Post by Megan Stulberg

I’m vegan because I love animals! I believe that they are not ours for consumption, nor should they be viewed as a commodity. I can’t say I’ve thrown too many dog birthday parties, but for this special pup I jumped at the chance to make a cake he and I could both enjoy. We ate too much and spoiled our lunches.

INGREDIENTS:

For the base…

• 1 cup raw walnuts
• 1 cup medjool dates, pitted
• 1 tsp pink mountain salt

For the frosting…

• 2 cups raw cashews, soaked 1 hour
• 1/4 cup organic maple syrup
• 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
• 1 tbsp organic vanilla extract
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Dash of cold water, as needed

For the topping…

• 1-2 cups fresh fruit topping of your choice! I used organic strawberries and blueberries.

DIRECTIONS:

1. Line the base and sides of a round cake or pie pan with plastic wrap.
2. In a high-speed food processor or blender combine walnuts, dates and salt.
3. Press mixture firmly down into bottom of pan with fork to form even crust.
4. Set pan aside in freezer for now and allow for crust to set.
5. Drain cashews.
6. Blend together cashews, maple syrup, coconut oil, vanilla, lemon juice and cold water.
7. Remove pan from freezer. Spoon frosting into pan and spread over crust in an even layer.
8. Place pan back in freezer and leave overnight.
9. Remove pan in morning. Lift edges of plastic wrap up to pop cake out of pan. Carefully plate and let thaw in refrigerator at least 1 hour.
10. Add fresh fruit immediately before serving. Slice. Enjoy!

Makes approximately 6-8 servings.