 1/2 tsp baking powder 
• 1/2 tsp salt 
• 1/4 cup melted coconut oil 
• 1/4 cup creamy nut butter (almond, peanut, etc.)
• 1 flax egg (1 tbsp flax seed meal + 3 tbsp water) 
• 1/2 cup coconut sugar 
• 1/4 cup + 2 tbsp almond milk 
• 1 tbsp maple syrup 

Date Caramel Filling

• About 1/2 cup of Date Caramel Recipe

Cashew Filling

• 1 cup cashews (soaked in boiling water for 2-3 hrs) 
• 1/3 cup coconut cream (from chilled canned coconut milk)
• 1/3 cup coconut liquid (from chilled canned coconut milk)
• Seeds from 1/2 vanilla bean 
• 1 tsp lemon zest 
• 1 tsp lemon juice 
• 2 tbsp maple syrup 
• Pinch salt

Directions:

Blondie

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees (180 celsius). Grease a loaf pan or line with parchment paper. 
2. In a large mixing bowl combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Prepare flax egg by whisking together flax seed meal and water, set aside for 5 min. 
3. In a smaller mixing bowl whisk together the rest of the ingredients, including flax egg. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, stir together the wet mixture into the dry. 
4. Pour batter into the loaf pan and spread evenly. Bake for 20 min. or until toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool for 15 min. Set aside. 

Date Caramel

1. Prepare the date caramel if not done so already. Make sure the caramel is completely cooled before spreading over blondies. Once blondies are cooled, spread  the caramel over the blondies in an even layer. Set aside. 

Cashew Cream

1. In a blender combine all the ingredients. Pour filling over the caramel. Chill in the freezer for 1-2 hrs or until firm. 
2. (Optional) Sprinkle over lemon zest and butterfly pea flowers for color.
3. Cut into slices, & enjoy! 

*Store in the freezer and place parchment paper over to prevent freezer burn. 

*Only use the seeds from the vanilla bean, by slicing it in half and scraping out the seeds using the back of a knife.