Raw Vegan Nanaimo Bars

These vegan nanaimo bars are a homemade, healthier take on the Canadian classic dessert that we all know and love! They start with a sweet coconut hazelnut crust layered with a creamy cashew filling, and are finally topped with smooth and silky rich chocolate. No bake, naturally vegan and gluten free, and made from just a handful of simple ingredients!

Nanaimo bars have been one of my all time favourite desserts since my childhood. If you haven't tried them before, they're are a classic Canadian treat that's been around for generations! This healthy homemade version tastes just like the original, but is made with just a handful of wholesome ingredients and doesn't require any baking. The base is made from a coconut, date, walnut crust that is topped with a silky smooth cashew cream filling and finished with a layer of decadent rich chocolatey goodness! I love storing these nanaimo bars in the freezer to have on hand for whenever that sweet tooth craving hits! For a perfect creamy texture, remove from freezer 10-15 minutes before devouring.

MORE NO-BAKE RECIPES YOU MIGHT ENJOY:

1. No Bake Cookie Dough Cups
2. Vegan Cheesecake Cookie Dough Bars
3. No Bake Salted Caramel Brownies

📖 Recipe

Raw Vegan Nanaimo Bars

These vegan nanaimo bars are a homemade, healthier take on the Canadian classic dessert that we all know and love! They start with a sweet coconut hazelnut crust layered with a creamy cashew filling, and are finally topped with smooth and silky rich chocolate. No bake, naturally vegan and gluten free, and made from just a handful of simple ingredients!

5 from 1 vote

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine Canadian

Servings 12 bars

Ingredients

  

Crust:

• 1 c pitted medjool dates (soaked 10mins if not soft)
• 1 c hazelnuts
• ½ c unsweetened shredded coconut
• ¼ c cocoa powder
• 2-3 tablespoon water as needed to blend

Filling:

• 1 c soaked & drained cashews (soaked overnight or in hot water for 2hrs)
• ¼ teaspoon turmeric
• ½ c thick full fat coconut milk
• ¼ c maple syrup
• 2 tablespoon melted coconut oil

Chocolate Topping:

• ¾ c chocolate chips
• 2 teaspoon coconut oil

Instructions

 

Crust:

• Add all crust ingredients to a high speed food processor and blend until smooth. Add water by the tablespoon to blend as needed. Mixture should be slightly moist and stick together when pressed between fingers (add more water if too crumbly.)
• Transfer batter to an 8x8 pan lined with two flaps of parchment paper sticking out the sides. Press firmly into an even layer.

Filling:

• Blend all filling ingredients in a food processor until completely smooth. Pour over top of crust and smooth to an even layer. Place entire pan in freezer for at least 2 hours to set until middle layer is frozen.

Chocolate Topping:

• Melt chocolate chips with coconut oil in microwave until smooth. Pour quickly over filling layer and spread evenly.
• Lift out entire bar using parchment paper flaps and cut into 12-16 squares (tip: dip knife in boiling water for clean cuts!) Store in the freezer for best texture and let thaw 10-15 minutes before enjoying!

Keyword No Bake Nanaimo Bars, Raw Dessert