Pretty as a picture, these bite-size bars make an ideal dessert for a cocktail party. They require no cooking, can be prepped in advance and will delight all your guests—especially those who prefer to be gluten-free.

Makes 18 bars

Prep time: 20 minutes
Soaking time: overnight
Freezing time: 2 ½ hours

VANILLA-COCONUT CASHEW CREAM

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup unsalted cashews
• 1 cup unsweetened coconut milk
• 2 Tbsp instant-dissolving sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract or 2 vanilla beans
• ½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Soak cashews in enough cold water to cover them overnight.
2. Line an 8-inch square baking pan with plastic wrap, leaving an overhang on two sides.
3. In a food processor, process cashews until they form a thick paste.
4. With the processor running, slowly add coconut milk, sugar, and vanilla extract. If using vanilla beans, split them in half and scrape the seeds out.
5. Process until mixture is smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides once or twice.
6. Add shredded coconut and pulse to combine.
7. Pour mixture over the fig base and freeze for at least 2 hours or until firm.
8. Remove from freezer and let stand at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving.
9. Top with sliced fresh figs.

WALNUT-FIG BASE

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup walnut halves
• 1 cup dried whole figs
• ½ cup almonds
• ¼ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
• ¼ cup flax seeds
• 2 Tbsp water
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a food processor, combine sugar, walnut halves, dried figs, almonds, coconut, flax seeds, water, and cinnamon.
2. Process until ingredients are well combined and mixture sticks together when pressed between your fingertips.
3. Scrape mixture into the prepared pan and press down until flat and even.
4. Freeze for at least 30 minutes before adding the cashew cream layer.

SLICED FRESH FIGS FOR GARNISH

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Arrange sliced fresh figs over the top of the cashew cream.

BAKING DAY SECRETS

• For a clean cut when slicing into bars, dip your knife in hot water and wipe with a clean cloth between each cut.