Jump to Recipe·★★★★★5 from 3 reviews

These no-bake cashew cookie dough bars are outrageously delicious and easy to make with just 7 simple ingredients.

Stack of 6 chocolate coated cashew bars on a plate.
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Features

  • vegan, gluten-free and refined sugar-free
  • no baking required – just blend, press and enjoy!
  • wholesome but decadent enough for the the holidays and special occasions

Ingredients Notes

Overhead view of labelled ingredients for making cashew cookie dough bars.
  • cashews – use plain, raw cashews with no added oil or salt
  • dates – any variety works as long as they’re soft and moist, I like medjool or sayer dates best
  • coconut oil – any variety works, coconut oil can’t be substituted here as it’s what makes the chocolate harden
  • cocoa powder – cocoa powder or raw cacao powder are both suitable
  • maple syrup – sweetens the chocolate, I don’t recommend any other sweetener here

Quick Note: If you prefer, the chocolate topping can be made with melted dark chocolate or dairy-free chocolate chips instead of coconut oil, cocoa powder and maple syrup.

Complete list of ingredients and amounts is located in the recipe card below.

Step by Step Instructions

Step 1. Add the dates, cashews, sea salt and vanilla to a food processor and blend into a sticky dough.

Overhead view of a crumbly cashew and date dough in a food processor.

Step 2. Firmly press the dough into a 7-8 inch square baking dish.

Quick Tip: Line the baking dish with parchment paper so it sticks out over the edges of the pan. This will help you easily lift the bars out of the pan once they’re ready.

Overhead view of a ceramic baking dish of cashew bars.

Step 3. Gently mix together the cocoa powder, maple syrup and coconut oil in a dish then pour the combined mixture over the bars.

Pouring a dish of melted chocolate over a baking dish of bars.

Place the entire pan in the freezer for 2 hours to firm then slice and enjoy!

Plate of 7 chocolate coated cashew squares.

Notes and Tips

  • Dates: You’ll need to use soft, moist dates in this recipe. If your dates are hard and dry, soak them in hot water for 15 minutes then drain well before using. I recommend using a fresh, soft, sweet date such as medjool or sayer dates for best results.
  • Slicing: Run a knife under hot water for 30 seconds before slicing the bars. This will help prevent the chocolate from cracking.
  • Chocolate: If you prefer, the chocolate ganache can be made with 3/4 cup melted, chopped dark chocolate or dairy-free chocolate chips instead of coconut oil, maple syrup and coconut oil. Follow the tips from these chocolate coconut bars if using melted chocolate.
  • Substitutions: Cashews may be substituted with almonds, walnuts, pecans or a combination of any of these. If possible though, I recommend using cashews for their soft texture and mild, sweet flavour though.
Stack of 4 chocolate coated cashew bars on a cutting board. More bars in background.

Storing

  • Fridge: Store in a sealed container for up to 2 weeks.
  • Freezer (Recommended): Store in a sealed container or freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
  • Room Temperature: The chocolate will melt after a short time a room temperature so keep cool until just before serving. If they’re frozen beforehand, they should hold up for about 30 minutes or longer if kept cool.

If you enjoy these, check these out too:

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Stack of 4 chocolate coated cashew bars on a plate.

Cashew Cookie Dough Bars with Chocolate Ganache

★★★★★ 5 from 3 reviews
  • Author: Deryn Macey
  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Total Time: 2:15
  • Yield: 16
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Food Processor
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegan
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Description

Amazing vegan dessert bars with a cookie dough base and rich, chocolate topping.

Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough Base

For the Chocolate Ganache Topping

  • 1/2 cup (110 g) coconut oil, melted
  • 3/4 cup (67 g) cocoa powder
  • 1/4 cup (80 g) pure maple syrup

Instructions

  1. Add the cookie dough ingredients to a food processor and mix until it forms a thick, sticky dough. You should easily be able to press the dough together between your fingers. If not, add 1 tsp warm water and process again. That should do the trick but if your dates were too dry, you may need to repeat with another 1-2 tsp of water.
  2. Line a 7-8 inch square baking pan with parchment paper so the paper sticks out over the edges of the pan. This is an optional step but it will help you lift the bars out once they’re finished.
  3. Use your hands to firmly press the dough into the pan. Take a few minutes to really work it into the pan, especially into the corners.
  4. To make the chocolate ganache, gently whisk together the melted coconut, maple syrup and cocoa powder until you have smooth, uniform mixture that resembles melted chocolate.
  5. Pour the liquid chocolate mixture over the cookie dough base and put the entire pan in the freezer for 2 hours to firm.
  6. If you lined the pan with parchment, use the edges of the paper to lift the bars out of the pan. If not, you can slice them right in the pan.
  7. Run a sharp knife under hot water for 30 seconds then slice into 16 squares.
  8. Enjoy right away or follow the recommendations for storing in the notes section.

Notes

Storing: Sealed container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or freezer for up to 3 months. The chocolate will melt at room temperature to keep cool until just before serving.

Dates: You’ll need to use soft, sweet dates in this recipe. If your dates are hard and dry, you can try soaking them in hot water for 15 minutes and draining before using however I recommend using a fresh, soft date such as medjool or sayer dates.

Chocolate: If you prefer, the chocolate ganache can be made with 3/4 cup melted, chopped dark chocolate or dairy-free chocolate chips instead of coconut oil, maple syrup and coconut oil. Follow the tips from these chocolate coconut bars if using melted chocolate.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1
  • Calories: 242
  • Sugar: 14 g
  • Fat: 17 g
  • Carbohydrates: 23 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 5 g

Keywords: cashew bars, cookie dough bars, no-bake cookie bars

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Originally published on February 14, 2013. Updated October 19, 2020 with new text and photos.