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    Home » Snack recipes

    No bake chocolate cashew bars

    August 9, 2016 by Caroline's Cooking

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    These no bake chocolate cashew bars are a tasty mix of nuts, oats, dates and a little cocoa. Gluten free, no added sugar and quick to make, they make a great healthy snack.

    Jump to Recipe
    stack of no bake chocolate cashew bars with more behind

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    It's funny, there's a bit of me that has been thinking 'how did it get to be August already?', then there's another bit that's thinking 'what, still a WHOLE MONTH until my eldest is back to school?'

    Don't get me wrong, I love my kids, but looking after both of them all day every day is busy, busy and leaves me feeling like I am barely planning just a few hours ahead let alone days. I did at least think it might be an idea to start thinking about lunch box foods and after school snacks a bit for those of you that are either a bit more organized and/or start back at school sooner than me.

    no bake chocolate cashew bars on pieces of parchment from above

    These no bake chocolate cashew bars are great as a healthy snack, whether that's an on-the-go breakfast (or second breakfast as we're having a lot of at the moment!), after school energy-boost or quick-eat-while-I-can snack for the grown-ups. They're quick to make, easy to enjoy and full of healthy ingredients. My toddler and I were instant fans.

    My kids are two boys who do best being out most of the day and while I love that, it makes it hard to keep up with this blog and other things. Thankfully I still manage to cook, even if it's quick. Any hopes at planning ahead a little, however, have fallen by the wayside. Still I did manage to sneak a few extra minutes in the kitchen to make these no bake chocolate cashew bars the other day and I really wish I'd done so earlier.

    ingredients in separate bowls next to each other

    How to make these healthy snack bars

    They're really easy - even more so than my no bake carrot cake energy bites - but a bit more granola-bar-like than those bites (my pumpkin energy bites are more oaty if you prefer that). That, for me, is great, as they feel somehow more filling for when you need more than just a little boost but also not a full meal. That said there's a lovely smoothness to them in between the slight chewy-crunchy thing.

    When I say these no bake chocolate cashew bars are easy I'm not joking - simply put everything in the food processor, blend then tip into a cling wrap-lined dish. Allow it to chill for at least half an hour to firm up then use the cling wrap/film to pop the block out before cutting it up ready for when snack-time calls.

    cling-lined dish with mixture in before chilling

    There's a tasty mix of lots of nuts, oats, dates and a little coconut oil to hold them together, and a little cocoa powder to feel that bit more indulgent even though they aren't. Use gluten-free oats and they are gluten-free too.

    Particularly being so easy and with no cooking, these no bake cashew granola bars are a great alternative to the habit I've picked up recently. Over the summer I've been getting a muffin or something similar along with a coffee on the way to the park many a morning.

    no bake chocolate cashew bars on individual pieces of parchment

    I know, I share all these relatively healthy recipes and get some bad habits myself, but I think it's partly I haven't wanted to bake with the recent heat (as well as my lack of ability to plan ahead just now, oh and still breastfeeding my little one meaning I'm nearly always hungry). If I'd just thought about something like this sooner, it would have made me feel a lot better about my snacking.

    There's no sugar or other sweetener in these tasty treats - only dates - and with lots of nuts and oats, there's plenty to give you a boost. They're not too sweet but they have a lovely smoothness, especially when chilled, and feel that bit indulgent with the cocoa in there.

    stack of no bake chocolate cashew bars

    If you're looking for an easy on-the-go snack that's so much better for you (and cheaper) than many you might buy, then give these no bake chocolate cashew bars a try. They're packed with good things, quick to make and tasty too. Perfect for snackers young and old!

    Try these other healthier snacks:

    • Apple oatmeal cookies
    • Vegan sweet potato brownies
    • Healthy cranberry apricot cookies
    • Fruity chewy granola bars
    • Plus get more snack recipes, both sweet and savory, in the archives.
    stack of no bake chocolate cashew bars with more behind
    Print Recipe
    5 from 2 votes

    No bake chocolate cashew bars

    Easy to make, these no bake bars are tasty and better for you than your average snack.
    Prep Time5 minutes mins
    Total Time5 minutes mins
    Course: Snack
    Cuisine: American
    Servings: 8 small bars, approx
    Calories: 142kcal
    Author: Caroline's Cooking
    SaveSaved!

