Chocolate-Swirl Cheesecake Bars

On Saturday we had our family Thanksgiving.  We didn't have turkey on Thursday so we made our own turkey with my two grandmothers and some extended family.  For desert I made Chocolate-Swirl Cheesecake Bars.  They are raw and vegan but really, really yummy.  The trick is not to tell people what they are or what is in them before they try them. About half the people I gave them to didn't like them but that might have been because my food processor isn't that strong so there were small clumps. But I LOVE THEM!!

This recipe is somewhat labor intensive but it's a great recipe to make when you have the time. Make sure to give yourself time to soak the cashews for an hour and then let the bar sit for 4 hours before serving.



You mix together the crust ingredients and let it sit for 10 minutes while making the filling.  Then the filling gets spread out before adding the chocolate on top! It creates a delicious, sweet, creamy dessert!

Chocolate-Swirl Cheesecake Bars
Adapted from Detoxinista
Crust:
1 cup pecans
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1 tablespoon coconut oil
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
Filling:
1 cup raw cashews, soaked for at least an hour
1/2 cup zucchini, peeled and chopped
2 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons coconut oil
1/4 cup honey
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
Chocolate Swirl:
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted

Prepare the crust but processing the pecans in a mini (or regular) food processor until they are crumbly. Make sure not to process too long because they will turn into pecan butter.  Add in the rest of the crust ingredients and process until all combined.  Line the bottom of a 6 inch square container with plastic wrap and spread out the crust evenly. Place the crust in the freezer to set for at least 10 minutes.

Put all of the filling ingredients into a blender and blend until silky smooth.  Pour on top of the crust and spread out evenly.

Whisk together the Chocolate Swirl ingredients until smooth. Using a spoon pour 3 or 4 lines across the top of the cheesecake filling. Use a knife to drag the chocolate around to create a marbled look. Make sure to use a light touch so you don't dig into the crust. Let the bars set in the freezer for at least 4 hours before cutting and serving them. Enjoy!