Sticky Vegan and Gluten-Free Gingerbread Date Blondies
Prep Time 15 minutesminutes
Cook Time 23 minutesminutes
Total Time 1 hourhour10 minutesminutes
Servings 8servings
Calories 300kcal
Ingredients
for the date mixture: 1 1/4 cups packed medjool dates (pitted) 1/3 cup canned coconut milk (full-fat) 1/4 cup water 1 tsp vanilla extract for the blondie batter: 1/2 cup almond flour 1/3 cup gluten-free oat flour 1/4 cup tapioca starch (helps with binding and chewiness) 1 tsp baking powder 1/4 tsp baking soda 1/2 tsp sea salt 1 tbsp ground ginger 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon 1/4 tsp nutmeg 1/4 tsp ground cloves wet ingredients: 1/3 cup coconut sugar 1/4 cup almond butter (or tahini for a nut-free option) 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted (or avocado oil) 1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water (flax egg) 2 tbsp molasses for the frosting: 8 ounces vegan cream cheese (softened) 2 tbsp maple syrup 1 tsp cinnamon 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
prepare the date mixture: -blend the pitted dates, coconut milk, water, and vanilla extract in a blender or food processor until smooth and sticky. -transfer the mixture to a large mixing bowl.
make the flax egg: -in a small bowl, mix the ground flaxseed with water. let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken.
combine the wet ingredients: -add the flax egg, coconut sugar, almond butter, melted coconut oil, and molasses to the bowl with the date mixture. mix well until fully combined and smooth.
prepare the dry ingredients: -in a separate bowl, whisk together the almond flour, oat flour, tapioca starch, baking powder, baking soda, sea salt, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
combine wet and dry: -gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a thick, sticky batter forms.
bake: -preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). line an 8 x 8 pan with parchment paper. -spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. -bake for 22–26 minutes, or until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few sticky crumbs (not wet batter).
make the frosting: -in a medium bowl, beat together the vegan cream cheese, maple syrup, cinnamon, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
frost the blondies: -allow the blondies to cool completely before spreading the frosting evenly over the top. slice into squares and enjoy!