Easy Vegan Dessert: Sesame Fig Squares

Prep time: 5 minutes
Bake time: 25 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Yield: 12 squares

Ingredients:

• 240 g (3/4 cup) natural jam
• 2 Tbsp chia seeds
• 140 g (1/2 cup +1 tsp) tahini paste
• 160 g ( 1 cup + 1/3 cup) whole-wheat flour
• 40 g (1/4 cup) hemp seeds/sesame seeds
• 120 g maple/apple syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 Tbsp plant-based milk if needed
• 1/4 tsp salt

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (375°F)
2. In a small bowl, mix jam and chia seeds, set aside. The seeds will expand a little and thicken up the jam while you prepare the crust.
3. In another medium bowl, add whole-wheat flour, tahini paste, hemp/sesame seeds, syrup, salt and vanilla extract or vanilla powder. The dough must be moist without being too wet. It should stick together easily. If it is too dry, add 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of plant-based milk. Set aside a 1⁄3 cup of the resulting dough.
4. Sprinkle the dough evenly in the prepared pan. Press it down evenly all over the bottom of the pan. Cover with the jam mixture, spreading it all over with spatula. Crumble the reserved dough on top, pressing slightly on top of the jam.
5. Bake 25 minutes or until the crumbs on top are golden brown.

Notes:

• Place on a wire rack and cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving.
• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.