    Ingredients

    • ½ cup old fashioned oats 50g, rolled oats
    • ¼ cup almond flour 22g ground almonds
    • ½ cup dates 70g, weight without stones (see notes)
    • ¼ cup raw unsalted cashews 35g
    • 3 tablespoon coconut oil melted and cooled
    • 2 tablespoon smooth peanut butter or almond butter
    • 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder

    Instructions

    • Line a dish, approx 4in x 6.5in (10cm x 17cm), with cling wrap/film, with some hanging over the sides.
    • Place all of the ingredients in a food processor and mix until relatively smooth and well mixed.
    • Tip the mixture into the lined dish and press down flat. Fold the sides of the cling wrap/film over the mixture and refrigerate for a couple hours to firm up.
    • Use the cling wrap to help you remove the block from the dish then cut into squares. Keep refrigerated until needed - you can eat them either chilled or room temperature (although at room temperature them will be a little sticky and may crumble a bit).

    Video

    Notes

    If possible, use medjool dates as they are much softer. If not available, then soak the dates in boiling water for a few minutes while you prepare other ingredients and roughly chop before adding into the food processor (drained of the water) with everything else.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 142kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Sodium: 25mg | Potassium: 117mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 5IU | Calcium: 16mg | Iron: 0.8mg

    See some of my favorite cooking tools and ingredients in the Caroline's Cooking Amazon store. 

    Remember to pin for later!

    These no bake chocolate cashew bars are a tasty mix of nuts, oats, dates and a little cocoa. Gluten free, no added sugar and quick to make, they make a great healthy snack.
    « Fresh corn polenta with summer vegetables
    Fig, goat's cheese and bacon quiche »
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    1. kharvey

      June 16, 2021 at 8:57 am

      5 stars
      Just made this recipe last night, set it in the fridge overnight, and just tried it for breakfast.... it's so delicious! I doubled the recipe, was generous with the peanut butter, added vanilla extract, and a few pinches of sea salt, put it in an 8x8 glass pan - it makes perfect amount and just oh so yummy! My husband and 12 year old just love them! Definitely a keeper and will recommend to everyone! 🙂 Thanks for this recipe!

      Reply
      • Caroline's Cooking

        June 17, 2021 at 1:23 pm

        So glad to hear you all enjoyed them!

        Reply
    2. Cookilicious

      June 25, 2019 at 2:13 pm

      Love the fact that they are no-bake! They look absolutely delicious.

      Reply
      • Caroline's Cooking

        June 26, 2019 at 2:22 pm

        Thanks, they are indeed!

        Reply
    3. Annissa

      June 25, 2019 at 12:13 pm

      5 stars
      No bake sweets are perfect for the hot summer! Plus it's quick and easy to make!

      Reply
      • Caroline's Cooking

        June 26, 2019 at 2:19 pm

        I agree, no bake is definitely good when it's hot and so quick.

        Reply
    4. Petra

      August 16, 2016 at 3:52 pm

      These cakes are filled with goodness and looks so good I bet just eating one would be almost impossible! 🙂

      Reply
      • Caroline's Cooking

        August 16, 2016 at 7:10 pm

        Thanks Petra, and it's true - both my son and I kept coming back for more 🙂

        Reply
    5. Terry Brandau

      August 13, 2016 at 6:57 am

      Caroline, No baking in the heat of the summer is right up my alley! These bars sound delicious and I love that they have dates in them! Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
      • Caroline's Cooking

        August 14, 2016 at 9:54 am

        Thanks Terry, they're really tasty and indeed so good not needing baked!

        Reply
    6. Sandhya Nadkarni

      August 12, 2016 at 2:53 pm

      Caroline,
      These healthy bars are so perfect for snacking! And in this summer heat, no bake is the best option, right?
      Thank you so much for sharing these treats with us at Fiesta Friday!

      Reply
      • Caroline's Cooking

        August 14, 2016 at 9:53 am

        Thanks Sandhya, absolutely right - I am definitely not up for baking in our current heat, so these are perfect!

        Reply

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