Raw Desserts

My mom and I are doing a 30-day no sugar challenge and in order to satisfy my need for something sweet I have been experimenting with a few raw recipes. These taste fabulous, are very filling, and leave me quite satisfied. They also happen to be egg/dairy/gluten free by virtue of being raw. Here's what I've been making:

Cardamom Tapioca Parfaits with Mango and Toasted Coconut

Strawberries and Cream

Mexican Chocolate Banana Coconut Cream Pie

I have had several requests for the banana cream pie recipe so here it is!

Crust for a 9" tart

1 c raw walnuts

1 c raw almonds

1 c wide-chip unsweetened coconut

11 dates

2 T really good cocoa powder

2 T light agave (you can substitute additional dates to increase the sweetness)

1 t pure vanilla extract

pinch of salt

Combine all ingredients in a food processor and blend until it comes together in a ball. Taste and adjust for sweetness/chocolate flavor. Press into a 9" tart pan with a removable bottom. Cover and refrigerate.

Filling

1 1/2 c raw walnuts (soaked for at least 2 hours in cold water)

5 to 10 dates (adjust according to desired sweetness - may also add some agave syrup_

1 banana

1/4 to 1/2 c lite coconut milk

1 to 2 t pure vanilla extract

1/4 to 1/2 t cinnamon

1 t fresh lemon juice

Combine all ingredients in a blender and process until smooth and fluffy, adding more coconut milk as needed to reach desired consistency.

Assembly

2 to 3 bananas

1 oz unsweetened chocolate

1 t to 1 T agave or honey (mixed with melted unsweetened chocolate to desired sweetness)

Cocoa powder and Cinnamon

Slice bananas to cover bottom of tart. Top with 1/2 of the filling and repeat. Dollop melted chocolate all over top layer of filling and gently smooth to cover tart. Sprinkle with cocoa powder and cinnamon until lightly covered. Freeze for 20 minutes and then serve.