No Bake Whole Food Birthday Cake Bars

For the Crust

• 2 c pitted dates
• 1 c almonds
• 2 tbsp melted coconut oil
  

For the Filling

• 15-oz can of chick peas, drained and rinsed
• 0.75 c blanched, super-fine almond flour
• 0.25 c maple syrup, or a dash more to taste
  
• 2 tbsp melted coconut oil
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 0.5 tsp almond extract
• Pinch of salt
• Few tbsp assorted sprinkles

1. To make the crust: combine the dates, almonds, and coconut oil in a food processor, and process until the mixture just starts to make a sticky ball.
2. Line an 8x8 baking dish with wax paper or a few layers of plastic wrap. Make sure the lining goes all the way into the corners and up the sides. Leave enough sticking out the sides so you'll be able to pull the bars out after you're done.
3. Spoon the crust mixture into the pan and press it down firmly. You want to achieve an even layer that will stick together well, so press it hard.
4. To make the filling: put all of the filling ingredients except for the sprinkles into the food processor. Process until you have a smooth, creamy filling; it should be about the texture of cheesecake. Give it a taste and add a dash more of maple syrup if you want it sweeter.
5. Add 2-3 tbsp of colored sprinkles into the filling and stir them in by hand.
   
6. Dollop the filling across the top of the crust, then carefully spread it out into an even layer. Be gentle so as to not disturb the crust beneath.
   
7. Top the filling with additional sprinkles. Press them down gently into the filling so that they stick.
8. Cover the baking dish and put the bars in the fridge overnight; they'll be significantly easier to cut and the results will be much neater if you chill them first.
   
9. When you're ready to cut, use the wax paper or plastic wrap edges to pull the whole thing out at once. Place it on a cutting board, and cut into your desired size. These are pretty rich, so I recommend cutting them into 9 or 12 squares.
10. When you're done, store your bars in the refrigerator. They're tastiest and hold their shape best when enjoyed chilled.