No-Bake Date & Cashew Cocoa Bites Recipe – Easy Vegan Treats

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

No-Bake Date & Cashew Cocoa Bites Recipe – Easy Vegan Treats

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you sometimes crave something sweet but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Or maybe you just want a treat that’s actually good for you? Well, these no-bake date & cashew cocoa bites are the answer! I first stumbled upon a version of this recipe years ago, and it’s become a total lifesaver for quick dessert cravings. They’re ridiculously easy to make, totally vegan, and packed with flavour. Let’s get into it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Seriously, what’s not to love? These little bites are:

• No-bake: No oven required! Perfect for hot days or when you just can’t be bothered.
• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 15 minutes, plus chilling time.
• Healthy-ish: Made with whole, natural ingredients. Dates and cashews provide natural sweetness and healthy fats.
• Vegan & Gluten-Free: Suitable for a wide range of dietary needs.
• Versatile: Easily adaptable to your tastes – more on that later!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these delicious bites:

• 100g dates (about 8-10, depending on size)
• 50g cashews
• 30g raisins
• ¾ tsp cocoa powder
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little tips can make all the difference.

Dates: Types & Selection

Medjool dates are my go-to for this recipe. They’re soft, plump, and have a lovely caramel-like flavour. If you can’t find Medjool, Deglet Noor dates will work too, but you might need to soak them in warm water for 10-15 minutes to soften them up first.

Cashews: Raw vs. Roasted

I recommend using raw cashews for the best texture. Roasted cashews can sometimes make the dough a little oily.

Cocoa Powder: Dutch-Processed vs. Natural

You can use either Dutch-processed or natural cocoa powder. Dutch-processed cocoa has a smoother, less acidic flavour, while natural cocoa has a more intense chocolate flavour. It’s really down to personal preference!

Raisins: Golden vs. Regular

I usually use regular dark raisins, but golden raisins work just as well. They add a slightly different sweetness.

Vanilla Extract: Real vs. Artificial

Always opt for real vanilla extract if you can! It makes a huge difference in flavour. A little goes a long way.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s make some magic happen!

1. First, pop your pitted dates, cashews, and raisins into a food processor. Pulse until the cashews are roughly chopped and everything starts to come together.
2. Next, add the cocoa powder and vanilla extract. Keep processing until the mixture forms a sticky dough ball. It might take a few minutes, and you might need to scrape down the sides of the food processor a couple of times.
3. Now for the fun part! If you want to make bars, place the dough between two sheets of baking paper. Roll it out into a flat layer (about ½ cm thick), cover with cling film, and pop it in the fridge for at least an hour to firm up. Once chilled, simply cut into bars.
4. Alternatively, for bites, roll the dough into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter) and refrigerate until firm.
5. And that’s it! Seriously.

Expert Tips

Here are a few things I’ve learned over the years to make this recipe even easier:

Achieving the Perfect Dough Consistency

If the dough is too dry, add a teaspoon of water at a time until it comes together. If it’s too sticky, add a tablespoon of cashews.

Tips for Easy Rolling & Cutting

Wet your hands slightly with water before rolling the dough into balls to prevent sticking. For bars, a warm knife will cut through the chilled dough cleanly.

Preventing Stickiness

Chilling the dough is key! It makes it much easier to work with.

Variations

This recipe is a fantastic base for all sorts of variations. Here are a few of my favourites:

Vegan Option (Already Vegan!)

Woohoo! This recipe is naturally vegan, so no changes needed.

Gluten-Free Option (Naturally Gluten-Free)

Yep, this one’s naturally gluten-free too!

Spice Level: Adding a Pinch of Cinnamon or Chili

My friend loves adding a pinch of cinnamon or even a tiny bit of chili powder for a little kick.

Festival Adaptations: Diwali or Christmas Treats

During Diwali, I sometimes roll these in chopped pistachios or desiccated coconut. For Christmas, a sprinkle of festive sprinkles is always fun!

Nut-Free Adaptation (Using Seed Butter)

If you have a nut allergy, you can substitute the cashews with sunflower seed butter or tahini. You might need to adjust the amount slightly to get the right consistency.

Serving Suggestions

These bites are perfect on their own, but you can also:

• Serve them with a cup of chai.
• Add them to a lunchbox for a healthy snack.
• Arrange them on a platter for a party.

Storage Instructions

Store these bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They also freeze well – just pop them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to a month.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

Can I use other types of dried fruit instead of raisins?

Absolutely! Dried cranberries, chopped apricots, or even figs would be delicious.

What’s the best way to process the cashews if I don’t have a food processor?

You can use a powerful blender, but you might need to stop and scrape down the sides frequently. Alternatively, finely chop the cashews by hand. It’ll take a bit more effort, but it’s doable!

How long do these bites last in the refrigerator?

Up to 5 days, but honestly, they rarely last that long in my house!

Can I freeze these date and cashew bites?

Yes! They freeze beautifully. Just make sure they’re well wrapped to prevent freezer burn.

Can I add protein powder to this recipe?

You can! Add a tablespoon or two of your favourite protein powder to the food processor along with the other ingredients. You might need to add a little extra liquid to get the right consistency.