Get ready to embark on a refreshing and tangy culinary journey with this zesty raw lemon slice recipe. Bursting with the bright flavours of lemon, this vegan dessert is not only delicious but also a healthier option for those seeking a sweet treat without the guilt. Raw desserts have gained popularity for their simplicity and natural ingredients, making them a perfect choice for vegans and health-conscious individuals.

The Vibrant Ingredients

Before we dive into the recipe, let's explore the key ingredients that bring this zesty raw lemon slice to life:

• Almonds and Walnuts: These nuts form the rich and creamy base of our raw lemon slice, providing a wonderful texture and a dose of healthy fats.

• Lemons: Freshly squeezed lemon juice and lemon zest are the stars here, infusing the dessert with a zingy, citrusy punch!

• Desiccated Coconut: Shredded coconut adds depth of flavour and provides a pleasant coconut undertone to the slice.

• Maple Syrup: Just a touch of maple syrup balances the tartness of the lemons and provides a touch of natural sweetness to this raw lemon slice.

• Vanilla Extract: For a hint of warmth and aroma, vanilla extract works its magic.

• Coconut Oil: To help firm up the slice and enhance the creaminess.

  
  

Soaking cashews is a crucial step in many vegan recipes, including this zesty raw lemon slice. It's done to achieve a smooth and creamy texture in the final product. Here's why it's important:

Why Soak Cashews:

1. Improved Texture: Cashews are quite hard when they're dry. Soaking them in water softens them significantly, making them easier to blend. This is especially important in no-bake recipes like this one.

2. Enhanced Creaminess: Soaking the cashews allows them to absorb water, which, in turn, helps create a smoother and creamier texture. This is ideal for creating the velvety consistency in this zesty raw lemon slice recipe.

Variations to Explore

While this zesty raw lemon slice is a delightful vegan treat on its own, there are several ways to get creative with this recipe:

Add Berries:

Fold in fresh berries such as raspberries or blueberries into the lemon layer for a fruity twist.

Coconut-Lime:

Swap out the lemon for lime to create a zesty coconut-lime slice.

Nutty Crunch:

Sprinkle chopped nuts like pistachios or almonds on top for added texture and flavour.

Chocolate Drizzle:

Melt some dairy-free chocolate and drizzle it over the top for an indulgent touch.

Feel free to experiment and make this zesty raw lemon slice your own.

A burst of citrus, this zesty raw lemon slice is not only vegan and healthier but also a taste of pure delight. With a simple preparation and an array of flavour variations to explore, this dessert is a great choice for those who crave the refreshing and invigorating taste of lemon. So, embrace the zing, and savour every mouth-watering bite of this vibrant treat. Your taste buds will thank you!

INGREDIENTS

BASE:

• 1 cup almonds

• 1 cup walnuts

• 1/2 cup desiccated coconut

• 1/4 cup maple syrup

TOPPING:

• 2 cup cashews (soaked for 2hrs)⁠

• 300ml coconut cream⁠

• Zest and juice of 2 lemons⁠

• 1/3 cup maple syrup⁠

• 2 tbsp coconut oil⁠

• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract⁠

• A pinch of turmeric powder to colour⁠

METHOD

• Soak cashews for at least 2 hours⁠

• Line a baking dish with baking paper⁠

• Blend all the base ingredients in a food processor until it's slightly crumbly, but still sticks together⁠

• Press the base mix into the baking dish.⁠

• For topping: Blend all ingredients in a food processor until smooth⁠

• Pour over base and allow to set in freezer for a few hours, or overnight for best results⁠

• Store in freezer