Chocolate Date Cashew Bars

Name: Chocolate Date Cashew Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 12 bars
Ingredients: 1 cup pitted dates; 1 cup raw cashews; 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 cup shredded coconut (optional); 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips (for topping, optional)

Highlighted under: Favorite Baking Collection

I love making Chocolate Date Cashew Bars for a quick energy boost or a sweet treat after meals. They’re easy to whip up and packed with wholesome ingredients. The combination of rich chocolate and sweet dates creates a delightful and satisfying flavor experience, while the cashews add a wonderful crunch. I enjoy making these bars in batches, so I always have a healthy snack on hand. Plus, they are perfect for sharing with friends and family during gatherings or simply enjoying on my own.

Created by

Juliet Ashford

Last updated on 2026-01-15T19:57:35.679Z

When I first created these Chocolate Date Cashew Bars, I was looking for a way to satisfy my sweet tooth without compromising my health goals. I discovered that by blending dates and cashews, I could create a naturally sweet and chewy base that pairs beautifully with cocoa powder. The key to perfecting these bars lies in pulsing the ingredients just right to achieve the ideal consistency without turning it into a paste.

I've experimented with adding different nuts and seeds, but cashews offer the perfect creamy texture and mild flavor that complements the chocolate. A quick tip: pressing the mixture firmly into the pan helps the bars hold together when you slice them. Enjoy finding your favorite variations!

        Why You'll Love These Bars
        Rich chocolate flavor with natural sweetness from dates
Crunchy texture from cashews for added richness
Quick and simple to prepare with no baking required

      

Understanding Your Ingredients

The star ingredients in these Chocolate Date Cashew Bars are dates, cashews, and cocoa powder. Dates provide natural sweetness and moisture, making them an ideal binding agent. When selecting dates, I recommend using Medjool or Deglet Noor varieties for their rich flavor and soft texture. If your dates are a bit dry, soaking them in warm water for about 10 minutes can help achieve a sticky consistency that's essential for maintaining the bar's structure.

Cashews not only contribute a lovely crunch but also add healthy fats and a creamy texture. When processing the cashews, take care not to over-blend them into a fine powder, as you still want to retain some larger pieces for texture. If you're looking for a nut-free variation, sunflower seeds can be a great substitute, giving a similar crunch with a different flavor profile.

Texture and Flavor Balance

Achieving the right texture is crucial for these bars. After combining the ingredients in the food processor, the mixture should hold together when pressed but not be overly sticky. If it feels too dry, add a few more dates or a teaspoon of water to help it bind. On the other hand, if it’s too wet, incorporating additional cocoa powder or cashews can balance it out. Trust your instincts when adjusting the ingredient ratios for the perfect consistency.

Cocoa powder adds a rich chocolate flavor, but make sure to use unsweetened to keep the sweetness in check. If you prefer a sweeter bar, consider increasing the amount of dates slightly or incorporating a natural sweetener like maple syrup. The optional dark chocolate chips for topping not only enhance the chocolatey experience but also offer a glossy finish. Melt them down and drizzle right before slicing for an appealing presentation.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

These bars store beautifully, making them ideal for meal prep. Once sliced, I recommend keeping them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. They can also be frozen for up to three months, which is great for maintaining a healthy snack stash. Just layer parchment paper between the bars when freezing to prevent them from sticking together. To enjoy them, you can simply thaw them at room temperature for a couple of hours before serving.

For a fun twist, try varying the toppings or mix-ins each time you make the bars. Chopped nuts, seeds, or dried fruits can be integrated into the mixture for added flavor and texture. You could also substitute almond butter for a portion of the cashews to introduce a unique nutty flavor. Serving these bars with a dollop of yogurt or alongside fresh fruits provides a delightful contrast and elevates the snacking experience further.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to get started:

Ingredients

1 cup pitted dates
1 cup raw cashews
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup shredded coconut (optional)
1/4 cup dark chocolate chips (for topping, optional)

Once you have all the ingredients ready, you can start preparing the bars!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your delicious Chocolate Date Cashew Bars:

Prepare the Base

In a food processor, combine the pitted dates, cashews, cocoa powder, salt, and vanilla extract. Pulse until the mixture is well combined and begins to stick together, but do not over-process.

Add Coconut (Optional)

If you’re using shredded coconut, add it to the mixture and pulse a few more times until evenly distributed.

Press into Pan

Line a small baking dish (approx. 8x8 inches) with parchment paper. Transfer the mixture to the dish and press it firmly into an even layer.

Chill and Slice

Refrigerate the mixture for at least 30 minutes to firm up. Once set, lift it out of the pan using the parchment paper and slice it into bars. Drizzle with melted dark chocolate if desired.

Enjoy your homemade Chocolate Date Cashew Bars as a snack or dessert!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, try incorporating a pinch of cinnamon or a tablespoon of almond butter into the mixture. These bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you find your mixture is too crumbly and not holding together, it may be due to insufficient moisture from the dates. Adding a splash of warm water or extra dates can help bind the mixture better. Conversely, if the bars are too sticky, consider adding more cocoa powder or nuts to absorb the excess moisture.

Another common issue is uneven slicing. To help with this, ensure the mixture is thoroughly chilled for at least 30 minutes before slicing. Using a sharp knife dipped in warm water can also create cleaner cuts, making it easier to get that perfect bar shape.

Variations to Try

Feeling adventurous? You can add spices like cinnamon or cardamom to the mixture for a warm flavor profile. A pinch of sea salt can also enhance the sweetness of the dates and the richness of the chocolate. Experiment with different nut varieties, such as almonds or walnuts, to change the overall taste and texture of the bars.

If you're a fan of peanut butter, consider drizzling a little over the top or incorporating it directly into the mix for a delightful twist. These small additions can make a big difference, allowing you to personalize your bars each time you make them.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other nuts instead of cashews?

Yes, you can substitute cashews with almonds, walnuts, or hazelnuts based on your preference.

→ Do these bars need to be refrigerated?

Yes, they are best kept in the refrigerator to maintain their texture and freshness.

→ Can I make these bars vegan?

Absolutely! All the ingredients are plant-based, making these bars a vegan-friendly option.

→ How long will these bars last?

When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, they can last for up to a week.